Planner - Principal Planner; DOQ - Community Planning Administrative Section

General Information

Work Location: 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34203

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm (Flexible)

Expected Starting Annual Range: $58,141.44 - $75,583.87

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance. It involves extended periods of sitting while working on a computer and requires good visual acuity, depth perception, hearing, and the ability to identify sounds.

Occasional high‑stress situations with frustrated citizens may arise, and work outside normal business hours may be required.

Performs planning and zoning related functions for programs and/or projects within the Department. Responsibilities include technical, planning, and zoning assignments regarding Comprehensive Plan, Rezones, Developments of Regional Impact, Neighborhood Planning, and regulation of requirements in the Land Development Code. Task scope and complexity depend on qualifications and experience.

• Develops planning studies and reports to support the creation and implementation of new or updated plans, programs, and regulations.
• Reviews, or assists in the review of building permits or land development proposals and site plans to ensure conformance with applicable plans and code regulations.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to management, county officials, and other stakeholders.
• Collects and analyzes a variety of statistical data and prepares reports that may include visual aids such as tables, charts, and maps.
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances, and other developmental proposals.
• Updates and maintains the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations or assists with such updates and maintenance.
• Acts as liaison with community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans.
• Coordinates community review and input for public and private development projects.
• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations, procedures, and requirements.
• Resolves, or assists in resolving, citizen and customer issues related to planning and development processes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications.

• Leads daily activities of a small team of planners, assigning work and ensuring completion according to established standards, procedures, and deadlines.
• Works effectively with inter‑departmental and inter‑organizational teams to provide guidance, assistance, and training to less experienced team members.
• Manages complex research, planning studies, and development applications to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.
• Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, annexations, site plans, and plats.
• Provides recommendations and input to management on major projects and assignments.
• Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards, elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss planning and development projects.
• Might be assigned to support management in scheduling and/or lead team staff meetings.
• Might be assigned to support management in leading or conducting presentations at citizen advisory board meetings.
• Ensures all assigned staff properly follow all procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field, or four (4) or more years of experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture, or related field.
• Four (4) or more years of professional planning experience and/or two (2) additional years of…