Principal Planner - Community Planning

Work Location: 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Expected Starting Annual Range: $80,143.32 – $

The Principal Planner / Ombudsman is responsible for coordinating and managing complex community planning projects, including land use entitlements, economic development initiatives, and affordable housing developments. This position serves as a central point of contact to support applicants, resolve issues, and ensure projects move through county processes efficiently, equitably, and in compliance with county plans, policies, and regulations.

The role combines advanced land use planning expertise with strong communication, customer service, and mediation skills. The Principal Planner also prepares staff reports and presents complex planning projects to the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.

This classification is a technical and professional position that performs work engaged in Planning and Zoning related functions for programs and/or projects within the Department. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, technical, planning and/or zoning assignments regarding Comprehensive Plan, Rezones, Developments of Regional Impact, Neighborhood Planning, and regulating the requirements in the Land Development Code. Specific functions are listed below and represent normal progression from Planning & Zoning Technician I to Principal Planner.

Progression to a higher level is dependent upon several criterion. Factors include, but are not limited to, competencies, skills, experience, education and certifications which may apply to State or local requirements as well as budgetary constraints. Progression to each level requires achievement of specific criteria and documentation by Development Services Division Manager/County Zoning Official.

Indoor/outdoor situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. alone; up to 50 lbs. with assistance.

• Serves as lead position with Planner reports; mentors/monitors one or more Planners.
• Oversee multiple major functional activities with budgetary responsibilities/accountability.
• Provides input to managers on major projects and assignments.
• Develops planning models and budgets as assigned.
• Develops and oversees lower-level Planners.
• Performs and manages complex sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis.
• Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals.
• Assists Management with division related planning matters.
• Develops and trains assigned personnel.
• Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Presents and presides at major presentations.
• Responsible for community relations and executive interface for all areas assigned.
• Oversees all special assignments.
• May represent county in major planning projects.
• Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects.
• Acts as lead on very complex and controversial issues.
• May make final decisions equivalent to manager.
• Performs public interface.
• Oversees critical projects.
• Provides input on performance evaluations of lower-level Planners.
• Performs other related work (including weather or other extreme emergency duties) as required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or field closely related to area of assignment.

Minimum of eight (8) years related professional planning experience in a field closely related to area of assignment.

Demonstrated leadership experience in large and complex projects.

Valid driver’s license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

GIS Mapping experience desired.

AICP Certification desired.

• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in highly visible/difficult projects.
• Client/customer relations.
• Project and people management.
• Sensitive interpersonal skills.
• Supervising others.
• Managing financial budgeting.
• Sensitive/Critical presentations.
• Developing business plans.
• Advising and mentoring others.
• Creativity.
• Judgment and discretion.
• Leadership.
• Critical projects.
• Linking with other functional areas.
• Promoting teamwork.
• Assigning work to others.
• Evaluating performance.
• Assigning performance goals/objectives.