Planner I - Principal Planner (DOQ) – Comprehensive Planning and Public Hearing Planning Division
Manatee County Government, Work That Matters
Get a reply from this employer
Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.
Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Manatee County Government in Lakewood Ranch, FL seeks qualified planners to perform planning and zoning duties within the department, handling comprehensive plans, rezonings, and development reviews.
Senior levels involve leading small teams, managing complex studies and coordinating meetings with advisory boards and stakeholders. A strong background in urban planning and regulatory compliance is preferred.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Planning or closely related field is required or four+ years in land development or related area.
- Four+ years of professional planning experience; Master’s may substitute for up to 2 years.
- Valid driver license and ability to travel as needed.
Responsibilities
- Develop planning studies and reports to support new or updated plans and regulations.
- Review building permits or land development proposals for code conformance.
- Prepare and present detailed reports to management and officials.
- Collect and analyze data; produce visuals like tables, charts, and maps.
- Coordinate community input for development projects and respond to inquiries.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34203
Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm (Flexible)
$58,141.44 - $75,583.87
Performs work engaged in 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 regulating the requirements in the Land Development Code. Scope and complexity of assignments will depend on qualifications and experience.
Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ).
Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.
The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain 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, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Occasional high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours.
- 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, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.
- Leads daily activities of a small team of planners, as assigned. Assigns work and ensures 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.
- May be assigned to support management in scheduling and/or lead team staff meetings.
- May be assigned to support management in leading or conducting presentations at citizens advisory board meetings.
- Ensures all assigned staff properly follow all procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or 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 experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area. A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.
Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field. Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, to include management of large, complex projects. A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience. Previous supervisory or lead experience desired.
Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field. Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, to include management of large, complex projects. A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience. Previous supervisory or lead experience desired.
- Valid driver license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
- AICP certification desired.
- GIS mapping experience desired.
- Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrates accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to resolve situations and problems of a complexity and scope commensurate with experience.
- Knowledge and understanding commensurate with experience of the principles and practices of planning.
- Knowledge and understanding commensurate with experience of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development is desired. A general understanding of land surveying and both transportation and environmental planning is also desirable.
- Knowledge and understanding commensurate with experience of principles and practices of research and data collection.
- Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and understanding commensurate with experience.
- Able to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
- Knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job responsibilities.
- Knowledge and understanding of computer systems and software applications required to perform job duties.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, public presentation skills, and interpersonal skills in order to interact professionally and effectively with staff, management, business leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
- Possesses the ability to clearly explain facts, policies, and practices, and to influence understanding or decision-making when necessary.
- Capable of working with a level of independence and supervision commensurate with experience.
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.
- Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
- Personal Training (5 Free per year)
- Pharmacy Technician
- Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
- Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
- Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Personal Sick Leave
- Family Sick Leave
- Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
- Professional Medical Appointment Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Military Leave
- Military Training Leave
- FMLA
Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
- 0-5 16.25 days
- 6-10 19.50 days
- 11+ 22.75 days
Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program.
- Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Prescription Insurance
- Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
- Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
- Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
- 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
- FRS Webinars
- Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner
- Professional Leadership Programs
- Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Career Counseling
- Toastmasters
- Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
- Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards
- Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.
- ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
- LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
- Workers’ Compensation
- Training/Seminars
- FRS options
- Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
- Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
- Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).
- 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
- Three (3) Personal Holidays
- Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M101.744%2012.4726L102.894%2016.1947L99.0021%2013.2201L101.744%2012.4726ZM105.3%208.40937H100.488L99.0026%203.59473L97.5116%208.41047L92.7%208.40385L96.5965%2011.3834L95.1055%2016.1942L99.0021%2013.2196L101.408%2011.3834L105.3%208.40992V8.40937Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_5593_1381'%20x1='90'%20y1='9.44471'%20x2='99'%20y2='9.44471'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%2300AD70'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.998594'%20stop-color='%2300B67A'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DCDCE6'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
