Planner III

City Of Gainesville, FL; United States; On-site; USD 69,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness centers

Tuition reimbursement

On-site medical staff

Wellness program

Pension plan

Job summary

The City of Gainesville is seeking an experienced Planner III to perform advanced-level professional planning work in administering the city’s planning program. Positions report to a Project Lead and require leading planning projects in a team setting.

Qualifications include a master’s degree in a related field and several years of urban design or planning experience, with licensure/certification preferred. Salaries align with a multi-tier structure for Planner I–III roles.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Design, City Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, Urban Studies, or related field with 5 years in urban design or planning.
• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in architecture, planning, geography, urban design, or related field and 7 years of experience in urban design or land use planning.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and leads project work within the Planning Division.
• Conducts background research, surveys, and prepares staff reports on land use and zoning.
• Leads and coordinates the work of a project team on planning studies.
• Performs complex land use, zoning, and planning studies.

Skills

Project leadership

Land use planning

Zoning knowledge

Research & analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Urban Design / City Planning

Bachelor’s degree in architecture / planning / related field

Job description

If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee please apply internally via Career Icon in your Workday account. Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department

GG_Transportation: Transportation and Strategic Planning

Salary Range

Minimum: $68,972.80

Maximum: $111,481.07

Closing Date

10/21/2026

Job Details

This is advanced-level professional planning work in the administration of the City’s planning program. Positions allocated to this classification report to a Project Lead and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its advanced application of professional skills in leading various planning projects in a team/project environment. This position may underfill based on applicants' qualifications and experience.

Planner III Education And Experience

Master’s degree in Urban Design, City Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, Urban Studies, or a related field from a program accredited by the American Planning Association, and five (5) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or related field; OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, civil engineering, geography, landscape architecture, planning, environmental studies, urban design, urban studies, or a related field, and seven (7) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or related field. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, American Institute of Architects (AIA) certification, or a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) may be substituted for one (1) year of urban design or land use planning work experience.

Salary Range: $68,972.80 – $90,226.93 – $111,481.07

Planner II Education And Experience

Master’s Degree in Urban Design or City Planning, Urban Design, City Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, Urban Studies from a program accredited by the American Planning Association, and three (3) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or related field; OR Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, civil engineering, geography, landscape architecture, planning, environmental studies, urban design, urban studies, or a related field; and five (5) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or related field Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, American Institute of Architects (AIA) certification, or a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) may be substituted for one (1) year of urban design or land use planning work experience.

Salary Range: $53,352.00 – $69,783.34 – $86,214.68

Planner I Education And Experience

Master’s degree in Urban Design or City Planning, architecture, civil engineering, geography, landscape architecture, mathematics, planning, social sciences, urban design, environmental studies, urban studies from a program accredited by the American Planning Association; or A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, civil engineering, geography, landscape architecture, mathematics, planning, social sciences, urban design, urban studies, environmental studies, or a related field; and two (2) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or a related field. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, American Institute of Architects (AIA) certification, or a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) may be substituted for one (1) year of urban design or land use planning work experience.

Salary Range: $48,214.40 – $61,719.92 – $75,225.45

Job Description

SUMMARY This is advanced-level professional planning work in the administration of the City’s planning program. Positions allocated to this classification report to a Project Lead and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its advanced application of professional skills in leading various planning projects in a team/project environment.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not exempt an employee from being required to perform additional tasks that are incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower-level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans, organizes, and leads work as assigned by the Department Director or designee, completed by the Planning Division staff in a team/project setting.
• Conducts background research, surveys, establishes a record on land use and zoning, and prepares related staff reports.
• Leads, plans, and coordinates the work of a project team.
• Performs complex land use, zoning, and planning studies.
• Makes presentations and recommendations to advisory boards, Committees, and City Commission based on results of completed studies and sound planning practices.
• Reviews and takes appropriate action on field reports related to planning.
• Interprets zoning ordinances and the comprehensive plan to City officials and the public.
• Confers with the public on matters concerning planning and plan implementation, including speaking to organizations, providing technical assistance to advisory boards, and participating in individual conferences.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Chairs appropriate Technical Review Committees and coordinates review processes by various City interdepartmental and outside agencies.
• Confers with the public on zoning and planning matters.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in Urban Design, City Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, Urban Studies, or a related field from a program accredited by the American Planning Association, and five (5) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or related field; OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in architecture, civil engineering, geography, landscape architecture, planning, environmental studies, urban design, urban studies, or a related field, and seven (7) years of experience in urban design, environmental sciences, land use planning, or related field. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, American Institute of Architects (AIA) certification, or a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) may be substituted for one (1) year of urban design or land use planning work experience.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses Valid driver's license required upon appointment. Valid Florida Driver's License required within thirty (30) days of start date and at all times while employed in this classification. Certifications Desirable to have accreditation from the American Planning Association’s professional institute, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. For positions within the Public Works Department, it is desirable to have accreditation from the Institute of Transportation Engineers as a certified Professional Transportation Planner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of laws, ordinances, regulations, and statutes that govern planning functions. Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices as applied to the collection of community planning data and to the preparation of planning reports and studies in both graphic and written form. Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations relating to planning, including of State Comprehensive Plan regimen. Knowledge of zoning, subdivision regulations, and other development ordinances. Ability to plan, schedule, organize, and lead project team when warranted. Ability to carry out complex planning studies and analyze information and make substantive recommendations based on such studies. Ability to manage projects effectively as a team. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by the ability to interact collaboratively and productively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including elected and appointed government officials, Charter Officers, City employees, representatives of other agencies, and the general public.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work-related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work may require the performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions and walking on uneven terrain during field inspections. May be required to work and attend meetings outside regular business hours. Note: May Require Assessment(s). May fill multiple positions. May establish an eligibility list.

Company Culture

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on‑site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on‑site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at [e-mail] or by calling 352-334-5077.

Additional Information

The City of Gainesville proudly employs more than 1,500 dedicated community builders who work every day to make a positive impact on our community. Our team includes professionals from a wide range of fields, from creative innovators and financial experts to public safety personnel and critical infrastructure engineers. We offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities across many departments and service areas, including General Government, Gainesville Police Department, Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Information Technology, Gainesville Fire Department, Regional Transit System, and more. No matter your background or expertise, you'll find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while serving the Gainesville community.