Senior Planner & Division Lead, Land Development

Polk County BoCC; Bartow (FL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct Deposit

Bi-Weekly Pay Checks

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

FRS Retirement

10 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Education Incentives

Deferred Compensation Plan

Wellness Incentives

EAP

Free Employee Gym

Free Employee Health Clinic

Job summary

Polk County BoCC is seeking a Planner for the Land Development Division to support land use, zoning, permitting, and long-range planning efforts in Bartow, Florida. Responsibilities range from entry-level tasks to lead roles depending on the classification (Planner I–Senior Planner).

Positions involve reviewing development proposals, preparing staff reports, engaging the public, and collaborating across departments. The role offers a pathway to senior leadership within the planning division.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited college or university with urban planning focus.
• Master’s degree or higher in urban planning or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional planning support for land use, zoning, permitting, and long-range planning.
• Lead or assist in preparing staff reports, maps, charts, and presentation materials.
• Respond to inquiries from the public by phone, email, or in person.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders on planning matters.

Skills

Basic urban planning concepts

Written communication

Learning new software/tools

Organization and deadlines

Collaboration in teams

Public engagement skills

Education

Master’s degree in urban planning or related field

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field

Equivalent experience accepted

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

General planning software

Job description

Polk County BoCC is seeking a Planner for the Land Development Division to support land use, zoning, permitting, and long-range planning efforts in Bartow, Florida. Responsibilities range from entry-level tasks to lead roles depending on the classification (Planner I–Senior Planner).

Positions involve reviewing development proposals, preparing staff reports, engaging the public, and collaborating across departments. The role offers a pathway to senior leadership within the planning division.