Community Planner Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

LAND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION - PLANNER I, II, III, SENIOR PLANNER - (1 POSITION AVAILABLE)
 

PG 15 - PG 21  $51,292 - 103,147 ANNUALLY 

EXEMPT 

Employee Benefits

• 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
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work eorts,
responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
 

MAJOR FUNCTION
Provides professional planning support for land use, zoning, permitting, and long-range planning eorts within the County. Work ranges from entry-level assistance to advanced project leadership and division supervision, depending on classication level. Assignments may involve reviewing development proposals, researching planning regulations, writing sta reports, engaging with the Public, and supporting cross-functional initiatives. Will assist in responding to customer inquiries by phone, email or in person.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
PLANNER I
 Assists in conducting research, collecting data, and preparing reports related to land use, zoning, or community    planning
 Supports public outreach efforts by preparing materials, attending meetings, and recording feedback
 Learns and applies local planning codes and procedures under supervision
 Processes minor zoning applications and permit reviews with guidance
 Assists in preparing maps, charts, and presentation materials
 Performs administrative tasks as needed to support planning projects
PLANNER II
 Reviews zoning, permitting, and development applications for compliance with County regulations
 Prepares clear and concise staff reports for internal and public review
 Conducts planning-related research and prepares supporting documentation

 Participates in interdepartmental coordination and supports policy updates
 Responds to inquiries from the public and applicants
 Contributes to long-range planning and comprehensive plan updates
PLANNER III
 Leads advanced planning assignments in areas such as land development, environmental review, or 
   transportation policy
 Coordinates project teams and provides guidance to lower-level staff
 Analyzes complex development applications and prepares expert recommendations
 Represents the County in meetings with stakeholders, boards, and agencies
 May oversee grants or manage long-term planning studies
 Supports updates to comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and planning tools
PLANNER SENIOR
 Supervises planning staff and oversees day-to-day operations of the planning division
 Assigns work, monitors progress, and evaluates staff performance
 Ensures accurate and timely completion of reviews, reports, and studies
 Serves as lead presenter at public hearings and board meetings
 Coordinates with County leadership on strategic planning issues
 Develops staff training tools and ensures compliance with applicable codes and laws
 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

PLANNER I
 Understands basic urban planning and land use concepts
 Writes clearly and communicates effectively with team members and the public
 Learns new software and tools with minimal supervision
 Stays organized, meets deadlines, and follows instructions
 Works well in collaborative settings and responds positively to feedback
PLANNER II
 Applies zoning and planning policies to permit reviews and development applications
 Prepares professional reports and visual materials for boards and committees
 Uses GIS, Microsoft Office, and other planning tools effectively
 Manages multiple assignments independently and meets deadlines
 Explains technical topics in clear, accessible language
PLANNER III
 Demonstrates expertise in one or more specialized planning areas
 Leads complex projects and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders
 Mentors junior planners and provides project guidance
 Prepares and presents advanced policy recommendations
 Responds effectively to high-level planning inquiries and public engagement needs
PLANNER SENIOR
 Oversees division operations and supervises planning staff with accountability
 Prepares reports, plans, and public presentations with strategic clarity
 Collaborates across departments and leads planning initiatives
 Provides expert interpretation of planning codes, laws, and best practices represents the County professionally       in high-stakes meetings and hearings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PLANNER I
 Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university, urban planning or related 
   field.
 Including economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, 
   landscape architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate GIS, public administration, 
   political science, or other similarly related field as determined by the Division Director.
 Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work 
    unit.
PLANNER II
 Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning 
   or equivalent experience, as follows:
 Master's degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including 
    economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, landscape 
   architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate, GIS public administration, political science, 
   or other similarly related field as determined by the Division Director.
OR
 Bachelor's degree with major course work in one of the above fields and one (1) year of
   experience.
 Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work 
   unit.

 A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the 
  minimum
  qualifications with the exception of the required college degree.
PLANNER III
 Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning 
  experience, as follows:

 Master's degree with major course work I urban planning or a related field, including economics, 
   urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design,    engineering, real estate, GIS, public administration, political science, or other similarly related field as determined by the Division Director.
 One (1) year experience
OR
 Bachelor's degree with major coursework in one of the above fields, and three (3) years of 
   experience.
 Must be able to use personal computers and software relevant to the assigned work unit.
PLANNER SENIOR
 Graduate of an accredited college or university and have a minimum amount of relevant planning 
  or equivalent experience, as follows:
 Master's degree with major course work in urban planning or a related field, including  economics, urban studies, geography, environmental studies/science, architecture, landscape   architecture, urban design, engineering, real estate, GIS public administration, political science,  or other similarly related field as determined by the Division Director.
OR
 Bachelor's degree with major course work in one of the above fields and five (5) years  of experience.
 Must be able to utilize personal computers and software utilized by the assigned work unit.
 Must possess a valid Florida driver's license at the time of employment.
 

A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualications with the exception of the required college degree.
 

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

College degree in Urban Planning from a PAB-Accredited planning program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Planner II, III & Senior
 Certications (One of the following)
 Certication by the American Institute of Certied Planners (AICP) which can count for two of the required      certications.
 Certied Floodplain Manager (CFM)
 Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation (CUN-A).
 Geographical Information System Professional (GISP).
 LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP).
 Certied Economic Developer (CEcD).
 State Certied General Real Estate Appraisal license
 Certied Public Manager (CPM)
 Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA)
 Redevelopment Administration (FRA-RA)
 Redevelopment Professional (FRA-RP),
 Polk County Emerging Leader
 Real Estate Sales License; or

 Attendance at one conference hosted by the Florida American Planning Association (FAPA), Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA), Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC), or Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) and obtain 16 equivalent American Institute of Certied Planners (AICP) continuing education credits.

 Or any other relevant license or certication deemed appropriate by the Division Director.

All Planner Positions

All employees will 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 t the needs of the County and its citizens.