Planner I, II, III, Senior Planner

Polk County Board of County Commissioners • Bartow, FL

9d • $51,292 - $103,147 • Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Nice To Haves

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) which can count for two of the required certifications.
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
• Congress for the New Urbanism Accreditation (CUN-A).
• Geographical Information System Professional (GISP).
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED-AP).
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
• State Certified General Real Estate Appraisal license
• Certified Public Manager (CPM)
• Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA)
• Redevelopment Administration (FRA-RA)
• Redevelopment Professional (FRA-RP),
• Polk County Emerging Leader
• Real Estate Sales License
• 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 Certified Planners (AICP) continuing education credits.
• Any other relevant license or certification deemed appropriate by the Division Director.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level