About The Position

Sarasota County Government is seeking a Planner II or Planner III (based on your experience) to join our Planning and Development Services team as either a Current Planner or Long Range Planner. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about land use planning and wants to make a meaningful impact in the community. The ideal candidate brings a solid understanding of planning and zoning principles and is eager to apply that knowledge in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. Current Planner: In this role, you’ll be part of a dynamic team reviewing and processing land use applications that shape Sarasota County’s growth - from infill and redevelopment projects to large-scale developments. You’ll manage day-to-day development reviews, including rezonings, special exceptions, and related comprehensive plan amendments. Long Range Planner: As a Long Range Planner, you’ll help guide the future of our community through research, analysis, and strategic planning initiatives. Working with a collaborative team, you’ll lead complex projects, prepare reports, and help move large-scale efforts through the public hearing process. If you’re a strong communicator who enjoys working as part of a supportive, team-oriented environment, we encourage you to apply and be part of shaping Sarasota County’s future. Up to $2,500 relocation available for those moving 50+ miles to join the premier community where people choose to live, work, and play!

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or a major recognized by the American Planning Association as a related field, AND a minimum of 4+ years of related professional planning work experience.
  • A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of required experience.
  • 8+ years of planning experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending on the type of experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or a major recognized by the American Planning Association as a related field, AND a minimum of 6+ years related professional planning experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in large and complex projects.
  • A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of required experience.
  • 10+ years of Planning experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending on the type of experience.

Nice To Haves

  • AICP certification.
  • Project Management experience.
  • GIS Mapping experience.

Responsibilities

  • Manage day-to-day development reviews, including rezonings, special exceptions, and related comprehensive plan amendments.
  • Help guide the future of our community through research, analysis, and strategic planning initiatives.
  • Lead complex projects, prepare reports, and help move large-scale efforts through the public hearing process.
  • Take the lead on a variety of complex planning projects, including large-scale Comprehensive Plan Amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions.
  • Work on major developments such as Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) and Developments of Critical Concern (DOCCs), along with Critical Area Planning (CAP) studies and other special projects.
  • Collaborate with the Development Review Coordination team and have opportunities to present your work to community groups, advisory boards, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.
  • Serve as a lead planner and key project manager on major county initiatives that help shape Sarasota County’s future.
  • Work will include Comprehensive Plan updates and amendments, Critical Area Planning (CAP) studies, redevelopment and revitalization efforts, large-scale developments, Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs), Developments of Critical Concern (DOCCs), and other strategic planning initiatives.
  • Collaborate across teams, help guide and mentor Planner I and II staff, and serve as a trusted resource on complex projects.
  • Present to community groups, advisory boards, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners, making a direct impact on the community.

Benefits

  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS)
  • Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
  • Award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
  • 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service.

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What This Job Offers

Job Type

Full-time

Career Level

Mid Level

Number of Employees

501-1,000 employees

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