Planner II or Planner III

Sarasota County Government
$64,813 - $96,283Onsite

About The Position

Sarasota County is seeking a Planner II or Planner III (based on your experience) to join our Planning and Development Services team. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about land use planning and wants to make meaningful impact in the community. The ideal candidate brings a solid understanding of planning and zoning principles in Florida and is eager to apply that knowledge in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment. In this role, you will 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 will manage day-to-day development reviews, including rezonings, special exceptions, and related comprehensive plan amendments. You will also help guide the future our community through research, analysis, and strategic planning initiatives. Working with a collaborative team, you may lead complex projects, prepare reports, and help move large-scale efforts through the public hearing process. If you are 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.

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 (for Planner II).
  • A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of required experience (for Planner II).
  • 8+ years of planning experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending on the type of experience (for Planner II).
  • 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 (for Planner III).
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in large and complex projects (for Planner III).
  • A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of required experience (for Planner III).
  • 10+ years of Planning experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending on the type of experience (for Planner III).

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 the 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.
  • Present 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 on 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.
  • Serve as a trusted resource on complex projects.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS)
  • Relocation assistance up to $2,500 for those moving 50+ miles
  • Wellness program including free gyms
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 3 personal days
  • 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service