Department:
Planning and Development Services
Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
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.
About the Job
Current Planner: In this role, youll be part of a dynamic team reviewing and processing land use applications that shape Sarasota Countys growth - from infill and redevelopment projects to large-scale developments. Youll manage day-to-day development reviews, including rezonings, special exceptions, and related comprehensive plan amendments.
Long Range Planner: As a Long Range Planner, youll help guide the future of our community through research, analysis, and strategic planning initiatives. Working with a collaborative team, youll lead complex projects, prepare reports, and help move large-scale efforts through the public hearing process.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
If youre 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 Countys 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!
About You
Planner II: In this intermediate-level role, youll take the lead on a variety of complex planning projects, including large-scale Comprehensive Plan Amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions. Youll also 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.
Youll 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.
To thrive in this position, you must have:
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.
OR: A Masters degree may substitute for one year of required experience.
OR: 8+ years of planning experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending on the type of experience.
Starting Pay Range: $64,812.80 (minimum) up to $87,526.40 (midpoint), based on experience.
Planner III: In this advanced role, youll serve as a lead planner and key project manager on major county initiatives that help shape Sarasota Countys future. Your 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.
Youll collaborate across teams, help guide and mentor Planner I and II staff, and serve as a trusted resource on complex projects. This role also offers the opportunity to present to community groups, advisory boards, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners, making a direct impact on the community.
To thrive in this position, you must have:
Bachelors 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.
OR: A Masters degree may substitute for one year of required experience.
OR: 10+ years of Planning experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, depending on the type of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
AICP certification.
Project Management experience.
GIS Mapping experience.
Starting Pay Range: $71,302.40 (minimum) up to $96,283.20 (midpoint), based on your experience.
About Everything Else
Starting Pay Range: $64,812.80 (minimum for Planner II) up to $96,283.20 (midpoint for Planner III), based on your experience.
Up to $2,500 relocation available for those moving 50+ miles to join the premier community where people choose to live, work, and play!
Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).
If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:
Benefits:
A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County Many Voices, One Team.
We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.
Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service internally and externally.
A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).
Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.