Principal Planner - Community Planning & Zoning Division
Salary
$80,143.32 - $132,236.48 Annually
Location
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Job Type
Full-Time (Salaried)
Job Number
26-00305
Department
Development Services
Opening Date
06/30/2026
Closing Date
7/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Information
Work Location: 9000 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34203
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm (Flexible)
Expected Starting Annual Range: $80,143.32 - $106,189.90
This classification is a technical and professional position that performs work engaged in Planning and Zoning related functions for programs and/or projects within the Department. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, technical, planning and/or zoning assignments regarding Comprehensive Plan, Rezones, Developments of Regional Impact, Neighborhood Planning, and regulating the requirements in the Land Development Code. Specific functions are listed below and represent normal progression from Planning & Zoning Technician I to Principal Planner.
Progression to a higher level is dependent upon several criteria. Factors include, but are not limited to, competencies, skills, experience, education and certifications which may apply to State or local requirements as well as budgetary constraints. Progression to each level requires achievement of specific criteria and documentation by Development Services Division Manager/County Zoning Official.
Area of Assignment - Community Planning
The Principal Planner / Ombudsman is responsible for coordinating and managing complex community planning projects, including land use entitlements, economic development initiatives, and affordable housing developments. This position serves as a central point of contact to support applicants, resolve issues, and ensure projects move through county processes efficiently, equitably, and in compliance with county plans, policies, and regulations.
The role combines advanced land use planning expertise with strong communication, customer service, and mediation skills. The Principal Planner also prepares staff reports and presents complex planning projects to the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.
Working Conditions
The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 50 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer. This position may involve both indoor and outdoor work environments.
Job Description
Essential Functions
These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.
Serves as lead position with Planner reports; Mentors/monitors one or more Planners,
Oversee multiple major functional activities with budgetary responsibilities/accountability.
Provides input to managers on major projects and assignments.
Develops planning models and budgets as assigned.
Develops and oversees lower-level Planners.
Performs and manages complex sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis.
Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals.
Assists Management with division related planning matters.
Develops and trains assigned personnel.
Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.
Presents and presides at major presentations.
Responsible for community relations and executive interface for all areas assigned.
Oversees all special assignments.
May represent county in major planning projects.
Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects.
Acts as lead on very complex and controversial issues.
May make final decisions equivalent to manager.
Performs public interface.
Oversees critical projects.
Provides input on performance evaluations of lower-level Planners.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or field closely related to area of assignment.
Minimum of eight (8) years related professional planning experience in a field closely related to area of assignment.
Demonstrated leadership experience in large and complex projects.
Valid drivers license required with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
More
GIS Mapping experience desired.
AICP Certification desired.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in highly visible/difficult projects.
Client/customer relations.
Project and people management.
Sensitive interpersonal skills.
Supervising others.
Managing Financial budgeting.
Sensitive/Critical Presentations.
Developing business plans.
Advising and mentoring others.
Creativity.
Judgment and discretion.
Leadership.
Critical Projects.
Linking with other functional areas.
Promoting Teamwork.
Assigning work to others.
Evaluating performance.
Assigning performance goals/objectives.
Veterans Preference
In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
EEO/ADA Statement
Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.
Drug-Free Workplace
Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
All employees may 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.
Full Time Positions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
Wellbeing Benefits:
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Paid Time Off:
Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.
Years of Service Vacation Days
0-5 16.25 days
6-10 19.50 days
11+ 22.75 days
Insurance:
Retirement:
Career Wellness:
Education Benefits:
Flexible Spending Account:
Permanent Part Time - Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Paid Time Off:
per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on
a pro-rated basis
01
VERY IMPORTANT - When answering supplemental questions about experience, education or certification, please be sure the information is reflected in the Education, Work Experience and Certificates and Licenses sections of your application.
Must include Monthly Salary, Name of Employer, Location, Phone Number and Duties for each employer in Work Experience.
Note: "See Resume" is not acceptable.
Identify all gaps not related to medical reasons.
02
If you are claiming Veterans Preference, please check category of eligibility
03
Which level of education have you achieved?
04
How many years of professional planning experience or field closely related do you possess?
05
Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?
06
Have you presented a controversial or highly scrutinized project at a Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners meeting?
07
Have you managed complex development applications or long-range planning projects that required extensive coordination with county staff, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders?
08
Walk through your process for reviewing land use proposals and preparing staff reports. How do you ensure your recommendations are supported by data, consistent with county code and comprehensive plan policies, and clearly understood by decision-makers and the public?
09
Do you have experience conducting public outreach for planning projects?
10
Explain about a time you identified a conflict between a proposed development and the existing land use regulations or policies. How did you analyze the issue, communicate your findings, and work with applicants or staff to reach a solution?
11
What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
Required Question
Employer Manatee County Government
Address 5213 4th Ave Cir E
Bradenton, Florida, 34208
Phone (941) 748-4501 ext. 3865
(941) 742-5627
Website https://www.mymanatee.org