JOB DESCRIPTION

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, 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!

About You

Planner II: In this intermediate-level role, you'll take the lead on a variety of complex planning projects, including large-scale Comprehensive Plan Amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions. You'll 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.

You'll 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 Master's 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, you'll serve as a lead planner and key project manager on major county initiatives that help shape Sarasota County's 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.

You'll 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:

• 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.
• OR: A Master's 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).

BENEFITS