JOB DESCRIPTION

Coastal Engineering Associates, Inc. (Coastal), established in 1958, is a multi-disciplinary firm providing surveying, engineering, planning, environmental, and construction management services throughout west-central Florida. Our team is built on delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that work both on paper and in the field.

Position Overview

Coastal is seeking an experienced Planning Director to lead and grow our Planning/CRA practice as an integrated component of our multi-disciplinary team. This role will drive planning services across residential subdivisions, commercial and industrial developments, and single-parcel commercial sites, with a primary focus on Hernando, Pasco, Citrus, and Sumter Counties. The Planning Director will work in close coordination with our engineering team to deliver seamless, comprehensive project solutions for both private clients and government partners.

Role Summary

The Planning Director provides high-level oversight and strategic direction for all planning activities at Coastal and is ultimately responsible for the Planning Department's success, while actively leading complex land use initiatives and client engagements. This position balances strategic leadership with direct project execution — including authoring narratives, preparing submittals, conducting due diligence, and serving as the company's foremost expert on comprehensive planning, zoning, and entitlement processes. The Planning Director acts as the principal planning advisor to the Company President and General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow Coastal's Planning/CRA practice, providing strategic direction and hands-on leadership to the Planning Team.
• Direct the entitlement, zoning, and Comprehensive Plan Amendment process for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
• Draft and review planning narratives, staff reports, redlines, and public hearing materials.
• Serve as Coastal's lead liaison to County and municipal Planning Departments, elected officials, and agency staff.
• Represent Coastal and its clients at Planning & Zoning hearings and BOCC meetings.
• Maintain client relationships from conceptual planning through approval.
• Conduct feasibility studies, due diligence, and site planning analysis to support development initiatives.
• Advise the President and General Manager on planning strategy, regulatory changes, and growth opportunities.

A detailed job description, including the full scope of duties, is provided upon hire.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Urban Planning, Land Use Planning, or a related field.
• AICP certification preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive planning experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Demonstrated experience with Hernando, Pasco, Citrus, and/or Sumter County land development regulations and comprehensive plans strongly preferred.
• Proven track record managing entitlement, rezoning, and comprehensive plan amendment processes in west-central Florida.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and take direct ownership of tasks in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing zoning applications, staff reports, redlines, and technical planning documents.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary engineering and survey firm.