Department:
Planning and Development Services
Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
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.
Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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.
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:
Starting Pay Range: $71,302.40 (minimum) up to $96,283.20 (midpoint), based on your experience.
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:
1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
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If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)
2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)
Benefits:
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Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
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Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
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Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)
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.
