Planner I - Principal Planner (DOQ) - Community Planning Administrative Section

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: $58,141.44 - $75,583.87

Performs work engaged in Planning and Zoning related functions for programs and/or projects within the Department. Responsibilities include technical, planning, and zoning assignments regarding Comprehensive Plan, Rezones, Developments of Regional Impact, Neighborhood Planning, and regulating the requirements in the Land Development Code. Scope and complexity of assignments will depend on qualifications and experience.

Note: Position level and salary will be dependent on qualifications (DOQ). 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. Position requires visual acuity and depth perception, as well as ability to hear and identify sounds. Occasional high stress situations that may involve angry or frustrated citizens. Occasionally required to work other than normal business hours.

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. All Levels Develops planning studies and reports to support the creation and implementation of new or updated plans, programs, and regulations.

Reviews, or assists in the review of building permits or land development proposals and site plans to ensure conformance with applicable plans and code regulations.

Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to management, County Officials, and other stakeholders.

Collects and analyzes a variety of statistical data and prepares reports that may include visual aids such as tables, charts, and maps.

Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other developmental proposals.

Updates and maintains the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations or assists with such updates and maintenance.

Acts as liaison with community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans.

Coordinates community review and input for public and private development projects.

Provides information to the public regarding development regulations, procedures, and requirements.

Resolves, or assists in resolving, citizen and customer issues related to planning and development processes.

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. Additional Responsibilities For Senior Planner And Principal Planner Leads daily activities of a small team of planners, as assigned. Assigns work and ensures completion according to established standards, procedures, and deadlines. Works effectively with inter-departmental and inter-organizational teams to provide guidance, assistance, and training to less experienced team members.

Manages complex research, planning studies, and development applications to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.

Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, annexations, site plans, and plats.

Provides recommendations and input to management on major projects and assignments.

Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards, elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss planning and development projects.

May be assigned to support management in scheduling and/or lead team staff meetings.

May be assigned to support management in leading or conducting presentations at citizens advisory board meetings.

Ensures all assigned staff properly follow all procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications Planner I Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or closely related field, or four (4) or more years of experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area.

Planner II Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field.

Four (4) or more years of professional planning experience and/or two (2) additional years of experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area. A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.

Senior Planner Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field.

Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, to include management of large, complex projects.

A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.

Previous supervisory or lead experience desired.

Principal Planner Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field.

Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, to include management of large, complex projects.

A Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.

Previous supervisory or lead experience desired.

All Levels Valid driver 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.

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):

• ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits:

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• On-site Fitness Centers for you and your dependents with 24/7 access
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Group Fitness Classes
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Diabetes Care Program
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

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

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program

Insurance:

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness:

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits:

• Tuition Reimbursement eligible after six (6) months of Public Service, including GED reimbursement.
• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account:

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

• ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.

Miscellaneous Benefits:

• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Fitness Center Access for employee only
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off:

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.

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.

• I acknowledge the above statement

02

If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, please check category of eligibility

• A disabled veteran who is eligible for receiving compensation under public law administered by Department of Veteran's Affairs and Department of Defense
• The spouse of a veteran who cannot qualify for employment because of total and permanent service-connected disability, or spouse of a veteran missing in action, captured or forcefully detained by a foreign power
• A wartime veteran who has served at least 1 day during a wartime period (active duty for training may not be eligible)
• An un-remarried widow or widower of a Veteran who died of a service-connected disability
• The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense
• A current member of any reserve component for the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard
• A veteran with a "Honorable" discharge (Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility)
• Not claiming Veteran's Preference

03

Which level of education have you achieved?

• No high school equivalency
• High school graduate/equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

04

How many years of experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area do you have?

• None
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4+ years

05

Do you possess a valid Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you presented a controversial or highly scrutinized project at a Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners meeting?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you managed complex development applications or long-range planning projects that required extensive coordination with county staff, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience conducting public outreach for planning projects?

• Yes
• No

09

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?

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