Planner

This is an entry-level role within the Planning Section of the Department of Community Development. The position encompasses several responsibilities, including reviewing comprehensive plan amendments and rezoning applications, creating maps and reports, conducting research on various topics, assisting with environmental reviews and fieldwork, and effectively communicating land use planning, housing, environmental, and economic development issues both verbally and in writing.

Why Join Lee County Government:

At Lee County Government, we seek to hire talented and innovative individuals who share our passion and aspire to make a lasting impact within our community. We offer a premier workplace with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and participation in robust State of Florida pension and investment retirement plans.

We are committed to building long-lasting relationships with our employees through promotional opportunities and career ladders across our organization. We support career development and growth through mentoring programs and on-the-job training to help you achieve your goals. At Lee County Government, every day presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference within our community.

• Analyzes comprehensive plan amendments and other planning and zoning applications. 
• Coordinates intergovernmental reviews of applications for development with municipalities within the county.
• Interprets and applies applicable new and existing state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations. 
• Assists with county-initiated updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. 
• Serves as department representative for interdepartmental, intergovernmental, or regional planning-related committees. 
• Compiles and analyzes data for environmental, transportation, or other factors affecting land use.
•  Evaluate data source validity and understand data limitations when compiling and analyzing data.
  
• Provides technical assistance to staff and the public.
  
• Performs routine office tasks, including data entry and file management.
• Performs field inspections to gather and verify data relevant to the application review process. 
  
• Research and compile information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
  
• Prepares written reports, graphics, maps, charts, tables, and other visuals.
  
• Attends and presents at public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
  

• Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate's Degree in planning, geography, or a closely related field and two years of urban planning, engineering development review, or closely related experience.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of basic land use, environmental, housing, and/or transportation planning principles and practices.

• Analytical expertise: Ability to independently conduct statistical and analytical analyses to identify practical solutions to complex and vaguely defined planning issues.
• Software proficiency: Skilled in using computer software such as Word, Excel, Access, and GIS with meticulous attention to detail in format and content.
• Communication skills: Strong writing and public speaking abilities to effectively present planning information to diverse audiences.
• Project management: Capability to manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously.
• Teamwork and independence: Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• Regulatory knowledge: Skilled in researching, interpreting, and applying local, state, and federal regulations.
• Interview requirements: Candidates who advance to the interview stage may be required to provide a writing sample.
• Work hours: The position requires working Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Salary : $22 - $34