Senior Planner (0455) (Hybrid)

Work for Our Water Resources.

Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water — with a career at the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District).

The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

Join our Government and Community Affairs Office 

Support the District’s Government and Community Affairs Office managing multiple tasks and priorities in fast-paced, team-oriented environment. As part of the Government and Community Affairs team, the Planner will perform professional planning and policy analysis duties in support of key District functions, and to assist external partners and stakeholders. This opportunity offers an ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance. You’ll have the chance to work with a wide range of teams in this promising position, each of which plays a vital role in our efforts to preserve our most valuable natural resources. Using your expertise, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the results to ensure a brighter future for the environment of Florida.

The District supports employees who prefer flexible schedule or a remote work schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work-life balance. This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will be required to come on-site for periodic meetings and work a portion of their time remotely (must live in Florida).  Come build a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and helps support the District’s mission to protect Florida’s water resources.

District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes:

Starting Compensation:
Planner 2 $50,460.80 - $68,673.94
Planner 3 $57,678.40 - $79,494.10

The starting salary range for the Planner position reflects the minimum to 50% of the compensation. The starting salary will be based on the education and experience of the successful candidate. The District conducts annual performance evaluations that may award applicable pay increases based on positive employee performance.

Essential Functions

• Works closely with other Planners and Governmental Affairs Regional Managers.
• Serves as the lead on managing content and development of the District’s Strategic Plan and the Consolidated Annual Report.
• Prepares plans, technical reports and analyses to satisfy statutory requirements and ad hoc requests.
• Provides technical assistance and written policy guidance to local governments regarding comprehensive planning, developments of regional impact, and land use/land development codes.
• Evaluates projects for consistency with state and federal law and makes recommendations.
• Serves as a liaison to regional planning councils, technical advisory bodies, community organizations and the general public.
• Supports agency decision making through strategic planning, policy analysis and program and process evaluation. Participates in intergovernmental coordination initiatives at the state and regional levels.
• Facilitates or supports interdisciplinary staff teams engaged in planning initiatives, technical analysis and reporting, policy formulation, performance measurement or issues management.
• Serves as the resiliency coordinator for the District, including coordinating resiliency efforts across divisions, attending and presenting at conferences, and representing the District in resiliency efforts. 
• Participates in emergency management activities and other departmental activities and performs other duties as needed.

Working Conditions

Employee works in a standard office environment. Occasional travel usually during the workday is required. Performs continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding) with one or both hands. Occasionally lifts and carries objects up to 10 pounds. Occasionally requires bending and reaching above shoulder level. May spend time out in the field in remote areas. Possible travel to other offices. Occasionally required to drive automotive vehicle for 2 hours or more at a time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee may be subject to call-in outside of regularly scheduled work hours, or required to be on call, including on nights, weekends or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations.

Required Credentials for Senior Planner  

• Valid Drivers License required for all positions 

Preferred Credentials for Senior Planner

• Knowledge of Florida planning laws and water resource issues
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

Application Process

The District will determine eligibility for employment solely from the information provided on a District employment application. All applicants are required to complete, in full, the District employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the required District application for the purpose of qualification. Applicants who are within 30 days of graduation, if selected are not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met. 

Additional Details

The primary work location for this position is out of the Brooksville, FL office. This position is eligible for compensatory time for hours worked over 40 hours, in a week.

Travel Required

Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.

Accepting applications until March 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM 

About Us

The District is responsible for managing the water resources for west central Florida which includes approximately 10,000 square miles of territory spanning 16 counties and serving more than 6 million residents. Established in 1961 as a flood-protection agency, our objective is to meet the needs of current and future water users, protect and preserve our water resources, manage the water supply, protect water quality, and preserve water-related functions. 

Apply Now

Start and grow your career with the District! The District prides itself on providing a positive work environment that engages and supports our employees through flexible and remote work schedules. We provide and support learning and development for staff at all levels including conferences, association memberships, and formal education. Let us know if you have previous public sector experience that may allow for additional perks! Click on the link to apply.

#WorkForOurWater

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace/Tobacco Free Campuses.

All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, or medical condition. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge and abilities, and the feasibility of any necessary job accommodation(s).

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the District to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office Chief, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email ADACoordinator@WaterMatters.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA. 

The District participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The District does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Salary : $5,250