Planning Section Manager - Comprehensive and Public Hearing Planning Divisions
Salary
$89,760.52 - $148,104.85 Annually
Location
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Job Type
Full-Time (Salaried)
Job Number
26-00320
Department
Development Services
Opening Date
07/15/2026
Closing Date
7/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
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: $89,760.52 - $118,932.69
Public Hearing Section
Supervises the review and assignment of incoming land development applications that require public hearing. Supervises the Agenda process. Coordinates public hearing review processes and schedules with outside agencies, applicants, and agents.
Manages daily operations of assigned planning section. Manages the review of various development, emergency response, or transportation plans (depending on area of assignments) for conformance with the County Comprehensive Plan, Land Development code, and applicable state and federal laws. Assigns work and delegates responsibilities to staff to ensure goals are met and high-quality customer service is maintained.
Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator's authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.
Working Conditions
Indoor/Office situation; high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Lifting equipment up to 25 lbs. alone; up to 50 lbs. with assistance. Sitting for long periods of time, working on computer.
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.
Manages daily operations of assigned planning section. Ensures goals, objectives, and level of service standards are met.
Manages the review of various development, emergency response, or transportation plans (depending on area of assignments) for conformance with the County Comprehensive Plan, Land Development code, and applicable state and federal laws.
Sets goals and objectives for team members for achievement of operational results. Assigns work and delegates responsibilities to staff and monitors progress. Hires, trains, coaches, appraises, and rewards assigned staff. Responds appropriately to employee complaints and issues. Cultivates strong working relationships and builds trust among team members.
Reviews and recommends new methods and procedures to make daily operations more efficient. Performs considerable short-term and long-term planning, scheduling, and coordinating within area of responsibility. Interprets and implements management policies for area of responsibility.
Coordinates plan review activities with relevant county departments, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Conducts policy analysis. Drafts and reviews responses to proposed rules, legislation, and regulatory changes.
Participates in outreach activities to educate the public, county staff, and other governmental agencies. Responds to inquiries from officials, developers, and the general public.
Manages annual budget for assigned section. Monitors revenue and expenses and allocates fiscal resources appropriately.
Responsible for regulatory compliance to ensure that all work is completed in accordance with applicable laws and government regulations.
Maintains knowledge and understanding of current best practices, trends, laws, and issues affecting area of expertise. Upon approval, attends educational events that will increase professional knowledge and be otherwise beneficial to the County.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering or a related field relevant to area of assignment.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible public sector planning experience related to area of assignment.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
More
Previous supervisory or management experience desired.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail-oriented, and organized. Able to resolve difficult problems and situations.
Good knowledge and understanding of socio-economic and physical characteristics of Manatee County.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of modern principles and practices of urban, suburban, and rural planning or transportation and transit planning, depending on area of assignment.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to deal professionally and effectively with staff, developers, public officials, and other stakeholders. Able to communicate, policies, practices, and procedures for clarity and understanding. Able to explain technical subject matter to non-technical audiences.
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):
Wellbeing Benefits:
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Paid Time Off:
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
Insurance:
Retirement:
Career Wellness:
Education Benefits:
Flexible Spending Account:
Permanent Part Time - Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Paid Time Off:
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.
02
If you are claiming Veterans Preference, please check category of eligibility
03
Which level of education have you achieved?
04
How many years of progressively responsible public sector planning experience do you possess?
05
Describe your experience with reviewing complex land use or zoning applications, include one example that demonstrates your experience presenting to an elected body.
06
What previous roles have you held that you believe qualify you for this position?
Required Question
Employer Manatee County Government
Address 5213 4th Ave Cir E
Bradenton, Florida, 34208
Phone (941) 748-4501 ext. 3865
(941) 742-5627
Website https://www.mymanatee.org