Senior Planner

Senior Planner

Salary

$87,468.00 - $98,241.00 Annually

Location

110 SE Watula Ave, 3rd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

5725

Department

Growth Management

Division

Planning

Opening Date

09/18/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Responsible for the design and implementation of the development review process and planning studies with the aim of guiding orderly growth and development in the city. Capable of making independent decisions regarding city policies in the absence of the Planning/Zoning Manager and Chief Planning Official. Reports to the Planning/Zoning Manager.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.Serves as staff to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Tree Commission, DDC and the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee. Assists in preparations of materials or information for the City Council. Makes presentations to Boards and Commissions.

2.Reviews and comments on site plans according to Land Development Regulations, particularly in regard to general layout, landscaping, open space, and signage requirements

3. Reviews traffic studies and coordinates with other departments.

4. Reviews materials for presentation to Boards, Commissions, and City Council on rezoning requests, annexations, and developments of regional impact reports, shopping centers, PUDs, and subdivisions.

5. Responds to questions or requests for information from the general public, other agencies, and staff.

6. Supervises preparation of all packets, advertisements, notices, and letters done in reference to the above duties.

7. Research, prepares or supervises the provision of specialized planning studies such as land use, economic base, utilities, housing, and other short or long range reports. Researches and prepares new and revised ordinances to the Citys Land Development Regulations.

8. Works with staff in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Has sound knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code regarding rules and regulations governing the compilation of data and analysis, and compliance with requirements.

9.Supervises the Planner I, II and III positions, and the Site Inspector.

10.Makes presentations to advisory boards and citizens groups. Consults with state and local officials as directed.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.Attends technical meetings within the state to further knowledge in areas of primary responsibility.

2.Prepares memos, letters, and other correspondence. Responds to requests from public and staff as needed.

Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Masters degree in urban planning, geography, or related field and four years experience in general planning, preferably with City or County government.

May accept equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

Valid Florida operator drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of relationships among different factors influencing urban development and among the general legal and social determinants of community development; the methods of conducting research and statistical analyses and the evaluation of research data; the general principles of and a familiarity with the techniques used in community and regional physical planning; and an understanding of how urban areas and their component systems function and grow.

Must have the ability to coordinate research studies and present effective presentations; supervise effectively the work of other planners; and communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

The City of Ocala provides a competitive, comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees.

Health Insurance

We offer both single and family coverage, for employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Dental Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family dental coverage.

Vision Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family vision coverage.

Life Insurance

For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life. For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life.

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Offered to full time employees, STD and LTD coverages are income replacement benefits that assist policyholders who are unable to work for an extended period of time due to sickness or accidental injury.

Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dependent Care FSA

Flexible spending accounts allow employees to pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars.

Pet Insurance

We also offer special pet insurance for your pets in the case of illness or accidents, as well as preventative care.

Employee Health & Wellness Center

The City of Ocala offers the use of the City Clinic for those employees, and covered dependents over the age of 8, which have elected one of our health insurance plans. Services offered by the City Clinic include primary care, chronic disease management, labs, x-rays, and wellness coaching.

Voluntary Cancer Insurance

For full time employees, the cancer insurance policy can help provide security if you, or a covered dependent, suddenly become diagnosed with cancer.

Supplemental Critical Care Insurance

Our full time employees have the option of electing critical care insurance that is available to help with medical expenses that could arise from things such as a heart attack or stroke.

Supplemental Accident Insurance

Also available to full time employees, is our Accident Coverage. This supplemental plan can be used to help with expenses like MRIs, physical therapy, and hospital admission.

Legal Plan Insurance

Full time employees can have access to local attorneys for a monthly fee and receive discounts on services such as legal consultation, wills, traffic violations and the purchase or sale of your home. The carrier also has a separate policy assisting with the matter of identity theft and social media monitoring.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred compensation is available to all full-time employees at the time of employment. This benefit allows the employee to defer income without paying taxes until money is withdrawn. Current plan is administered through MissionSquare.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit automatically deposits your net pay each pay period to your checking or savings account at your own financial institution. Direct deposit is a condition of employment for a person hired by the City.

Each pay period the employee receives an earnings statement showing gross pay, taxes, other deductions, accruals and net pay. Enrollment forms are available at Human Resources or Payroll.

Discounts - Theme Park

Discounts are available to all non-temporary employees at the time of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and members of your household as an employer paid benefit. The EAP offers emotional wellbeing support in the form as counseling sessions and all sessions are confidential. The EAP also provides daily life assistance, legal services, and financial services.

Holidays and Paid Time off

The City provides paid holidays and paid time off for full-time employees. Refer to the Employee Handbook for details.

Retirement Plan

All full-time employees hired after 10/01/2013, apart from Sworn Police Officers and Firefighters, are enrolled in the 401a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with MissionSquare. All contributions to the 401a Defined contribution plan are pre-tax and earnings grow tax-deferred. The City contributes 8% and employees contribute 3%. City contributions are 100% vested after one year of employment. You will be enrolled automatically and should take time to review your investment options at your earliest convenience.

Training Programs

The City is committed to provide training programs for all departments and all positions. Risk Management conducts classes in Defensive Driving, Safety, and Insurance. With rare exceptions, classes are offered during working hours, and are open to all eligible employees.

Tuition Reimbursement

All regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid State of Florida Operator Drivers License with an acceptable driving record OR If you possess a valid out of state license, do you have the ability to obtain a Florida drivers license prior to employment?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Please select your level of degree from an accredited college or university.

• None
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

05

Please select your level of experience.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7 years
• 8 years
• 9 + years

06

If you feel you qualify for this position due to an equivalent combination of training, education and experience, please explain below:

07

I understand that all information I provide regarding my background, education, certifications, licenses, and work history is subject to verification once an offer of employment has been extended and accepted. I further understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information, or the omission of relevant information, may be grounds for disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an employment offer, or dismissal from employment if discovered after I begin work.

• Yes
• No

08

I understand that, as a condition of employment with the City of Ocala, I will be required to review and electronically sign a Policy and Consent form related to the Lytx in-vehicle safety system. I understand that this consent includes acknowledgment of the collection and use of video, audio, location, and, where applicable, biometric data for safety, compliance, and operational purposes. I further understand that on my first day of employment, an email from noreply@lytx.com will be sent to my City of Ocala employee email address with instructions, and that the form must be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of my official start date.

• Yes
• No

09

Have you provided a complete employment and education history covering the past ten (10) years, or dating back to high school graduation, whichever period is shorter, within your NeoGov application and/or master profile? Please note: Resumes are welcome; however, they do not substitute for a completed application. Applications that do not include the required employment and education history, or that are otherwise incomplete, will be rejected and will not be considered for further review.

• Yes, I have provided a complete employment and education history and understand that incomplete applications will be rejected.
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Ocala

Address 110 SE Watula Ave

City Hall, 3rd Floor

Ocala, Florida, 34471

Phone 352-629-8359

Website https://www.ocalafl.gov/