Job Description
Job Description
Position : Planner
Department : Community Development
Reports to : Community Development Manager
Emergency Classification : Essential
FLSA Classification : Non-Exempt
Pay Grade : 110
Are you a forward-thinking planning professional with a passion for shaping vibrant, resilient communities?
As a Planner with the Town of Fort Myers Beach, you'll play a key role in guiding responsible growth, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing the community's unique coastal character. This position works closely with leadership and the public to ensure that land use decisions align with the Town's strategic vision, environmental priorities, and quality-of-life goals. If you're ready to make a lasting impact in a dynamic municipal environment, we encourage you to apply.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Offers a Competitive Benefits Package!
- Health & Wellness : Comprehensive health insurance with low deductibles and annual maximums. The Town covers 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums. Benefits include employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, gym membership reimbursement, and more.
- Work / Life Balance : Employees accrue 16 hours of paid leave monthly, plus 1 sick day and a birthday annually. The Town observes 14 paid holidays and offers flexible scheduling options.
- Retirement Planning : Immediate vesting in a 401(a) / 457(b) pension plan with generous employer contributions.
- And More!
Join a team that values your well-being and future while supporting a community that's rebuilding stronger and smarter every day.
Position Summary
The Planner is responsible for guiding land use and development within the Town through the application of professional planning principles and practices. This position performs a variety of duties related to long-range planning, zoning, site plan review, community development, and public engagement. The Planner works to ensure that growth and development are consistent with the Town's Comprehensive Plan and support its economic, environmental, and social goals, while fostering sustainable and well-planned community growth.
Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation : If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Develop, implement, and update comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and other planning documents.Review and process development proposals, site plans, zoning applications, rezonings, variances, and special exceptions for compliance with municipal codes, ordinances, and design standards.Conduct research and analyze data related to demographics, housing, transportation, land use, stormwater management, and economic development.Prepare maps, graphics, staff reports, and presentations for public meetings, the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Town Council, and other governing bodies.Provide technical assistance and guidance to developers, citizens, elected officials, and other Town departments on planning and zoning matters.Conduct detailed site plan reviews for commercial and multifamily developments, verifying compliance with zoning regulations, design standards, and applicable land use requirements.Coordinate public outreach efforts, including public meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather community input.Monitor and report on trends in land use, population, environmental impact, and infrastructure needs to inform policy and code updates.Participate in special planning projects such as neighborhood plans, housing studies, sustainability initiatives, resiliency planning, and climate adaptation strategies.Serve as staff liaison to the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Town Council, or other boards as assigned.Provide technical guidance on zoning and permitting issues to residents, engineers, contractors and developers.Assist in code enforcement or zoning administration as needed, including conducting site visits to verify compliance with approved plans and zoning conditions.Collaborate with engineering and environmental staff to support stormwater and coastal resource management strategies.Promote sustainable development practices that mitigate environmental impact and enhance community resilience.Interpret and apply federal, state, county, and local land use codes, zoning ordinances, and development regulations, including those governing stormwater management and environmental compliance.Represent the Community Development Department in public meetings, presenting reports and recommendations to the Town Council and advisory boards as assigned.Maintain accurate planning records, ensuring transparency and accessibility.Assist in the development and dissemination of educational materials related to planning and development initiatives as assigned.Assist in grant research, preparation, and reporting for planning-related projects as assigned.Attend assigned meetings and events.Participate in emergency response and recovery operations as directed.Perform other related duties as assigned.These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)
REQUIREMENTS :
Education, Certification, and Experience :
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography or a related field.Minimum of three (3) years of professional planning experience, preferably with exposure to stormwater or environmental planning.AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.Relevant work experience may substitute on a year for year basis for education requirements.Knowledge
Principles, practices, and techniques of urban and regional planning, zoning, and land use management.Federal, state, county, and local land use laws, regulations, and codes, including environmental and stormwater management requirements.Comprehensive planning processes, including long-range and current planning functions.Site plan review methods and development approval processes.Public participation techniques and community engagement best practices.Research methods, statistical analysis, and data interpretation as applied to planning studies.Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Microsoft Office, and planning software such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar, and related mapping tools.Practices in sustainable development, climate adaptation, and resiliency planning.Local government structure, public meeting procedures, and decision-making processes.Skills
Reviewing and analyzing development proposals, site plans, and zoning applications for compliance with applicable regulations.Preparing clear, accurate, and visually compelling maps, graphics, reports, and presentations.Communicating effectively in writing and verbally with diverse audiences, including elected officials, advisory boards, developers, and the public.Facilitating public meetings and workshops to gather input and convey planning concepts.Managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.Using planning-related software, Microsoft Office Suite, and GIS applications.Applying creative problem-solving techniques to resolve planning and development challenges.Abilities
Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, and technical documents to planning scenarios.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, advisory boards, developers, and community members.Exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in sensitive or high-pressure situations.Think strategically while attending to detailed technical requirements.Adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and technologies.Work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to a team environment.Maintain reliability and work the assigned schedule to include emergency related work.Physical Requirements :
Significant standing, walking, moving, carrying, bending, and kneeling. Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, pushing, and / or pulling, bending, and stooping.Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Environmental Requirements :
This position requires the ability to perform strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and potentially dangerous environments for field or emergency related work as needed.Sensory Requirements :
Task requires sound perception and discrimination.Task requires visual perception and discrimination.Task requires oral communications ability.The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drugfree Workplace.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides Veterans' Preference in employment for eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and qualifying family members, in accordance with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs guidelines.
How to Claim Veterans' Preference :
Notify Human Resources at hr@fmbgov.com to request Veterans' Preference at the time of application.Obtain the Veterans' Preference Form, which will be provided by Human Resources, and indicate your eligibility.Submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 form, VA disability letter, or applicable spouse documentation) along with your completed application.If you require assistance or have questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at (239) 896-4284 or hr@fmbgov.com.
Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following :
Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free / Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.General background verification.