Principal Planner

Salary: $86,673.60 Annually
Location : 1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03018
Department: PLANNING, ZONING & DESIGN
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Description of Duties
** Position subject to close at any time**
NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

Under direction, the purpose of the position is to perform as a Team Leader position overseeing up to six (6) staff members. This position performs administrative and supervisory work for a Planning, Zoning, and Design Office within the Osceola County Community Development Department, and acts as the project manager for the more technical/complex work activities within that section. Employees in this classification function in a senior capacity and are responsible for conducting studies and collecting and analyzing data for application to the County's comprehensive plan. Objective is to preserve and enhance the County's natural and structural aesthetic land use and development through practical application of the County's Land Development Code and all established zoning and code regulations. Position is distinguished from that of the junior Planners by the level of independence the employee functions in, and the advanced laboring knowledge acquired through training and work experience. Position should have experience in urban form/design/place making and managing of consultant firms' solicitations, contracts, schedules and work products.

Essential Job Functions
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Researches, analyzes, and provides planning recommendations in support of County goals and objectives; ensures ordinances, regulations, and processes associated with County growth-management program and development review system are implemented.
• Plans, delegates, schedules, reviews, and edits all work products produced by the section's staff.
• Supervises, assists, and coordinates the work of lower-level Planners on assigned projects.
• Reviews and assesses changes to the future land use map.
• Continually revises the comprehensive plan.
• Acts as projects manager for more technical studies assigned to the section.
• Assists in all planning functions of the department by providing information and analysis. Participates in the development and implementation of the Land Development Code.
• Documents demographic information.
• Tracks, reviews, and summarizes proposed legislation on Growth Management and determines the impact on Osceola County.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the section in responding to customer problems and needs and is responsible for improving customer satisfaction with the section's products and services.
• Assists applicants with submittal of conditional use, comprehensive development plan, subdivision, re-zoning, plan amendment, and DRI authorizations.
• Reviews applications and requests for compliance and consistency with regulations and adopted County policies.
• Assists the general public and developers with the application of the future land use map as designated on their property.
• Based upon review of the map, a decision is made as to the development of the property.
• Prepares and makes presentations to the BCC, Planning Commission, and community groups.
• Provides technical assistance at meetings. Conducts necessary research and analyzes collected data.
• Prepares and presents public information and education programs.
• Performs a variety of critical record keeping duties; manages and maintains department record keeping and filing systems relevant materials appropriate to assigned division.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field. Master's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred.
Experience: Six (6) years of professional planning experience within a similar public organization to include at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
An active Certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners is considered comparable to one (1) year of required experience.
Experience with Urban Planning, Urban Design, Walkability, Code Interpretation, Project Management, Inter and Intradepartmental and Governmental Initiatives, special projects and/or development related applications such as Mixed-Use development and Concept Plans, Comprehensive Plan, and DRI issues preferred.
Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and transportation planning; knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of current and comprehensive planning, date collection and data analyses procedures, special- area planning, urban design, rural planning, research, analysis and forecasting; statistical analysis for demographic, socio-economic, land-use and zoning issues; environmental and impact assessments; historic preservation; personal computers; and marketing and promotion.
• Considerable knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives associated with both long and short-range planning initiatives within assigned area of planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the body of available and current information resources applicable to the functions for technical research purposes and for special projects as may be assigned.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and policies for effective decision-making in accordance with established precedent.
• Interpersonal, leadership, planning, management, and communications skills; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations.
• Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing statistical data and information materials.
• Ability to utilize personal computers, standard office equipment and standard software applications, e.g., word processors, database software, spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with internal and external customers, industry professionals, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demand: Light

• 20 pounds maximum lifting
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 pounds
• If less lifting is involved will require significant walking/standing
• If mostly sitting is involved, will require push/pull on arm or leg controls
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.

Employee Benefits

Welcome to a workplace that values you. Osceola County offers a comprehensive benefits package to fit your needs and the needs of your family.


Join us in making a difference in our community, knowing we're here to support you every step of the way.

Group Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Medical and Dental Insurance at no cost to the employee. In addition, the County contributes 83% to the dependent(s) premium coverage.

Deductions Per Paycheck - HRA Base Plan

Coverage

Employee

Employee + 1

Family

Health-HRA Base

$0.00

$140.89

$219.17

HRA Buy-Up

$40.60

$188.28

$292.88

Dental Base

$0.00

$13.10

$24.12

Dental Buy-Up

$3.45

$19.82

$33.61

Vision

$3.42

$6.84

$9.15

Short-Term Disability

$0.00

N/A

N/A

Long-Term Disability

$0.00

N/A

N/A

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

At no cost to the employee. The County offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability at 60% of the employee's weekly base salary. The employee has the option to purchase an additional 10% coverage.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees and their family members at no cost.

Employee Wellness Program

Employee Wellness Program promotes a variety of activities to encourage total well-being including physical, emotional, and financial health. Rewards can be earned.

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Gym Membership Reimbursement, up to $20.00 per month.

Basic Life Insurance Policy

At no cost to the employee, equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next thousand dollars. Employees can opt to buy additional Life Insurance.

Employee Health Center

The County provides a private health center for County Employees and eligible dependents. The Employee Health Center offers an array of primary care services, including sick visits, enhanced by x-ray services, pulmonary tests, lab work, and a dispensary offering over 200 generic medications onsite. Services at the Health Center are offered at no cost to the employees and their eligible dependents.

Employees who are enrolled on the County's Medical plan have access to the Employee Health Center on day one of employment. The Health Center is available to patients 8 years of age and older.

Vacation & Sick Leave Accruals

Service Time

Accruals Per Month

1 month - 5 years

8 hours

5 years and 1 month - 10 years

10 hours

10 years and 1 month - 15 years

12 hours

15 years and 1 month - 20 years

13.34 hours

20 years and over

16.66 hours

S ick Leave Accruals

Classification

Accruals Per Month

Full time employees

8 hours

Part time employees

4 hours

Paid Holidays

Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday (to be chosen by the Employee)

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Thanksgiving - Day After
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Administrative Leave

40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for Exempt employees.

Sick Leave Bank

Available to employees experiencing a catastrophic medical related event, with up to 240 hours per fiscal year. Enrollment required.

Vacation/Sick Leave Buy-Back Program

Eligible employees may sell back up to eighty (80) hours of accrued leave per fiscal year. (This program is subject to availability of funds and may be amended or terminated at any time without notice.)

Paid Bereavement Leave

Up to five (5) working days off.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $1,600 per Fiscal Year, for degree seeking employees. Degree must be related to employee's current position.

Membership in the Florida Retirement System

The County is a Florida Retirement System Employer! For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, County contribution for Regular Class members is 13.59%, subject to a mandatory 3% employee contribution. Rates and Contributions are set by Florida Legislation.

A 457b Deferred Compensation Program

A 457b Deferred Compensation Program is also available to help employees boost their retirement saving goals, with pre-tax and post-tax contributions, as well as IRA plan options. Employee sponsored.

Employee Recognition Program

We see your hard work, and we celebrate it! Through our Employee Appreciation Committee and the "You've Been Caught Doing Good" program, we recognize outstanding performance or accomplishments with prizes including monetary rewards and merchandise.
01


Are you a U.S. Military Veteran?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you electing to claim Veteran's Preference? (If electing to claim Veteran's Preference, be sure to complete the Veteran's Preference Eligibility Form located on the home page of NeoGov.)

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field? If so, please specify your degree type and major or concentration. If you do not have one, please indicate N/A.
04


Briefly describe your years of professional planning experience within a similar public organization. (Experience must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application.) If none, list N/A
05


Briefly list and explain your experience with Urban Planning, Urban Design, Walkability, Code Interpretation, Project Management, Inter and Intradepartmental and Governmental Initiatives, special projects, and/or development-related applications such as Mixed-Use development and Concept Plans, Comprehensive Plans, and DRI issues. If yes, please explain your experience. (Experience must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application.) If none, list N/A.
06


Briefly explain your years of supervisory experience. If none, list N/A
07


Do you possess an active certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners?
08


Do you possess a valid Driver's License? If yes, what state?
Required Question