JOB DESCRIPTION

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Planning & Development Services is looking for a Zoning Counselor to join our team! If you're passionate about land use, zoning, and community development, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Sarasota County. In this professional and technical role, you'll support the Zoning Administrator with the daily operations of the Zoning team, help administer and enforce the County's Zoning Ordinance, and work closely with residents, developers, and County staff to provide guidance on zoning-related matters.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders, and providing exceptional customer service, we'd love to hear from you. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to projects that shape the future of our community while working in a collaborative and customer-focused environment. The pay starts between $64,812.80–$80,828.80, based on experience. Apply today and help build a stronger Sarasota County!

About the Position

In this role, you will...

• Serve as the primary point of contact for zoning inquiries, providing guidance on property use, setbacks, and zoning regulations.

• Research, draft, and assist with updates to the Unified Development Code, zoning determinations, development reviews, and presentations to advisory boards and the County Commission.

• Support the review and processing of zoning applications, text amendments, appeals, and Board of Zoning Appeals activities.

• Represent the Zoning Division at development review meetings, workshops, and community outreach events, while collaborating with developers, neighborhood groups, and Code Enforcement.

• Assist the Zoning Plans Review team, provide technical guidance, monitor workloads, and help ensure performance goals are achieved.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and support the efficient delivery of zoning services.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (no weekends!)

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography, or a closely aligned and related field with 4+ years of related professional planning experience or experience in zoning administration, code enforcement with public agencies.

• OR: Master's degree may substitute for 1 year of the required work experience.

• OR: At management discretion, years of related work experience may be substituted for the required education (this is processed on a year-for-year basis).

• Valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

• Experience with zoning regulations, land use, property records, and related ordinances.

• Ability to read and interpret site plans, construction drawings, deeds, easements, and GIS mapping.

• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills with the ability to explain regulations and work with a variety of customers.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and flexibility to attend evening meetings as needed.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of 5 years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $64,812.80 - $80,828.80, based on experience.