All applications must be submitted through our Career Portal:

https://waltoncountyfl.munisselfservice.com/ApplicantLogin.aspx?returnurl=~/EmploymentOpportunities/ApplicationEntry.aspx&form=1238&req=1238&sreq=3&desc=SENIOR%20PLANNER

Inquiries may be made to: samantha.spain@mywaltonfl.gov

Starting Annual Salary: $74,176.87

Job Summary

The Senior Planner is a professional and technical position that involves a variety of work assignments in long range planning, comprehensive planning, and current planning.

Essential Job Functions

  • Provides input and support documentation as directed or recommended for revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code
  • Meets with developers, citizens, and other entities related to planning matters
  • Collects, organizes, and maintains various forms of data for technical studies and reports
  • Prepares, presents, attends, and assists in planner staff meetings and public hearings before various boards, commissions, and communities relative to specific development projects
  • Assists with the preparation of various large and small-scale comprehensive plan amendments, existing land use and subdivision surveys according to state and local requirements
  • Provides design related guidance to applicants to aid in meeting urban design and placemaking goals
  • Assists in preparation of inter-local agreements, development regulations, planning studies, statistical studies, and program applications
  • Provides staff assistance including advice and suggestions to other planning staff members in land use matters
  • Assists in training staff personnel as necessary
  • Makes field visits to observe proposed projects within Walton County
  • Adheres to work schedule and attendance requirements, including nights and weekends
  • Performs other work as directed and required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of personnel rules and regulations, statutes, ordinances, regulations, and codes under which Walton County operates
  • Knowledge of urban design, placemaking, and context sensitive design principles and practices
  • Knowledge of Walton County codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and community development
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive planning according to federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to current and long-range planning
  • Skill in operating office hardware and software, including work processors and spreadsheet applications
  • Skill in organization and attention to detail, with ability to meet multiple deadlines
  • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
  • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, or boards
  • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
  • Ability to solve practical problems with and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
  • Ability to read maps with intricate markings, land use surveys, and to judge distances presented geographically
  • Ability to interpret legal descriptions, maps, aerial photography, remote sensing date, and site plans
  • Ability to read and interpret technical written and geographically presented materials, including ability to read text, identify themes, make inferences, and draw conclusions which accurately reflect the material
  • Ability to analyze and interpret various kinds of data and other research information
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with public officials, peers, other divisions and departments, and citizens
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field
  • Four (4) or more years of professional experience in planning or a related field

OR

  • Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field
  • Two (2) or more years of professional experience in planning or a related field

AND

Preferred:

  • Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or a related field
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

Note: At the discretion of the hiring manager and/or the Director of Human Resources an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Sits or stands for long periods of time. Communicates effectively in person and/or by using telecommunications equipment. Creates documents, reports, etc., using a writing instrument (such as a pencil or pen) or computer. Grasps, turns, and manipulates objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Moves, lifts, carries, and places objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance. Work is performed mostly in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet. Travel between locations to effectively address the organizational needs of the department. 

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Walton County.

Effective Date: 09/20/2025

Department: Planning & Development

Position #: 10115

Pay Plan: W25

Personnel Status: Full Time Permanent

Position Reports to: Current Planning Manager

FSLA Status: Exempt (Professionals)

Safety Sensitive: No