Community Planner

Who We Are

The City of Newberry is a top-rated, fast-growing community that proudly blends small-town charm with intentional growth and innovation. Located near the pristine freshwater springs and rivers of North Central Florida, we’re just a short drive to:

• The University of Florida
• The Gulf and Atlantic beaches
• Orlando’s world-renowned theme parks

We offer the best of both worlds: scenic beauty, rich history, a tight-knit community, and a strategic approach to sustainable development  all in a state with no income tax and beautiful weather year-round.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Make a direct impact on a growing community
• Enjoy a collaborative, transformative team culture
• Competitive salary and strong benefits package
• Access to:
  • Florida Retirement System (FRS)
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • HSA option and tuition reimbursement
  • Paid parental leave and professional development

About the Position

This is a comprehensive planning position responsible for daily public interaction, current and long-range planning, zoning administration, development review, and supporting public meetings. You’ll be the “Planner of the Day,” providing exceptional customer service while interpreting local codes, preparing reports, managing databases, and coordinating with developers and regulatory agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct planning studies and prepare technical reports and recommendations
• Review and process land use, rezoning, annexation, and permit applications
• Maintain and update land use maps, zoning atlas, and planning databases
• Interpret and apply Florida statutes, City ordinances, and development regulations
• Coordinate the Development Review Process and public notice requirements
• Draft and present staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, and agendas
• Assist with maintenance and updates of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations
• Analyze population projections and other key indicators
• Manage FEMA, National Floof Insurance Program, and Community Rating System-related planning components
• Communicate actions and legislative updates to local, regional, and state agencies
• Attend evening and occasional weekend meetings
• Comply with Florida’s Public Records and Retention Laws
• Perform administrative and customer service tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Urban planning principles, FEMA regulations, and NFIP/CRS knowledge
• Civil engineering and architectural principles as applied to planning
• Data analysis, GIS, and database management
• Economics and municipal finance as applied to public planning
• Written and oral communication for diverse audiences
• Ability to interpret laws, rules, and policies; work on multiple projects; and build strong relationships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, public administration, urban design, economics, or a related field
• Two (2) years of professional experience in urban or rural planning; OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid Florida Driver’s License upon hire
• Pass pre-employment criminal background and MVR checks
• Preferred: AICP certification (preference given to certified candidates)

Environmental Factors, Conditions, and Physical Requirements

• Work is generally performed in an office and on-site as required to conduct field inspections, to review subdivision and development plans, observe progress and address issues.
• May be subject to exposure to heavy equipment common to construction sites.
• May be exposed to hostile or angry citizens and/or developers.

Work requires:

• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.
• Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips;
• Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand;
• Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm;
• Handling – picking, holding, or working with the whole hand.
• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.
• Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning.
• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.
• Speaking/Talking 1 – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely.
• Standing – for sustained periods of time; Walking – on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site.
• Visual Acuity 1 – prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading;
• Visual Acuity 2 – color, depth perception, field of vision;
• Visual Acuity 3 – determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.

Work performed is primarily light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
Equipment utilized includes a personal computer, copier, calculator, scanner, ruler, engineering and architect scales, and department vehicle.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Newberry provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.