Planning Director

The City of Bartow, founded in 1851 and rich in historical character, serves as the county seat of Polk County. Located 40 miles east of Tampa and 60 miles southwest of Orlando, Bartow supports a broader county community of more than 762,000 residents and hosts thousands of government and private sector employees who commute into the city each day. The city is strategically situated at the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and State Road 60, offering planning professionals a unique blend of historic preservation, growth management, and regional collaboration opportunities.

About the Role

Performs complex professional and difficult administrative work directing and coordinating all planning functions, programs, and activities. Work is performed under general supervision of the City Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises planning programs, services, staff, and functions; coordinating work with City Manager and department directors
• Provides staff and technical resource support to the boards and commissions
• Covers activities of Planning and Zoning Commission; prepares agendas and staff reports; research information and attends all meetings
• Covers activities of Board of Adjustments; prepares agendas and staff reports; research information and attends all meetings
• Covers activities of Historic Preservation Board; prepares agendas and staff reports; research information and attends all meetings
• Covers activities of Development Review Committee; prepares agendas and staff reports; research information and attends all meetings
• Responds to requests for information from citizens, other City departments, consultants, and other government entities verbally and in writing
• Attends meetings and conferences to share and discuss current work problems, policy changes, and other pertinent matters
• Prepares amendments to the City’s Land Development Code and monitors effectiveness
• Prepares amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and monitors effectiveness
• Reviews development applications and prepares written reports to other City departments and applicants
• Attends other meetings as directed by the City Manager
• Covers contractual work assignments with City consultants

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervision is exercised over department personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning and zoning
• Comprehensive knowledge of economics, municipal finance, and sociology as they apply to planning
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of civil and environmental engineering as they relate to municipal planning
• Ability to interpret and analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare and present technical oral and written reports
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, local officials, other agencies, and the general public

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, real estate, geography, or related field from an accredited college or university; Master's degree preferred but not required
• 5-7 years of experience as a professional planner; Florida planning experience preferred but not required
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for the position
• Attainment of American Institute of Certified Planning credentials preferred; maintain membership in American Planning Association, Florida Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, and others as deemed appropriate

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of Florida
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Physical and Mental Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Supplemental Information

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is a sedentary position in an office environment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Important Information

To Apply: Please submit your application via the City of Bartow career page at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/bartow/jobs/5318806/planning-director?pagetype=jobOpportunities.

Timeline: Job Closes at 8:00 am on Monday, July 20, 2026.

All City of Bartow employees are considered EOC essential in times of emergency. An e-role will be provided to each employee when an emergency is declared.

As a City of Bartow employee, you are a public servant of a local entity and are responsible to adhere to the Florida State Statute governing the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees (Florida State Statute Chapter 112). Additionally, all Bartow employees are subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida State Statutes which governs public records.