Principal Planner

City of Coral Gables, FL

$79K — $123K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies or related field.
  • Master's degree in a related field preferred.
  • AICP certification preferred.
  • Five years of professional planning, architecture, urban design, or landscape architecture experience.
  • Valid Florida Driver's License.

Responsibilities

  • Provide planning support for city programs including zoning overlays and park design.
  • Develop strategies for community growth and revitalization efforts.
  • Assist in rewriting and updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Code.
  • Participate in reviews of planning applications and development projects.
  • Prepare and present staff reports to various boards and committees.
  • Respond to public inquiries regarding planning and zoning activities.
  • Review construction plans for compliance with zoning regulations.

Benefits

  • 16 holidays including 3 floating days.
  • Annual leave starting at 94 hours.
  • Fully paid health insurance by the City.
  • Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 annually.
  • Retirement plan options including mandatory contributions and employer match.
Full Job Description
Salary: $79,515.74 - $123,249.55 Annually
Location : City of Coral Gables, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 966
Department: Development Services Department
Opening Date: 09/09/2026

Summary
This position performs professional work in town planning and urban design, under the supervision of the Planning and Zoning Director.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Provides professional planning support for City programs, including neighborhood plans, zoning overlays, transportation studies, park design, city buildings, and related studies.

Contributes creative and innovative professional guidance in the implementation of planning and zoning policies and programs. Analyzes town planning and urban design problems, identifies consequences, and implements recommendations in support of goals. Develops strategies and recommendations related to growth, development, redevelopment, revitalization, and the physical organization of the community.

Assists in the re-write and preparation of amendments and updates to the elements of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Zoning Code, and the City Code.

Participates in the review of Planning and Zoning Division applications, including Development Review Committee (DRC), comprehensive land use plan amendments, re-zonings, developments of regional impact, notice of proposed change applications, annexations, site plans, plats, abandonments, and conditional uses.

Prepares staff reports for Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission meetings.

Presents findings and staff recommendations to supervisors, neighborhood groups, applicable Boards and Committees, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the City Commission.

Provides information to applicants, property owners, and the public on the comprehensive land use plan, zoning codes, and city codes. Assists applicants, citizens, and City employees throughout the development review process.

Represents the Planning and Zoning Division at various public meetings, including civic and homeowner association meetings. Responds to inquiries from the public regarding planning and zoning activities.

Reviews and analyzes plans for proposed construction covering residential, mixed use projects, and commercial projects to determine conformity to applicable Zoning Codes, regulations, and maps.

Consults and coordinates with City staff in other Departments, as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, or related field. Master's degree in a related field, preferred.

AICP certification, preferred.

Five (5) years of professional planning, architecture, urban design or landscape architecture experience.

Valid Florida Driver's License.

A comparable amount of training or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
HOLIDAYS: 16 days including 3 floating days.

SICK LEAVE: 110 hours annually.

ANNUAL LEAVE: 94 hours in the first year of employment, increasing up to 210 after 25 years. Employees must take 40 hours of annual leave each year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: 5 or 10 days for the death of a family member in accordance with the City's Personnel Rules & Regulations.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Fully paid by the City (HMO Select). Coverage becomes effective 1st of month following 30 days. Employee may purchase coverage for eligible dependents at a cost of approximately 50% of the premium.

DENTAL INSURANCE: Available at a cost to all employees through payroll deduction.

LIFE INSURANCE: Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment equal to 1 x annual salary (up to $200,000) fully paid by the City.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: Several plans are available, such as Short Term Disability, Life Insurance and Critical Illness policies through payroll deductions.

LEGAL SERVICES: Legal Service plan available at a cost to all employees through payroll deductions.

POST EMPLOYMENT HEALTH PLAN (PEHP): The City deposits $950 annually into an individual account for each employee. Monies may be used to pay premiums or medical expenses after retirement.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Employees may defer a portion of their pre-tax salary in the 457 Deferred Compensation Program.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: $2,000 per semester ($6,000 maximum annually) as per the City's Rules and Regulations.

CELL PHONE: Cell phone provided at a monthly cost of $20.00, if required by department.

RECREATIONAL USE: Employee, spouse and immediate family members seventeen (17) years of age and under are entitled to the benefits below:

- Venetian Pool - No charge for daily admission.
- Tennis Centers - No charge for daily court fees
- Youth Center - 50% off residential rates for memberships and 25% off camps and other programs.

Golf at Biltmore & Granada:

- Monday through Friday - no charge
- Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:
- Before Noon - Twilight fees apply
- After Noon - No charge
(cart fees apply at all times)

PENSION:

City Retirement Plan - Mandatory employee contribution of 10 % of salary; Vesting period is 10 years.

OR

Defined Contribution - 401a - Contribution by City of 7% of employee base annual salary. Vesting period 5 years. Employee not required to contribute.
***Note: Benefits subject to change.***
01

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have a Master's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have an AICP certification?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have five (5) years of professional planning, architecture, urban design or landscape architecture experience?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have a valid Florida Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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