JOB DESCRIPTION

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is seeking a dedicated planner to assist in integrating public health considerations into land use, transportation planning, development review, and other decisions that influence the built environment. This position presents a unique opportunity to apply planning expertise within a public health context while contributing to the advancement of healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. 

The role operates within the Environmental Health Division and collaborates closely with health department leadership, Community Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, the Community Health Improvement Partnership, and emergency planning initiatives focused on vulnerable populations. Its primary objective is to identify and promote opportunities to enhance public health outcomes through planning, design, and development decisions.

What You'll Do

• Represent the department at county and municipal meetings, including planning, zoning, development review, and pre-application meetings, as well as various community meetings, to identify concerns and opportunities affecting the built environment and provide informed environmental public health input.
• Review site plans, engineering plans, and development proposals; coordinate environmental health comments; and support policy and plan development related to land use, transportation, sustainability, and community design.
• Engage local governments, community partners, and stakeholders to identify emerging issues, understand community concerns, and leverage partnerships and resources to advance healthier community outcomes.
• Assist in leading community and environmental public health initiatives, including PACE-EH, environmental public health performance standards assessments, and health impact assessments.
• Prepare reports, presentations, GIS maps, and data visualizations to support planning, program evaluation, policy analysis, and decision-making.
• Monitor demographic, environmental, socioeconomic, and health trends and translate findings into actionable recommendations for planning and public health practice.
• Serve as a resource to local officials, partner agencies, community organizations, and the public on issues such as water resources, wastewater management, air quality, transportation, land use, and community health.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in urban, regional planning, or a closely related field.

Why This Role Stands Out

This position sits at the intersection of planning and public health. It provides an opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, advise decision-makers, influence the development of healthier patterns, and support community-wide initiatives to enhance the quality of life in Sarasota County.

BENEFITS

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Tuition Waivers