JOB DESCRIPTION

Two leadership opportunities to shape the growth, character, and long-range vision of the community at the center of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan area.

The City of Ocala (pop. 73,000) is the county seat of Marion County and the principal city of the Ocala metropolitan area. Located in North Central Florida along Interstate 75, Ocala sits within easy reach of Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville while maintaining the character of a historic, close-knit community.

Ocala is growing quickly and has led the nation in percentage population growth for two consecutive years. Ocala is internationally known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” home to hundreds of thoroughbred farms and training centers and to the World Equestrian Center. A strong and diversifying economy, a thoughtful approach to managing growth, a rich history, and a Florida lifestyle with no state personal income tax make Ocala an attractive place to build both a career and a life.

The City of Ocala operates under a council-manager form of government. Voters elect a five-member City Council and a Mayor on a nonpartisan basis. The Mayor serves a two-year term, and Council members serve staggered four-year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager, who oversees the day-to-day administration of City operations.

The City of Ocala is seeking two experienced and forward-thinking planning professionals: a Planning Director and a Principal Planner. Both positions are part of the Planning Division of the Growth Management Department, which brings together planning, building services, code enforcement, community redevelopment, and economic development functions. The City is seeking collaborative, knowledgeable, and community-minded planning professionals who can help Ocala manage rapid growth while protecting the historic character and quality of life that make the city special.

Planning Director candidates should possess:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, or public administration, master’s degree is preferred, with ten years of experience, including supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Principal Planner candidates should possess:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, or public administration, master’s degree is preferred, with eight years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and GIS application certification is preferred.

The salary range for the Planning Director is $96,542 - $159,805 and for the Principal Planner is $79,743 – $131,964 depending on qualifications and experience.

The City of Ocala offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid long-term disability; an Employee Health & Wellness Center; an Employee Assistance Program; deferred compensation; paid holidays and leave; and training opportunities. Click here to review the current benefit package: City of Ocala - Employee Benefits

Interested candidates should apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com by December 11, 2026. Qualified candidates may apply online with a resume and cover letter for one or both positions. For more information or questions, please feel free to contact Sarah McKee, MGT Senior Consultant at 847-380-3240 ext. 120.

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of the service members and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment by the state and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. If requesting Veteran's preference, please email form DD214 to humancapital@mgt.us. (Please redact any personal information)

The City of Ocala is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, arrest record, ethnic background, pregnancy, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The City of Ocala does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics from supervisors, co-workers, citizens, or customers. Nor does the City of Ocala tolerate retaliation against employees who report violations of this policy. For reporting information, contact any supervisor or Human Resources. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

All applicants are advised that applications in Florida become a matter of public record upon receipt.