Principal Planner - Zoning

Job Summary

Manages land use applications relating to the physical development of Scott County. Manages county departments' and external agencies' review and approval of development proposals. Coordinates and facilitates communication and cooperative working relationships between county departments, outside agencies, cities, townships, and the public to solve mutual problems. Works cooperatively with communities concerning short- and long-range planning activities and proactive growth management implementation. Manages, develops, and completes planning and infrastructure studies, including management of consultants as appropriate. Assists the Zoning Administrator in management of the department. Assists landowners, developers, and the public related to the growth management, development, and redevelopment of land. Interprets, implements, enforces, and amends county plans, ordinances, and department policies.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Manages complex development projects for compliance with adopted plans and ordinances, and manages internal and external federal, state, county, and local agency review of the project.

• Provides detailed comprehensive plan and ordinance interpretation services and advises developers, contractors, attorneys, architects, consultants, site evaluators, surveyors, engineers, wetland delineators, elected officials, and public by phone, meetings, written correspondence, and at the counter on land use issues.

• Assists the Zoning Administrator with administration of the department as directed; assists in the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of other department staff; regularly directs department functions for special projects; assists in the preparation of the annual budget, strategic plan, and program evaluation; ensures the completion of activities in the absence of the Zoning Administrator

• Prepares comprehensive plan and ordinance updates. Completes and participates in special land-use, transportation, and infrastructure studies in the county. Serves as staff liaison to cities in the county related to land use, utilities, and transportation plans and projects.  

• Oversees and directs department staff in the review of complex minor subdivisions, building permits, sign permits, grading permits, and other administrative permits for compliance with adopted plans and ordinances.

• Directs and oversees complex enforcement and legal proceedings of the department relative to specific issues or projects. Confers with the County Attorney's office as needed.

• Coordinates, directs, and oversees various meetings and projects, including data management and ongoing continuous improvement efforts.

• Drafts, reviews, and enforces orderly annexation agreements and promotes implementation of appropriate growth management tools and the orderly extension of utilities.

• Coordinates the management of the Development Review Team (DRT) process by setting agendas, leading discussions on more complex projects, disseminating notes to applicant, and ensuring quality of customer service.

• Coordinates and facilities communication and cooperative working relationships between planning, zoning, building, land records, taxation, surveyors office, and GIS to provide seamless "Life of a Parcel" services to the customer.

• Oversees Senior and Associate Planner on regular Planner of the Day (POD) duties and on review of building and planning permits.

• Works with the Addressing Coordinator, Senior Planner, and Associate Planner to ensure quality control on assigning site addresses to new properties or modifying site addresses for existing properties.

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred) in Urban or Regional Planning, Geography, or related field and five years of experience in planning and project management related to development review, land use planning, transportation, and/or special studies. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Preference given for membership with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general supervision of the Zoning Administrator who makes work assignments and outlines general procedures and policies to be followed. Additional controls are imposed through the application of provisions in federal and state laws and ordinances covering land use activities. Work is reviewed through written reports, public presentations, conferences, and results achieved.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing planning, subdivision, and zoning functions.

Knowledge and understanding of surveying, engineering, and design standards, and ability to interpret technical information.

Knowledge of the principles of land use planning and its relationship to political structure and organization, policies, planning practices, and public services.

Abilities – Ability to exercise expertise in all phases of planning, including regional planning, comprehensive planning, zoning, and subdivision ordinance administration.

Ability to use various software packages, including word processing, CityView (Planning permit management software), Microsoft SharePoint, Excel Spreadsheets, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Ability to exercise initiative, imagination, and problem-solving in a variety of planning and zoning situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, land use agencies, developers, contractors, and the public.

Ability to work independently and proactively.

Ability to interpret and enforce laws and ordinances related to land use and developments.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to write technical and concise reports.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires field work, typically in a construction-oriented setting, and inside work, typically in an office setting. One may be exposed to construction site hazards such as falling debris, moving equipment, chemical/dust exposure, treacherous surfaces, etc. when traversing inspection sites.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.  

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.