Planning and Resource Management Director

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Leads, directs, administers, and reviews the operation of division programs. Directs process changes and improvements as necessary to accomplish strategic objectives of the county. Integrates the various functional areas of the division in developing and implementing enhancements to existing programs and services as well as new programs and services.  

• Assures services and programs provided are consistent with laws, rules, and accepted standards of practice through direct involvement in program development, coordination, and problem solving.   

• Supervises/oversees the operations, activities, and staff (hiring, directing, assigning, setting work priorities, developing, conducting performance evaluations, disciplining) of the division.  

• Develops and manages the division's annual business plan and budget (operating and capital) to address county and division needs. Identifies and allocates resources to departments to ensure division goals are attained in a cost-effective manner.  

• In coordination with other divisions, assesses county needs, prepares plans and strategies for the delivery of division programs and services to address those needs, and provides leadership through the implementation plan.   

• Within the division, leads implementation of the county's employee and organizational development policies and programs.  

• Keeps abreast of new legislation on policies as it would affect the division; works with County Administration to coordinate legislative communication, information gathering, and testimony at the legislature as appropriate.  

• Directs the preparation of required regional, state, and federal reports on program activity and effectiveness.

• Provides department managers, County Administration, and elected officials with technical information, status reports, and policy options related to division programs and operations.  

• Initiates and directs the preparation of comprehensive plan elements, programs, visioning documents, and planning studies; influences county, townships, cities, and Met Council on long-range planning issues.  

• Influences and provides leadership and technical planning assistance to advisory commissions and elected officials on development projects within the county's unincorporated areas.  

• Advises county staff, landowners, township officials, public agencies, and developers on existing and proposed projects and programs.  

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

• Oversees staff mapping, research, and maintenance of decennial census program.  

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Works 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 duties as required or assigned.

Requires equivalency of a bachelor's degree in a directly related field (master's preferred) and eight years of experience in comprehensive land use planning and/or program development/project management related to physical development with emphasis on local government planning, including two years supervisory experience. Incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

AICP certification is highly preferred.

The employee is under general supervision from the County Administrator and reports on matters of significant importance and those needing policy decisions. The employee exercises independent judgment in providing advice and assistance to subordinates and the public in accordance with County Plans, practices and department policies. Additional guidance and controls are through the County Planning Advisory Commission, County Board, and federal/state statutes and regulations. Work is reviewed for adherence to policy.  

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

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 in the principles, legal framework (including state-imposed deadlines for decisions), practices, and techniques of comprehensive planning, zoning administration, organizational analysis, and public involvement processes, preferably in a high growth area.

Knowledge of comprehensive land use plans related to urban, rural, and transitional land use environments.

Knowledge of the county, its topography, political structure and organization, policies, practices, and services.

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

Knowledge of transportation planning, storm water management, environmental health, erosion and sediment control, and parks and recreation principles.

Knowledge of facilities and fleet management principles and asset management.

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Ability – Ability to conduct data analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other specialized software applications for comprehensive planning and growth management studies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other staff members, clients, and community groups.

Ability to develop work plans, organize, and lead work activities effectively and prioritize tasks.

Ability in all phases of planning, including regional planning, comprehensive planning and zoning, and subdivision ordinance administration.

Ability to analyze and synthesize mapping data.

Ability to use various software packages, including MS Office software, for the performance of essential duties and a basic understanding of geographic information systems.

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

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

Ability to work independently, without close supervision.

Ability to provide effective leadership, promote teamwork, supervise, and motivate staff.

Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

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

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

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

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.