Position Purpose
This is a professional planning position primarily responsible for conducting and administering both long range and current planning and associated implementation efforts. This position requires the discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and policies of the work unit, must perform complex research and analysis of planning data, and will serve as lead planner on complicated planning projects, including long-range comprehensive planning updates and amendments and other corridor, district and area-wide plans. Under the supervision of the Development & Land Services Director, develops plans, programs, policies and ordinances related to the preparation and implementation of the County Comprehensive Plan and affiliated plans. Performs related duties including preparing reports, presentations, writing grant proposals, collaborating with various county departments and units of government, providing information and assistance to the general public and others, etc.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Reporting to the Director, acts as a lead planner in developing and overseeing complex long-range planning efforts. Typical planning projects include countywide comprehensive planning (including land use), greenway/trails planning, parks/open space planning, sustainability planning, and farmland preservation planning.
Undertakes projects and initiatives related to implementation of plans noted above. Identifies, researches, and pursues policy changes, funding sources, and partnerships to aid in achieving implementation.
Prepares grant applications for financial assistance from federal, state and private agencies; administers grant funds.
In coordination with Zoning staff, meets with and provides assistance to developers, property owners, community organizations, county departments and individuals regarding planning concepts, and the planning and development review process, including application requirements, applicable zoning regulations and other polices and standards.
In coordination with Zoning & Highway staff, assist in the administration of the county Zoning and Subdivision ordinance, official map, and other development-related tools, policies & ordinances. This including preparing staff reviews and recommendations on highway access requests, subdivisions, rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment requests, and preparing and presenting land use information to the County Zoning Committee, Town Boards and Plan Commissions, and other boards, commissions and ad-hoc groups as necessary.
Write, or assist in writing, new or updates to a variety of land-use ordinances such as zoning, land division, and other development related ordinances and policies in a manner that is consistent with the County Comprehensive Plan.
Provide the Director with advice, recommendations, and alternatives on plans, projects and programs for which the Department is responsible, including all potentially controversial elements.
Aid the Director in supervising intern staff.
In coordination with the Director, develop, oversee and implement county-sponsored community development and planning programs to advance plan implementation. These include the county greenway and revolving loan funds.
Provides planning technical assistance to county departments and local municipalities in the general areas of transportation, land use, environment, and community/economic development.
Coordinates and works with local, regional, state and federal agencies on planning and development issues.
Coordinate and facilitate various stakeholder groups, organize and facilitate public meetings, engage all stakeholder groups, and troubleshoot to resolve concerns encountered during planning process.
Conducts field investigations, surveys, collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data, and prepares analytical analyses, presentations, graphics and reports.
Keeps informed of current trends in the planning field, including legislation, court rulings, and professional practices and techniques; evaluates their impact on county operations and recommends any needed policy and procedural improvements.
Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works extra hours as required, and attends a substantial number of evening meetings.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related field and three to five years’ experience required. Master’s degree and AICP certification preferred. Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
Required or Preferred Skills
Self-motivated, energetic individual with excellent customer service and oral/written communication.
Ability to manage projects and contractors, interns and cross-functional teams.
Theories, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources and trends in the fields of current and long-range planning.
Understanding and command of the application, modification and interrelationships among codes, ordinances, policies, standards, practices and laws associated with the planning and zoning function in Wisconsin counties; applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including state planning and zoning statutes.
Statistical analysis techniques and research methodologies related to planning; terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and the preparation of planning exhibits, documents and recommendations.
Familiarity with land use, physical & structural design, demographic, environmental, and socioeconomic concepts as they relate to county planning.
Ability to analyze and develop creative solutions to planning related problems, and explain complex policy recommendations in a manner that is collaborative with our local communities and stakeholders, and that the general public can understand and grasp.
Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including personal computer, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, etc.
Ability to operate a variety of map making, design, and data collection & analysis tools including ESRI software, Microsoft excel, survey tools etc.
Ability to pay close attention to detail and work with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percents, and make use of the principles of descriptive statistics and college level algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Ability to create and produce maps using cartographic principals. Ability to utilize data to develop graphs and charts.
Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including survey and other maps, DOT recommendations, site plans, permits, deeds, County and other ordinances and statutes, planning reports, etc.
Ability to prepare a variety of documents including building and sanitary planning reports, maps, procedure manuals, billing statements, letters, and other correspondence.
Ability to use and interpret civil engineering, zoning statutes, and related terminology.
Ability to communicate effectively with County departments, town officials, surveyors, local agencies, and the general public verbally and in writing.
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