COUNTY PLANNER

County Planner

This is a professional level position in the Land Services Department that reports to the Zoning & Planning Manager. This position is responsible for advancing the county's comprehensive planning and land use regulation, in accordance with applicable statutes, ordinances, and policy objectives. This position provides professional planning expertise in the evaluation of development proposals, preparation of long range plans, analysis of demographic and environmental data, and interpretation of land use regulations. The County Planner collaborates with internal departments, local jurisdictions, elected bodies, and the public to support informed decision making and to ensure that growth and development are consistent with the County's long term vision and regulatory framework.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with Integrity and Build Trust
• Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions
• Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints
• Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives
• Drive for Results
• Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes
• Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results
• Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth
• Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential
• Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team
• Lead with Vision and Strategy
• Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives
• Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking
• Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives
• Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment
• Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization
• Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking
• Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service
• Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community
• Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes
• Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
• Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations
• Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks
• Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others

Essential Job Functions

Develop and implement County strategic plans, land use plans, and long range planning initiatives, including the Comprehensive Plan and Farmland Preservation Plan. Prepare planning documents, reports, and recommendations for County Committees and the County Board. Assist towns with plan updates and new plan development to ensure alignment with County goals. Respond to public and developer inquiries related to planning, zoning, permits, and County regulations, providing clear guidance within established authority. Provide technical assistance, verbal briefings, and written staff reports to the Planning, Resources and Development Committee, County Board, county officials, and town officials. Support designated County committees with administrative and technical expertise. Assist with ordinance administration related to land use and development to uphold community goals and adopted plans. Draft or contribute to drafting ordinances and ordinance updates related to development controls and community objectives. Conduct research and prepare technical studies on topics such as population, land use, economic development, historic preservation, housing, transportation, and sustainability. Provide data, policy interpretation, recommendations, and technical support for Land Services Department programs to professional clients, local officials, and the public. Identify opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration and implement programs that advance adopted goals and objectives. Perform community engagement activities to gather input and shape local planning efforts and policy development. Design, implement, and analyze community surveys to support County and community projects. Prepare grant applications for federal, state, local, and private funding sources, and assist with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration on behalf of the region. Provide technical assistance to local communities in developing grant applications and administering awarded funds. Communicate with consulting architects, engineers, attorneys, planners, and developers participating in County programs. Recommend project priorities, timelines, and funding strategies to support the implementation of adopted plans. Analyze demographic, economic, and geospatial data to produce GIS maps and visual aids independently or in collaboration with Survey & Land Information staff.

Related Job Functions

Participate in professional meetings and stay current on emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in public planning and development. Attend training sessions, conferences, and events to support ongoing professional development. Perform other related duties as assigned to advance departmental and County objectives.

This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Physical demands: Majority of time is spent in office sitting at desk, reading, writing, using verbal communication, computer terminal, various office equipment including calculator, judgment and near vision; and waiting on customers at the counter and moving to other areas within the department. Sits, stands, and bends intermittently throughout the day. Handles papers, manuals and other office materials. Occasional time is spent outdoors performing field verification activities that would require driving a vehicle to County sites.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of local planning, zoning, and land division principles, policies, and processes. Thorough understanding of County and municipal governmental structures and functions. Proficiency in planning research methods and data analysis techniques. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, community stakeholders, and partner organizations. Proficiency with Esri ArcGIS Pro and the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Skill in engaging diverse local groups to build consensus and communicate shared community priorities. Ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent tasks, and meet deadlines. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to develop and deliver effective technical training. Effective customer relations and networking skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop professional project deliverables.

Training, Experience and Other Requirements

Four-year college degree in the field of Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Civil Engineering, Geography/GIS, Environmental Science, or related field. Master's degree in public administration or planning is preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred or ability to obtain. A minimum of 5 years' experience in planning or similar field. A combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience collaborating with agencies, departments, co-workers and customers on short- and long-range projects. Ability to develop professional relationships to aid in collaboration. Preference given to those applicants with project leadership experience. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to pass a driving check.