Senior Planner- Planning and Parks

Exempt Position

Pay Range: $35.56 - 45.44

Summary

This position is responsible for guiding the overall management of the Department’s planning and geographic information system (GIS) functions, including comprehensive, park and open space, farmland preservation planning, environmental and natural resource analysis and reviews, county-owned lands zoning, land division reviews, and strategic planning initiatives. The role supports participating local units of government with the development, revision, and implementation of local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. The position coordinates and implements the Department’s GIS mapping, data management, and spatial analysis across all Divisions and programs. It provides technical support for planning, environmental, and parks and trail projects, and contributes to education and outreach efforts, including website and social media content development. The position also assists with grant development, writing, and reporting to support Department initiatives.

Planning (35%)

• Supports all aspects of the Department’s planning responsibilities, including development, revision, amendment, and implementation of the Multi-Jurisdictional Comprehensive Plan, Park and Open Space Plan, Farmland Preservation Plan, and other countywide and partner planning initiatives (e.g. Housing Plan, Park Master Planning, Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning, Brownfields, Coastal Hazards, Emergency Management, Land Information Modernization Plan).
• Assists with the preparation of ecological, tourism and recreation planning documents and the development, application and use of GIS decision-support tools.
• Provides comprehensive planning and zoning assistance to participating local units of government as requested.
• Assists in the administration of the Ozaukee County-Owned Lands Zoning Ordinance, Floodplain and Shoreland Protection Zoning Ordinances, including GIS mapping and data management.
• Contributes to the development of reports, grants, and related initiatives supporting Department programs.
• Review land divisions and prepare staff reports including GIS mapping. Conducts planning, GIS, land use, and environmental reviews and reports for land divisions and zoning actions.
• Provides staff support, data, and reporting (technical, budget and narrative) for various County committees and boards.

Geographic Information Systems (30%)

• Manages the data collection, development, integration, and maintenance of the Department’s GIS, GPS, and environmental, land use and recreation databases and layers, particularly as relates to the Land Information Modernization Plan.
• Coordinates with multiple County departments to ensure effective data sharing, technical support, and system integration.
• Maintains and updates planned land use maps and other GIS-based planning resources.
• Provides GIS and mapping support for grant applications, project reporting, and permit submissions across federal, state, local, and private partners.
• Assists with the management of the Department’s website, social media, and online GIS data layers.
• Coordinates with the Land Information Office on development and management of shared data and data layers.
• Innovation for cartography and mapping of complex data and analysis.
• Assist and train other Department staff on GIS and analysis tools.

Technical and Committee Support (20%)

• Provide general technical Planning and GIS support to all Department Divisions and professional staff.
• Prepare minutes, materials and reports (technical, budget and narrative) for various Boards and Committees including the County Board, Natural Resources Committee, Comprehensive Planning Board, Ozaukee Interurban Trail Advisory Council and other ad-hoc committees, boards and councils (Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council).
• Develop, track and report on benchmarks, measures, milestones, outcomes and metrics for the County Board, County Committees, the Department, and for multiple grants and projects.
• Develop and manage Department databases in coordination with staff, program and design spreadsheets, compile, analyze and report on statistical data, and create mailing lists particularly for land division and zoning items.
• Assists with GIS and GPS mapping/databases, data collection and analysis for water quality, fish, avian and wildlife monitoring, invasive species management, park and trail projects and other related efforts.
• Design and implement user and public opinion surveys.
• Provide planning and assistance for brownfield, coastal hazard and bluff stability initiatives and projects.
• Assists in training and supervision of Planning and Parks Department interns, limited term staff and volunteers.

Education, Outreach, Marketing and Economic Development (10%)

• Support the Department’s public education and outreach efforts including the development of maps, brochures, presentations, and educational signage and displays.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of Department and partner (e.g. Ozaukee County Tourism) websites, social media, e-newsletters, and outreach materials.
• Promotes public awareness, community engagement, and economic vitality through digital content, events, and collaborative initiatives.
• Represent the Department at community and education and outreach events and conduct outreach to residents, local governments and partner organizations.
• Develop and provide accurate information on Department programs, services and facilities, FAQ sheets and other summaries.
• Retrieve and maintain resources available to the public including electronic and hard copy documents and educational resources.
• Supports the NOAA Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary and other tourism and cultural heritage initiatives through planning, mapping, outreach, and interagency coordination.
• Contributes to marketing and communication efforts that highlight Ozaukee County’s parks, trails, waterways, natural resources, and cultural attractions.

Other Duties (5%)

Perform other duties in support of the Department’s mission as assigned.

Supervision

Reports directly to the Director of Planning and Parks. Assigned to the Planning and Parks Department under the Planning Division. The incumbent follows regulations set forth by the County Board, Natural Resources Committee and Planning and Parks Department. Assists with supervision of temporary, limited term staff and interns.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning, geographic information systems (GIS), engineering, geography, environmental science, applied ecology, landscape architecture or a closely related field and proven experience in these fields.
• Master’s Degree or additional certifications (i.e. GIS, AutoCAD) preferred.

Experience

• Two to five years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, GIS, geography, engineering, environmental science, applied ecology, landscape architecture or a closely related field. Valid Driver’s License required. AICP Certification is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Customer Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional customer/public experiences, addressing inquiries and resolving complaints with professionalism and courtesy.
• Interpersonal Communication: Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with customers, staff, government agencies, non-profits, community groups, committees, and County Board Supervisors.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle customer and team disputes with empathy, diplomacy, and fairness.
• Adaptability: Manage flexible hours and prioritize tasks in a dynamic, customer/public-facing environment with tight timelines and deadlines.
• Emotional Intelligence: Build rapport, understand customer and team needs, and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate excellent computer skills, including familiarity with email, internet, fax, and systems such as GIS, website development, PayPal, graphical software (e.g. Canva, Adobe) and Mailchimp (or other email distribution / newsletters).
• Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in operations, reporting, and system management.
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups, including the public, interest groups, and non-profit organizations.
• Data Analysis and Problem‑Solving: Analyze complex data, evaluate systems, make implementation recommendations, and solve problems efficiently in a collaborative team environment. Analyze data to provide summaries for Director to be used in Committee and County Board reporting.
• Project and Time Management: Manage projects, research data, prioritize tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of planning, environmental/natural resource science, and land use policies and practices (Wisconsin).
• Comprehensive knowledge of GIS (e.g. ESRI), GPS, spatial databases, and digital mapping programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of a wide variety of land information systems, planning, land division, and zoning laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of parks, trails, recreation, landscape architecture, and park management principles.
• Knowledge of PLSS, surveying and surveying principles, experience with GPS fieldwork is desirable.
• Excellent administrative and data analysis skills.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite, statistical software and ability to learn new systems.
• Working knowledge of ecology, forestry, biology, wildlife and environmental/natural resource science.
• Working knowledge of government processes and agencies, non-profit organizations, and community partners involved in planning, environmental, and tourism efforts.
• Ability to read, understand and write legal descriptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, manage projects, and research data as needed.
• Strong skills in data analysis, statistical evaluation, and report development.
• Proficient in grant writing, research, and program administration.
• Ability to analyze complex data, evaluate systems, and make informed recommendations.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to varied audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, committees, government agencies, non-profit partners, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and provide exceptional customer service.
• Experience in marketing, public outreach, and promotional activities are desirable. Use of graphical software (e.g. Canva, Adobe)
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate projects efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to manage schedules, prioritize work independently, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to train, supervise, and support staff, interns, and volunteers; supervisory experience preferred.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This is primarily an inside work environment with some outside work, including adverse weather, noise, chemicals, physical hazard, and stressful situations. Physical considerations include frequent walking, standing, reaching, twisting, bending, and lifting objects up to 50 lbs. Distractive environment at times. Responsible for work outside of normal work hours as assigned including weekends and evenings.

EOE/ADA Statement

Ozaukee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ozaukee County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Ozaukee County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, disability, genetics, veteran status or military service, marital status or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state or local laws. Ozaukee County also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.

Ozaukee County offers a generous benefits package including: health, dental, life, & vision insurance; free employee health clinic & Teladoc; paid holidays, vacation, & sick time; state of Wisconsin WRS defined benefit pension program; bonus opportunities; employee fitness room; wellness program & wellness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement & continuing education opportunities; and more! Please note some that benefits offered are dependent on full‑time/part‑time status.