County Planner

WORK PERFORMED/JOB FUNCTIONS: Management of the Planning and Zoning Board and the County Solid Waste Program. Provides direction to staff and citizens regarding County Ordinances, subdivisions, the Wetland Conservation Act, Comprehensive Local Water Planning, Agricultural Inspection, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Administration, SSTS Program Administration, Cass County Shoreland and Buffer Program Administration, AIS Management and Prevention, and Solid Waste Program Administration. Coordinates projects to conduct comprehensive analysis of county-wide issues and programs. Develops and monitors standards, controls, policies and procedures necessary to administer programs and services. Makes recommendations on projects to applicable county committees, pertinent department heads, County Administrator, and to the Cass County Board of Commissioners. Provides specialized planning assistance in developing a continuous improvement and evaluation program and facilitates group processes when requested. Provides project management for assigned projects, including developing work plans, monitoring contracts for services, assigning and monitoring work, project reporting, and approving project expenditures. Assists the department Director in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the office, including long-range planning, zoning administration and enforcement, subdivision administration, and other related functions. Conducts various types of public meetings, forums and hearings; prepares information for public distribution; and represents the county’s policies and positions at community meetings. Serves on task forces, committees, and other community organizations to provide information and expertise in the assigned project areas. Reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission/Board of Adjustment on conditional use permits, variance applications, zoning, and rezoning. Develops, modifies, or drafts land use policies or zoning ordinances and makes recommendations to the Director. Provides technical assistance and consultation to townships and municipalities in development of local zoning regulations. Interprets county regulations for township and municipal officials. Prepares written comments/reports relative to application of county land use regulations for township and municipal use in local decision-making. Promotes effective intergovernmental planning through periodic meetings with local township planning commission members and municipal planning staff. Prepares components of long-range comprehensive land use plans and presents plans at public hearings and community meetings and manages the planning activity resources in accordance with plans, ordinances, policies, rules and laws. Assists in the hiring, training, coaching, and evaluation of staff or consultants. Prepares work plans, schedules, correspondence, and communication materials. Provides leadership and technical planning assistance to elected officials on environmental projects and grant projects including grants with MN State agencies and various Foundations, etc. Assists in preparation of annual strategic plan and departmental budget process to ensure the mission and programs of the department are managed responsibly. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Must have considerable knowledge in the management of staff, Federal, State, and Local regulations and laws regarding planning and zoning, wetlands, feedlots, agricultural inspection, SSTS, soil and water districts, and water quality monitoring. Must demonstrate and have the ability to perform high level technical writing. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both in writing and orally. Must have the technical ability to review plans and designs, make comprehensive recommendations, and prepare reports. Must have the ability to supervise professional office and field staff. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with county officials, other public entities and the public. Should be able to analyze and assess local needs in assigned program areas and implement department and State objectives and policies.

Must have technical knowledge regarding erosion and sediment control and related engineering practices. The ability to prepare, submit and report on a variety of local, state and federal grant programs and projects is essential.

MINIMUM TRAINING, EXPERIENCE OR CERTIFICATIONS: Master of Arts or Master of Science in planning, public administration, or directly related discipline and three (3) years of experience is preferred or; Bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management, planning or related field based on area of assignment, such as urban and regional studies, geography, public administration, and five (5) years planning experience, or; Must possess a valid Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Light to medium physical activities requiring hiking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, near and far acuity, depth perception, and color vision. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds. Work in the field will include exposure to weather and wet conditions as well as inside work in an office setting.

HOURLY RATE: $35.90 - $46.87

CLOSING DATE: Friday, December 2, 2022 @ 4:30 PM

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