Land Use Specialist

Description

Waukesha County Parks and Land Use Department's Planning and Zoning Division is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Land Use Specialist. The Land Use Specialist will be responsible for GIS mapping, reviewing and processing various zoning and site plan applications, as well as preparing written staff reports for these and other planning and zoning matters. Additionally, the position will involve some code enforcement responsibilities.

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, geography, or a closely related field.

The 2024 starting salary range is $53,893 to $62,608 (dependent upon qualifications; full range extends to $71,302) coupled with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including excellent health/dental/vision, life insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, 10 holidays, 3 floating holidays, ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year), an exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay for performance system. Successful candidates will be eligible for performance-based merit increases and non-base performance awards.

Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work-life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.

Example of Duties

Under supervision, the Land Use Specialist performs professional work reviewing, interpreting, and enforcing zoning applications and codes, to provide technical information to the public on zoning and land use matters, and to perform other duties as required.

• Provides technical information and assistance to the public concerning zoning ordinances, land division laws, land use planning, permit and appeal processes, and other related land use regulations.
• Investigates possible violations of zoning codes; determines compliance, notifies owner and, where necessary, recommends corrective action and sets deadlines.
• May conduct and attend public hearings; and research and prepare written findings of fact and recommendations on zoning ordinance amendments, conditional uses, and board of adjustment cases.
• Prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the management staff.
• Issues reports and corresponds with parties to comply with zoning ordinances and/or to alter the structure or site to comply with the ordinance; and may issue citations for non-compliance.
• Reviews, researches, and approves zoning and business plans of operation permits which are in conformance with zoning codes and approved conditions.
• Performs field inspections as part of the zoning and business plan of operation permit processes, and to investigate zoning and land use violations.
• May appear as a witness in an appeal hearing or court in regard to violations of zoning codes and regulations.
• May maintain GIS data files for zoning and land use information; maintain zoning and land use maps; process standard and custom map requests; and perform various other technical mapping duties.
• May perform wetland delineations and determinations, and provide technical assistance on the application of shore land and wetland regulations.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with state and local agencies, officials, and the public.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and ordinances governing land use planning and zoning.
• Working knowledge of modern principles and practices of land use planning, zoning, and other related land use issues.
• Working knowledge of zoning and planning research and investigative techniques.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of cartographic drafting.
• Working knowledge of the use and application of GIS technology in land use planning.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of cartographic drafting.
• Ability to analyze and interpret construction plans, maps, and zoning laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Ability to secure facts through investigations and inspections and to effectively analyze and interpret them.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and to prepare clear and detailed oral and written reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and local agencies and officials, and the public.
• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

You must meet this minimum requirement:

Supplemental Information

Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way", we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the wellbeing of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouragement to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves "Is there a better way?"

Located in the City of Waukesha, our campus offers an on-site café and fitness center, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Waukesha County offers a perfect blend of urban and rural living where one can enjoy the benefits of quiet rural lake communities or opt for nearby attractions that the greater Milwaukee area offers including vast beach and park systems, public markets, performing arts, music festivals, and sports including the Milwaukee Admirals, Brewers, Bucks, Wave, Marquette University Golden Eagles and the UW-Milwaukee Panthers Basketball programs.