Planning & Environmental Services Director

Winona County is accepting applications for this position until the position is filled; however preference will be given to those that apply by 4:00 p.m. February 15, 2024. Please attach resume, cover letter and work-related references to your online application.

This position starts at $3,947.86/bi-weekly (DOQ) with advancement up to $5,372.48/bi-weekly.

Characteristics of Class:
Under administrative direction of the County Administrator, an employee in this classification directs and coordinates the activities of the Planning and Environmental Services Department, which is responsible for overseeing areas of specialization encompassing planning and zoning, State-mandated programs, and environmental services.  The position requires independent work, directing the development and implementation of services.  An employee in this classification works closely with the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and County Board to maintain and implement the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Water Management Plan, One Watershed, One Plan, Solid Waste Plan, Parks and Trails Plans, EDA Revolving Loan Fund and all associated ordinances and regulations. The position also maintains and enforces subdivision regulations, floodplain, shoreland and wetland laws for areas outside incorporated sections of Winona County. Immediate supervision is exercised over technical and clerical employees within the Planning and Environmental Services Department.

Examples of Duties:
Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples listed in their relative order of importance include all the duties, that may be found in positions of this class.

• Develops long-range plans for land and water use for area outside incorporated sections of Winona County.  Prepares draft plans, policies and ordinances to implement long-range plans.
• Oversees and enforces planning and zoning, subdivision, sewage treatment, water management (inclusive of the Water Plan), water systems, soil erosion, wetland, shoreland, floodplain, livestock feedlot laws or other areas of the Winona County Zoning Ordinance and regulations as developed or implemented by Winona County or the State of Minnesota.
• Supervises inspection of properties to ensure compliance with applicable planning, zoning, and environmental regulations.
• Coordinates departmental interaction with land use planning and zoning actions of local cities, townships, and state offices.  Consults with other County, State, and Federal Officials as needed.  Acts as delegated liaison between Winona County Planning and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• Manages compliance and complaints relating to land use, stormwater/runoff, wetland, shoreland, septic, feedlot and solid waste violation through investigations, documentation and careful adherence to guidance documents and laws.
• Prepares department budgets which include land use, conservation of natural resources (septic, feedlot, watershed, invasive species), parks, extension, economic development, and solid waste abatement (recycling and household hazardous waste management). Develops, implements, and evaluates departmental policies and priorities.
• Responsible for supervision, training, and staff performance evaluation.  
• Approves the issuance of permits and/or licenses and maintains appropriate records for such issuance.
• Prepares an analysis of State funding for Department programs and State mandates and evaluates related legislation and applicability to department projects and budgets.  In coordination with the County Administrator, provides a comprehensive overview of county program expenditures and staffing needs relating to State-mandated programs.
• Communicates with County residents about departmental activities affecting those residents.  Coordinates content for programmatic outreach for department websites and other social media outlets.  
• Writes and administers ordinances, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of new laws and regulations pertaining to land use and water quality management.
• Coordinates the on-line permitting program and agendas, petitions, packets, public hearings and required exhibits for the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Parks and Environment Committee, Extension Committee and County Board regarding applications and/or petitions submitted, regulations, goals, program budgets, policies, and requests for variances from regulation or policies that require review and action.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Any combination of training and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 For Pre-Employment:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Urban and Regional Planning, Land Use/Urban Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Science, or closely related field; OR
• Master's degree from an accredited college/university in Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Science or closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in planning and zoning, waste management and/or environmental health; including at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Legal and economic development training or work experience and/or an ability to read and understand complex legislation is highly desired. 
• Must have experience or training in Public Administration.
• Must have strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens, and other customers.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a background check.

For full job classification including ADA requirements, click here.

For a copy of the position profile, click here.

For a copy of the benefit statement for this position, click here.