Zoning & Planning Administrator

Are you passionate about shaping communities and ensuring responsible land use? Dunn County is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Zoning & Planning Administrator to lead the enforcement of local and state land use regulations while assisting our residents in achieving compliance with these important standards.

In this role, you'll be at the forefront of land use planning and enforcement, guiding development, conducting inspections, and resolving zoning issues to maintain the integrity of our county’s ordinances. You’ll also play a key role in developing plans, reviewing permits, and fostering collaboration between the public and local government.

If you're a skilled problem solver with a knack for planning and policy, and you thrive in a role that combines technical expertise with community impact, this opportunity is for you!

Be a part of Dunn County’s vision for thoughtful growth and sustainable development—apply today!

The salary range for this position is $80,766.00 to $105,976.00 annually, with a projected starting salary between $80,766.00 and $85,280.00, depending on qualifications and experience.

Mission Statement

The Environmental Services Department (ENS) consists of three Divisions working as a team to serve the public regarding development and environmental issues. Each Division is efficient, accountable, and fiscally responsible in providing its services within the framework of allotted resources.

Planning & Zoning Division

• Sustainability Action Plan
• Outdoor Recreation Plan
• Comprehensive Land Use Plans
• Bicycle Pedestrian Pathways Plan
• Farmland Preservation (Coming Soon)
• Dunn County Visioning Project
• Zoning
• Sanitation
• Wisconsin Fund Program (for sanitary system replacement)

Primary Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Interprets, analyzes, and makes recommendations related to land-use decisions including rezoning, special exceptions, and land splits.
• Develops, maintains, and amends County planning documents including Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Farmland Preservation Plan, and Sustainability Plane.
• Develops, maintains, and amends County ordinances including Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and shoreland/wetland Ordinance.
• Supervises staff, schedules and assigns work, reviews reports, approves time card and time-off requests, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Participates and collaborates with the Self-Directed Management Team on department-related issues/functions.
• Develops and maintains division budget.
• Attends and facilitates public hearings; attends County Board meetings for approvals.
• Reviews applications and issues permits.
• Interprets, analyzes, and enforces the Zoning Ordinance.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Land Planning, Economic Development, Soil Science, or other related field.
• Requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in planning and/or zoning.

 
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to travel between work locations.
• Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.

 
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS
In order to perform the duties of the Planner/Zoning Administrator position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential for Planner/Zoning Administrator to possess.

• Comprehensive knowledge of planning and zoning policies, practices, procedures, legal guides, recommendations, best practices, ordinances, and laws.
• Comprehensive knowledge of division reporting requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of grant justifications and reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of standard office equipment, standard office software, and GIS/Mapping software.
• Some knowledge of accounting software.
• Ability to make arithmetic computations, compute rates, ratios and percentages and understand and apply governmental accounting practices in the maintenance of financial records.
• Ability to organize and convey complex ideas and concepts in simple terms, verbally, in writing, and graphics.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships.
• Ability to follow Dunn County policies and procedures including those pertaining to confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize and organize job assignments.
• Ability to manage time effectively, manage multiple projects, and complete work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position.

 
MINIMUM LANGUAGE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 
In order to perform the duties of the Planner/Zoning Administrator position (listed above) the following language skills are essential for the Planner/Zoning Administrator to possess. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff members, elected and appointed officials, businesses, agencies, supervisors, and the general public in written and verbal form.
• English skills (oral, written, and comprehension) sufficient to effectively communicate with all internal and external customers.

 
MINIMUM REASONING ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS
In order to perform the duties of the Planner/Zoning Administrator position (listed above) the following reasoning abilities are essential for the Planner/Zoning Administrator to possess.

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must have the ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

 
MINIMUM MATHEMATICAL ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS
In order to perform the duties of the Planner/Zoning Administrator position (listed above) the following mathematical skills are essential for the Planner/Zoning Administrator to possess.

• Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.

 
In evaluating candidates for this position, Dunn County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Physical and Work Environment

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Human Resources.  
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical effort will typically require infrequent exertion of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Continuous speaking, hearing, and using hands dexterously; work frequently requires sitting; and work occasionally requires standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• The physical and environmental hazards and risks associated with the job can be characterized as minimal.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, moderate traffic).

 
Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dunn County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge that you have read our job posting in its entirety and meet the basic requirements outlined above. Dunn County looks forward to reviewing your application.