Dane County Planning and Development has a current vacancy for a full time (1.0 FTE) Zoning Administrator.

The Eligibility List created from this posting may be used for future vacancies within the next six (6) months.

This is a promotional opportunity—external applicants and LTEs are not eligible to apply unless they have completed 3600 hours of LTE Dane County Service.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

The Zoning Administrator is a senior-level, supervisory position within the Dane County Planning and Development Department. Under general supervision and administrative direction of the department director, this position serves as the designated county Zoning Administratorpursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.69. This position administers county zoning and other related land use ordinances and satisfies applicable statutory responsibilities, supervises the Zoning Division of the Planning and Development Department, manages support of the Dane County Zoning and Land Regulation Committee (ZLR), a standing committee of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and performs related duties as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

There are two primary, all-encompassing functions of the Zoning Administrator: Dane County Zoning Administration and Supervision of the Zoning Division. Administers, interprets, and enforces county zoning, natural resource protection, land division, and related chapters of the Dane County Code of Ordinances. Serves as primary liaison with other governmental bodies, local officials, and members of the public on zoning and related land use matters. Supervises all aspects of zoning permit application processes. Coordinates code enforcement investigations and related follow-up. Serves as technical advisor and staff to the Zoning and Land Regulation Committee (ZLR) and Board of Adjustment (BOA). Oversees and supports all aspects of the rezoning and conditional use permit (CUP) application processes of the county. Oversees, maintains, and updates as needed the zoning ordinance text and map. Administers the rural addressing and numbering system. Provides technical advice and prepares reports as needed on land use matters. Provides leadership, supervision, and direction to Zoning Division staff. Develops strategic operational course of the Zoning Division in coordination with division staff and department director and manages Zoning Division workload. In coordination with the department director, manages the recruiting, hiring, coaching, training, discipline, and overall support of Zoning Division staff. Addresses customer service issues. Coordinates and works collaboratively with the director and other department managers on timely projects and issues relating to the Planning and Development Department.

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in planning, natural resource management, soil science, landscape architecture, civil engineering, public administration, or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in zoning and related code enforcement administration at least comparable to a zoning or building inspector level. At least one (1) year of supervisory or lead worker equivalent experience is required.

Special Requirements:

Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required occasionally during nights (e.g. meetings of the Dane County Zoning and Land Regulation Committee (ZLR) twice per month, County Board twice per month, Board of Adjustment (BOA), related subcommittee or special project meetings, occasional town board or plan commission meetings, etc.), weekends, and during special events. Also refer to the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/ examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Ability to lift and move a variety of work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds (with/without assistance). Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices. Ability to perform independent field inspections as needed to assess and enforce compliance with zoning and related land use regulations and communicate with property owners and their agents.

Knowledge of legal real property descriptions and land use code requirements related to the placement of structures and uses of land. Knowledge of county, municipal, and state regulations applicable to zoning administration, planning, civil engineering, and land surveying. Knowledge of effective supervisory practices and procedures and knowledge of quasi-judicial hearing procedures, administrative law principles, and legal enforcement mechanisms. Must have the ability to independently interpret complex land use statutes, court decisions, and local ordinances, applying them consistently to varied development proposals. Ability to prepare defensible administrative findings of fact and expert testimony for administrative appeals and judicial proceedings. Ability to analyze plans and specifications for accuracy, feasibility and compliance with zoning regulations. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials and the general public. Ability to foster an inclusive, supportive team environment that respects diverse personalities, backgrounds, and cultural perspectives while maintaining a safe, healthy, and collaborative workspace. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and have the ability to work with sometimes complex subjects, challenging people, and differing perspectives with professionalism, tact, and calm demeanor.

Dane County

New Jobs

Zoning Administrator