Zoning Administrator

Job Overview

Description

Under the direction of the Planning and Development Director, the Zoning Administrator is responsible for administering fair and uniform land use controls including Zoning, and Subdivision and Platting Ordinances. Plays a lead role in administering and enforcing the County’s Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. Provides staff support to boards and commissions including the Board of Adjustment, Zoning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and Historic Preservation Commission. Works to maintain and update County ordinances and policies. Supervises, schedules and directs employees. Plans and manages budget system. Educates and assists the public regarding land uses, building permits, and planning. Ensures compliance of ordinances are being met and enforcement of the ordinances. Works with other County departments and officials from other jurisdictions.

 

Job Duties

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.  

• Assist with administering and enforcing the County’s Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Platting Ordinance, and Comprehensive Plan.
• Prepare written reports and memoranda, recommend measures regarding development projects, rezoning and variance requests, and ensure compliance with County regulations and policy.
• Assist in floodplain and watershed management issues.
• Assist in overseeing the departmental and County datasets and GIS assets.
• Assist in the coordination of multi-departmental review of design review, and written and oral feedback to applicants.
• Review and approve building permits, liquor licenses, and entrance permits.
• Attend meetings, including the Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Supervisors and provide written and oral reports and documentation regarding rezoning, variances, conditional or special uses, or platting requests.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Develop positive working relationships with work colleagues, commissioners and board members, elected officials, and external officials.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, engineering, geography or related field; and 5 years of experience in urban and regional planning, including some previous supervisory responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• AICP Certification desired.
• Valid driver’s license.

 

Supplemental Information

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

• Comprehensive planning and current land use planning practices and principles.
• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Records maintenance and retention policies, procedures, and practices.
• Understanding issues related to land development, community and economic development, property taxes, watershed management, and alleged nuisances.
• Legal requirements for administration of County ordinances and policies.
• Highly effective oral and written skills.
• Ability to facilitate and lead groups to achieve goals and promote a positive image for Dubuque County.
• Ability to develop policies consistent with the State code, and with County plans, goals, and initiatives.
• Ability to adapt to use specialized software for reporting, data logging, etc.
• Familiarity with ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dubuque 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 Requirements

• Subject to repetitive motion activities, such as typing, keypad or data entry.
• Requires ability to walk steps, reaching, squatting, stooping, bending, standing, sitting, pushing, and pulling.
• Occasionally work outdoors on all types of terrain in all weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily indoors in an office setting.
• Frequently work with property owners, developers, farmers, contractors, consulting firms, government officials, and the media, occasionally including irritated or agitated individuals.
• Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed.
• Frequent work-related travel.
• Routine work-related evening meetings and events outside the regular work hours.
• Occasional working alongside moving traffic on roads.
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines, and address challenges appropriate to this position.

 

Equal Opportunity

Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at (563) 589-4441.