Planner
General Summary
Under general direction of the Land Use Services Department Director, plan, coordinate, and research projects involving, but not limited to, development and implementation of comprehensive and other plans, zoning and other ordinance revisions, and housing, transportation, and other land use studies. Independent judgment is required to design and prioritize work activities. Work is subject to review in progress and upon completion by the Land Use Services Department Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions
1. Consults with county, town, village, and city government officials as well as state and other agencies and organizations to determine the need for planning-related projects. Develops goals for completing these projects and the methodology to follow in attaining project goals.
2. Coordinates, develops, prepares, and implements comprehensive, farmland preservation, and other plans as well as various studies, in cooperation with other county departments and local agencies.
3. Attends and conducts public meetings with government and citizen groups to develop, present, discuss, and explain reports and plans.
4. Reviews, revises, and drafts changes to community land use regulations and related programs
and procedures such as zoning, subdivision, floodplain, telecommunication system, and wind
energy facility ordinances.
5. Utilizes GIS to conduct land use analysis and other planning-related projects.
6. Provides professional planning consultation advice and assistance to municipal boards and commissions. Assists community and economic development projects by providing demographic information.
7. Monitors state and federal community and economic development grant-in aid programs and advises local governments on program availability. Participates in securing state and federal grants.
8. Monitors state and federal legislation which may potentially impact local government.
9. Provide truthful and accurate written and verbal communications.
General Job Functions
- Develops and implements comprehensive, farmland preservation, and other plans and studies.
- Works with local government officials, community groups, and others to provide information about county-level planning activities and assist with their planning-related efforts.
Requirements
Training and Experience
- Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, or related field. A Master’s Degree in one of these fields is strongly preferred.
- Three (3) to six (6) years’ work experience in community planning, community development, or related field.
- Current Valid Wisconsin Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
1. Knowledge of the theory and practices of comprehensive planning, research methodology and its application to planning problems, and principles of government organization and administration.
2. Considerable knowledge of sources and methods for obtaining socioeconomic, demographic, land use, natural resources, and transportation information.
3. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to planning, land use plan implementation, and community development. Knowledge of state and federal community/economic development grant-in-aid programs.
4. Ability to think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical and defensible conclusions.
5. Ability to organize and lead groups through decision-making efforts.
6. Ability to plan, organize, and complete complex research projects.
7. Ability to analyze research results and present them effectively in oral, written, and graphic form to various groups.
8. Computer skills, including GIS-related database analysis skills.
9. Possess effective, clear public speaking and presentation skills.
Physical & Working Conditions
Normal office environment with little or no discomfort due to temperature, dust, noise, or the like. Frequent meetings in and outside of the office, often in the evening. In unusual situations, work is performed outdoors.
Over 75% of the work day is spent sitting and using near vision. On occasion, up to 25% of the work day may be spent walking and standing, using far vision. Approximately 25% of the time, whether sitting or standing/walking, the work involves talking and listening. In unusual situations low to medium lifting and carrying of objects is involved (0 to 40 pounds).
In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.
The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.