Associate Planner

JOB NUMBER

2603489

DEPARTMENT

Development and Land Services

Outagamie County Core Values

Invested in Serving

Better Together

Create Progress

Support Through Compassion
 

Position Purpose

The associate planner position is a professional planning position responsible for conducting a mix of long range and current planning for Outagamie County. Under the supervision of the deputy director, the associate planner will conduct complex research and analysis of planning data and will serve as the secondary planner on planning projects including long-range comprehensive planning updates and other area plans. The associate planner will perform related duties including preparing reports, presentations, and grant proposals. Additionally, they will conduct community engagement activities, collaborate with various county departments and units of government, and provide assistance to the general public.

**This posting will close April 19 at 4:00 PM

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; flex schedule may be permitted, as approved by supervisor.  This position is eligible for comp time
Remote Work:  Remote work may be permitted, subject to supervisor approval, for up to three days per week.
Location: Development and Land Services
320 S. Walnut St.
Appleton, WI 54911

*This position includes the full benefits package, and you can find out more here:  https://www.outagamie.gov/Our-County/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefits-Information

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are key responsibilities for the associate planner: 
 

• Provide primary support for county land use ordinance administration and enforcement including general zoning, land division, airport zoning, floodplain, shoreland/wetland zoning, and non-metallic mining. 
• Review certified survey maps, subdivision plats, and site plans for conformance with the county’s land development code requirements.
• Under the direction of the zoning administrator, assist with or lead the processing of legislative and quasi-judicial reviews for the zoning committee, board of adjustment, and county board. These reviews include rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments, subdivision plat review, and conditional use permits.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the county planning program under the direction of the deputy director. Develops and oversees complex long-range planning efforts typically including countywide comprehensive, transportation, parks and open space, and farmland preservation planning.
• Undertakes projects and initiatives related to implementation of plans noted above. Identifies, researches, and pursues policy changes, funding sources, and partnerships to aid in achieving implementation.
• Prepares grant applications for financial assistance from federal, state, and private agencies. Administers grant funds.
• In the absence of the office manager, prepares and distributes zoning committee and board of adjustment agendas and materials as well as completes meeting minutes.
• Proactively reviews and updates county ordinances to implement the county’s comprehensive plan, advance county policies, or as required by state statute.
• Provides the deputy director and director with recommendations and alternatives on plans, projects, and programs for which the department is responsible for including potentially controversial elements. Aids the deputy director in supervising intern staff.
• Provides planning technical assistance to county departments and local municipalities in the general areas of transportation, land use, recreation and community facilities, environment, and economic development.
• Coordinates and works with local, regional, state, and federal agencies on planning and development issues.
• Coordinates and facilitates various stakeholder groups, organizes and facilitates public meetings, engages appropriate stakeholder groups, and troubleshoots to resolve concerns encountered during planning process.
• Collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data. Prepares analytical analyses, presentations, graphics, and reports for diverse audiences.  
• Keeps informed of current trends in land use and the planning field including legislation, court rulings, and professional practices and techniques. Evaluates their impact on county operations and recommends policy and procedural improvements.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works extra hours as required, and attends occasional evening meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, public administration, public policy, or a related field. Master's degree and AICP certification or the ability and desire to gain AICP certification is a plus. 
• One to two years of relevant experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to travel to various work sites, meetings, and community locations as required.

Required or Preferred Skills

• Self-motivated with excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage projects and contractors, interns, and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information sources, and trends in the field of urban, community, and regional planning.
• Understanding and command of the application and interrelationships among codes, ordinances, policies, standards, practices, and laws associated with the planning and zoning function in Wisconsin counties. Understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations including state planning and zoning statutes.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis techniques and research methodologies of moderate complexity related to planning. Knowledge of terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and the preparation of planning exhibits, documents, and recommendations.
• Familiarity with land use, urban design, demographic, environmental, and socioeconomic concepts as they relate to county planning.
• Ability to analyze planning-related issues, develop creative solutions, and communicate complex policy recommendations collaboratively to communities and stakeholders in clear, public-friendly terms.
• Ability to use a variety of software including data collection and analysis tools, GIS, Microsoft office suite, permitting software, etc.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to utilize data to develop graphs and charts.
• Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including survey and other maps, DOT recommendations, site plans, permits, deeds, County and other ordinances and statutes, planning reports, etc.
• Ability to prepare a variety of documents including building and sanitary planning reports, maps, procedure manuals, billing statements, letters, and other correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively with county departments, municipal officials, surveyors, local agencies, and the general public verbally and in writing.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Adaptability
Ability to operate motor vehicles and a variety of office equipment. Requires the ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet, and limbs in performing coordinated movements. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects weighing up to approximately 20 pounds. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials, and tasks.