Land Use Specialist

The Land Use Specialist performs professional work reviewing, interpreting and enforcing zoning applications and codes, provides technical information to the public on zoning and land use matters, and performs other duties as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Zoning Administrator; however, the vast majority of functions are performed independently. Employee must use discretion and independent judgment in handling cases and legal matters.The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned or required. 

• Provides technical information and assistance to the public concerning zoning ordinances, land division laws, land use planning, permit and appeal processes, and other related land use regulations. 
• Investigates possible violations of zoning codes; determines compliance, notifies owner and, where necessary, recommends corrective action and sets deadlines. 
• May conduct and attend public hearings, and research and prepare written findings of fact and recommendations on zoning ordinance amendments, conditional uses, and board of adjustment cases. 
• Prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the management staff
• Issues reports and corresponds with parties to comply with zoning ordinances and/or to alter the structure or site to comply with the ordinance; may issue citations for noncompliance. 
• Reviews, researches, and approves zoning and business plans of operation permits, which are in conformance with zoning codes and approved conditions. 
• Performs field inspections as part of the zoning and business plan of operation permit processes, and to investigate zoning and land use violations. 
• May appear as a witness in an appeal hearing or court concerning violations of zoning codes and regulations. 
• May maintain GIS data files for zoning and land use information; maintain zoning and land use maps; process standard and custom map requests; perform various other technical mapping duties. 
• May perform wetland delineations and determinations, and provide technical assistance on the application of shore land and wetland regulations. 
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with state and local agencies, officials, and the public. 
• Performs other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and ordinances governing land use planning and zoning. 
• Working knowledge of modern principles and practices of land use planning, zoning, and other related land use issues. 
• Working knowledge of zoning and planning research and investigative techniques.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of cartographic drafting.
• Working knowledge of the use and application of GIS technology in land use planning.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of cartographic drafting. 
• Ability to analyze and interpret construction plans, maps, and zoning laws, ordinances, and regulations.  
• Ability to secure facts through investigations and inspections and to effectively analyze and interpret them. 
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and to prepare clear and detailed oral and written reports. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and local agencies and officials, and the public. 
• Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. 
• Proficient in Microsoft programs, i.e., Excel and Word.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING REQUIRED: 
High School Graduate or equivalent; Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, geography, or closely related field is required; Zoning Enforcement experience desirable; Specific experiences in this field may be substituted for the degree requirement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess or acquire and maintain a State of Wisconsin POWTS Inspector credentials within six months and attempt the Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester credentials within the first year of employment. The Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester credentials must be procured within 2 years from hire. If they are not procured within the 2-year period, the employee may be demoted to a vacant position if one is available in the zoning department or they may be terminated. The County will pay for 2 attempts to procure the Soil Tester credentials. Any tests after that are the responsibility of the employee. Must possess a valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license or have the ability to obtain one. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in office settings and in the field. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate instruments, equipment, computers, and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently be required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers, handle, feel, or operate objects, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly be required to sit; stoop; kneel, talk or hear. 
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and computer-assisted design software; level and rods, tape measure, clinometer, soil auger, including photocopiers, calculator; motor vehicle; telephone; voice mail.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently travel between buildings to work site locations. The employee must be able to negotiate slippery, uneven terrain, and be able to access precarious places.
The employee occasionally works near risk of electrical shock, vibration and areas of reduced traction.
The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet to moderate and occasionally loud on work sites.
Occasionally position may travel to other offices in the county or stay overnight out of town to attend training.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

This position description has been prepared to assist in defining job responsibilities, physical demands, working conditions and skills needed. It is not intended as a complete list of job duties, responsibilities and/or essential functions. This description is not intended to limit or modify the right of the supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The County retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to, or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper.

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 duties are subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.