Enforcement Officer/Planner bei Dunn County, WI

About the Department

The Enforcement Officer/Planner performs advanced zoning, planning, sanitation, administrative and enforcement work to administer and implement county land use ordinances and guide the development and implementation of long-range plans. This includes supporting day-to-day permitting, inspections, and code compliance as well as contributing to the creation, update, and application of the County’s comprehensive plan, farmland preservation plan, and other policy initiatives that shape Dunn County’s future land use, natural resources, and community development. This role requires significant independent judgment and technical knowledge to support permitting, inspections, code compliance, and long-range planning efforts. Staff may be assigned one or more specialized lead roles based on department needs and workload.

This position is primarily intended to serve in a planning capacity, with responsibilities adjusted as needed to support departmental priorities.

Position Duties

Staff may be assigned one or more specialized lead roles based on department needs and workload. Lead roles indicate primary responsibility for certain functions but do not preclude the employee from performing duties in other areas of zoning, planning, or enforcement as assigned.

Zoning & Code Enforcement Responsibilities (may be assigned as a lead area)

• Administer, interpret, and enforce Dunn County land use ordinances in accordance with applicable State of Wisconsin laws, statutes, and administrative rules. 
• Assist the public in achieving compliance with land use regulations.
• Assist in the development and revision of zoning ordinances, policies, and guidance documents, and other countywide planning initiatives.  Specific assignments may vary based on department needs and staff expertise.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all federal, state and local ordinances related to urban and agricultural development, prepare reports, create guidance documents and provide programmatic direction to the general public.
• Perform septic system, sanitation, soil, stormwater, erosion control, and zoning inspections.
• Issue sanitary, zoning, and other land use permits; receives and reviews pending applications.
• Review and approve erosion control, storm water best management practices, technical data, cost estimates, construction and as-built plans; determines compliance with applicable standards, ordinances and regulations.
• Research a variety of land information materials and property records to evaluate and verify property and resource conditions for conformance with applicable County land use regulations. 
• Conduct site visits to gather data, verify existing conditions, and assess compliance with approved plans.
• Monitor permitted projects for compliance; performs field surveys and site inspections; directs and reviews engineering work in the construction, maintenance and repair of erosion control and storm water infrastructure; enforces regulations until final project completion and termination.
• Investigate complaints and addresses noncompliance through personal contact, written reports, and follow-up inspections. Prioritize voluntary compliance as the primary enforcement action.  When necessary, assist the Zoning Administrator and Corporation Counsel with formal enforcement measures, including issuing orders to remedy violations, issuing citations, and testifying in court. 
• Review land division requests for compliance with State and County ordinances.
• Provide technical and procedural support for rezoning and Board of Adjustment cases as needed, in coordination with the County Planner/Zoning Administrator.
• Update sanitation and zoning records; create new forms and edit existing forms; enter data in the County permit tracking database.
• Coordinate and maintain open communication with landowners, contractors, engineers, surveyors, and government agencies throughout the land use review and enforcement process.
• Answer phones and provide information regarding planning and zoning inquiries. 
• Maintain accurate fiscal and other records related to permit applications, inspections, and zoning compliance and enforcement activities. 
• Prepare reports and presents information relating to conservation and land management issues; provide recommendations to various committees.
• Operate and maintain equipment to draft maps and surveys, septic system plans, etc.
• Organize and attend public hearings as required.

Long-Range Planning Responsibilities (may be assigned as a lead area)

• Assist in the coordination, developing, revising, and implementing the County’s comprehensive plan, farmland preservation plan, outdoor recreation plan, and other policy initiatives.
• Assist in the development and revision of zoning ordinances, policies, and other countywide planning initiatives. Specific assignments may vary based on department needs and staff expertise.
• Assist with processing rezoning (zoning map amendment) applications, including reviewing submittals, preparing staff reports, and participating in public meetings. 
• Support Board of Adjustment functions by preparing case files, conducting site visits, drafting staff recommendations, and participating in public hearings. 
• Consult with county, town, village, and city government officials as well as state and other agencies and organizations, to identify planning-related project needs. Develop project goals and methodologies to achieve them.
• Monitor state and federal community and economic development grant programs; advise local governments on program availability and participate in securing grants.
• Identify, draft, and coordinate competitive grant applications to support planning projects, infrastructure improvements, and community development initiatives; ensure compliance with grant terms and reporting requirements.
• Track state and federal legislation that may impact local government planning and land use.
• Research and analyze land use trends, mapping data, and policy implications to support planning recommendations.
• Prepare reports, maps, and graphics to communicate planning concepts to decision-makers and the public.
• Organize and attend public hearings, workshops, and informational meetings; present, discuss, and explain various reports and plans.  
• Coordinate with internal staff, community stakeholders, and other agencies to align planning goals with regulatory processes and local needs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of County planning documents and related state regulations.

General & Administrative Duties

• Schedule various appointments, interviews, and meetings as required.
• Perform receptionist, clerical, financial and administrative support duties as needed.
• Participate in staff training and professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge of planning, zoning and land use practices.
• Attend staff meetings and conferences.
• Coordinate with the division staff to provide daily office coverage.
• Perform duties, under the direction of the County Planner/Zoning Administrator in their absence.
• Perform other duties of a comparable level/type, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree Land Use Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, or a related field. 
• Three (3) years of experience in land use planning, zoning administration, GIS or a related field. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to travel between work locations.
• Ability to obtain relevant certifications as necessary, such as Wisconsin DSPS, Soil Erosion Inspector, Soil Tester, and/or Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Inspector
  • The position does not currently require these certifications; however, the department must maintain at least two employees with these credentials. The Planner/Zoning Administrator will designate an employee to obtain the certifications should operational needs require. If designated, the employee will be provided with reasonable time and support to attain the certification.
• Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS

In order to perform the duties of the Enforcement Officer/Planner position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential for Enforcement Officer/Planner to possess.

• Comprehensive knowledge of planning and zoning policies, practices, procedures, legal guides, recommendations, best practices, ordinances, and laws.
• Comprehensive knowledge of division reporting requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of grant justifications and reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of standard office equipment, standard office software, and GIS/Mapping software.
• Knowledge of Dunn County’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance including relevant state regulations, statutes and rules pertaining to sanitation, shoreland, floodplain and wetlands.
• Knowledge of County land use planning resources; comprehensive land use plan, farmland preservation plan, land and water resource management plan, bicycle and pedestrian plan, etc. 
• Knowledge of accounting software.
• Skill in group presentation, public speaking, public notice, and public informational meetings.
• Skill in consulting, negotiating, advising, explaining and collaborative problem-solving with landowners, agency representatives and the public regarding zoning and planning matters.
• Skill in GIS applications and spatial data management.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze technical materials, including soil maps, aerial imagery, engineering drawings, and design documents. 
• Ability to organize and convey complex ideas and concepts in simple terms, verbally, in writing, and graphics.
• Ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms and easy to understand ways in stressful situations.
• Ability to independently make decisions and provide guidance while working with contractors, landowners, etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to follow Dunn County policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, landowners, contractors, engineers, public agencies and community stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize and organize job assignments.
• Ability to manage time effectively, manage multiple projects, and complete work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work the designated hours of the position, including occasional evenings or weekends, as necessary.
• Ability to participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance knowledge and skills. 

MINIMUM LANGUAGE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS 

In order to perform the duties of the Enforcement Officer/Planner position (listed above) the following language skills are essential for the Enforcement Officer/Planner to possess. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff members, supervisors, and the general public in written and verbal form. 
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate ordinances, codes, policies and procedures.
• English skills (oral, written and comprehension) sufficient to effectively communicate with all internal and external customers.

MINIMUM REASONING ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS

In order to perform the duties of the Enforcement Officer/Planner position (listed above) the following reasoning abilities are essential for the Enforcement Officer/Planner to possess.

• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

MINIMUM MATHEMATICAL ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS

In order to perform the duties of the Enforcement Officer/Planner position (listed above) the following mathematical skills are essential for the Enforcement Officer/Planner to possess.

• Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
• Ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dunn 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.

Other Qualifications

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Human Resources.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical effort will typically require regular, but not continuous, exertion of objects weighing up to 10 pounds and/or infrequent exertion of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Continuous speaking, hearing and using hands dexterously; work frequently requires sitting; and work occasionally requires standing, walking and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is inside and outside of an office setting.
• Work is required to be frequently outdoors with some exposure to weather conditions.
• Duties may require participation in adverse verbal discussions or situations with people we serve.
• Work frequently requires travel throughout Dunn County to inspection sites.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  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 job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.