Senior Planner

The Senior Planner performs professional-level administrative and technical work in the development and enforcement of Williams County planning and zoning, ordinances, and resolutions.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents in this position. The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and may change with or without notice. Incumbents must be able to perform the essential function of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Oversees the acceptance of planning and zoning applications and provides the required notifications to surrounding property owners
• Facilitates the application review process to ensure the necessary departments provide input before presentation to the Planning and Zoning Board
• Reviews documents and plats for recording; coordinates with Building Official for site plan reviews
• Provides information to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, contractors, and other affected or involved individuals regarding planning and zoning regulations and policies
• Maintains cohesive project files and documentation
• Conducts site inspections, plan reviews, and interviews related to applications or complaints
• Attends Williams County Planning and Zoning meetings; may document and generate meeting minutes
• Conducts research and compiles information for use in Planning and Zoning reports and presentations
• Provides customer service to the general public
• Assists with the development and maintenance of comprehensive plans, planning studies, land development ordinances, and department programs
• Provides interpretation and application recommendations of regulations and policies developed or maintained by the department
• Represents the department at meetings of government oversight boards, such as County Planning and Zoning, Williams County Board of Commissioners, and City Commission; provides staff recommendations based on zoning ordinances
• Conducts pre-development meetings with developers, architects, and landowners
• Maintains confidentiality of non-public records and makes available all data and information deemed a public record by the North Dakota Century Code.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in community planning, architecture, public administration, or similar AND two (2) or more years of professional municipal/county planning experience focused on land use management and/or land use regulation

OR

• Master’s degree in community planning, architecture, public administration, or similar AND one (1) or more years of professional municipal/county planning experience focused on land use management and/or land use regulation

• Must possess a valid North Dakota Driver’s License or equivalent
• Must pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening

• Prefer planning and zoning experience in a fast-growing, rural area
• Prefer AICP certification through APA
• Prefer CFM certification through ASFPM

• Required to attend meetings outside of regular work hours
• May be required to conduct site visits in inclement weather

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Compensation and Benefits: Starting salary for this position ranges from $$30.75-$34.50/hour depending on education and experience. Williams County provides generous benefits to full-time regular employees, paid sick and vacation leave, a fully paid health/dental/vision benefit plan for employees and dependents, term life insurance of $25,000, 100% contribution toward retirement benefits through the ND Public Employees Retirement System (employees are fully vested after 36 months), and 12 paid holidays each year. Rental housing may be available through Williams County.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of drug and alcohol screening, background check, and reference review.