Position: Planning Director Department: Land Services
Reports To: County Administrator FLSA: Exempt
Affiliate: Excluded in Bargaining Unit
Salary Range: 22; $10,618-$11,635 / month DOQ (2023)

Learn more about this position and apply today at the Prothman Company website.

Job Overview:

The position assesses community and development needs relating to planning; Directs and oversees the LandServices Department encompassing planning, building, code enforcement, and economic development. Provides leadership and vision for long-range planning, current planning, permitting services, comprehensive and special plans, regulation development, and building construction inspection for the Land Services department. Assures that plans and regulations associated with planning and building and life safety are in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws. The Planning Director reports to the County Administrator and serves at the will of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Prepare and manage annual budget and monitor expenditures and revenues.
  • Work with department personnel in developing, negotiating, and presenting budgets.
  • Administer and oversee various Federal, State, and other grants.
  • Plan, coordinate, and direct the implementation of the County Comprehensive Plan, subarea plans,
    Shoreline Master Program, and County Code changes relating to planning and building.
  • Develop, organize, and facilitate on-going comprehensive planning processes and procedures for current
    and long-range needs to reach goals of the County Comprehensive Plan.
  • Ensure implementation and enforcement of planning and zoning ordinances and resolutions; identify
    alternatives for converting policy ideas into action plans affecting County developments, expansion,
    transportation, economic development, and related programs.
  • Work with the planning commission, applicable boards, and advisory committees to provide leadership,
    technical insight, and recommendations related to department and County functions.
  • Conduct public meetings and hearings as needed to solicit a public response, provide an explanation of policy
    and project options; educates the public through media, reports, public meetings, and presentations.
  • Serve as a representative of Douglas County on State and local boards and committees.
  • Supervise; manage; evaluate; recommend hiring, promotions, and disciplinary action for Land Service
    staff.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
  • This list is illustrative and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed in this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Requirements:

  • Thorough knowledge of local, State, and Federal laws related specifically to county and municipal government.
  • Provide, recommend, and implement County codes and policies relating to Planning and Building.
  • Oversee financial management of the department.
  • Application processes to secure funding sources such as grants, loans, and entitlements.
  • Principles and practices of leadership, personnel administration, and management.
  • This position may serve as the building official for Douglas County. Therefore, knowledge of current
    building construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment is preferred.
  • Maintain composure under stressful situations and provide problem-solving techniques.
  • Advanced communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and negotiation techniques.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships and good public relations with other employees,
    agencies, business owners, the development community, and the general public.
  • Ability to direct, motivate, develop, and evaluate subordinates.
  • Operate a personal computer and software necessary to perform the requirements of the job.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position supervises bargaining unit personnel covered by labor agreements and Douglas County
Personnel policies, and has supervisory authority in accordance with the personnel policy.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

  • Work is performed in an office and field setting with extended periods of sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, walking, and lifting (up to 40 pounds waist-high).
  • Driving, climbing stairs, and walking outdoors on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions.
  • May work an alternative schedule at the sole discretion of the County.
  • Potential for working evenings, occasional weekends, holidays, overtime, and out-of-town travel.
  • The environment may be stressful in striving to meet deadlines.

Licenses, Certificates, and Other Recruitment Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, and other closely related degrees coupled with years of upper-level planning experience. Related degree fields would include, but are not limited to, public administration or business management, or economic development.
  • Four (4) to six (6) years of work experience in a managerial capacity in building, planning, code
    compliance, or related field, which must include at least three (3) years of supervisory capacity or a
    combination of education, training, and experience.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certificate or Building Official certification from the
    International Congress of Building Officials (ICBO) is preferred but not required.
  • Other certifications may be considered.
  • The County may, at its discretion, consider combinations of education, experience, certifications and
    training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.
  • A background security check may be required if a job offer is made.

Closing Statement:

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.