County Planner

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

ANNUAL SALARY: $72,277 - $78,626.48 *Additional salary growth available through regular increases within the classification up to $104,023.70

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Planning Director oversees county planning, land development, transportation planning, floodplain management, stormwater compliance, and 911 addressing for Cass County. The position administers and enforces county ordinances and applicable state and federal regulations, including the updated Western Cass County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements. The Planning Director provides planning support to townships and rural municipalities, administers floodplain ordinances for Cass County and participating townships, supervises the Assistant County Planner, coordinates with local and regional agencies, and leads long-range planning initiatives to promote responsible growth and development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The County Planner works under the supervision of the County Engineer.  Duties include:

• Serve as the County's primary Planning Administrator for Cass County, townships, and rural municipalities by administering and enforcing the Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision Ordinance, Highway Access Ordinance, and other applicable planning regulations

• Direct the development review process by reviewing land use proposals, coordinating Planning Commission meetings and public hearings, preparing agendas, staff reports, and recommendations, conducting pre-development meetings, responding to public inquiries, and overseeing planning-related GIS activities.

• Supervise the Assistant County Planner by assigning work, establishing priorities, providing technical guidance, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring the efficient operation of the Planning Department.

• Provide technical planning assistance to townships and rural municipalities by developing land use policies, recommending regulatory improvements, coordinating planning activities, and assisting with the implementation and interpretation of local planning regulations.

• Serve as the County Floodplain Administrator by administering and enforcing the Western Cass County Flood Insurance Study (FIS), Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and county and participating township floodplain ordinances; coordinate with FEMA and state agencies; review floodplain development permits; maintain floodplain records; and provide technical assistance on floodplain management.

• Serve as the County 911 Coordinator by assigning and maintaining rural addresses, coordinating emergency service zones with the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, and maintaining addressing and mapping records.

• Coordinate short- and long-range transportation planning activities with the Highway Department, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), townships, and other local, state, and regional agencies.

• Lead planning studies, departmental initiatives, and special projects; represent Cass County on regional committees and working groups; maintain planning records and department information; administer the County's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit; and identify, pursue, and administer grants related to planning, transportation, stormwater management, and hazard mitigation. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Bachelor’s degree in planning, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field, with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, land use, floodplain management, transportation planning, or local government; or

An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge of local government planning practices including land use regulation, use of geographic information systems in planning activities, and transportation planning.

Ability to effectively interact with coworkers, supervisor, other government agencies, and the general public on sensitive and sometimes controversial topics. 

Effective oral and written communication skills. 

Very high level of computer proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS Desktop, Microsoft Office, and Web software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three or more years experience in local government planning.

Supervisory Experience

Cass County Government is an Equal Opportunity and At Will Employer.