Planning Director

Description

Job posted until filled.

Salary is dependent upon qualifications.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to implement, interpret, and enforce land-use and zoning codes. This position works with the general public, community associations and groups, and elected or appointed officials, in regulating land use policies, regulations and zoning. This role develops strategies in drafting land use regulations for subdivisions, capital improvement, infrastructures, and regulates floodplain areas in the County. This position manages the Planning and Code Enforcement staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out but may be considered incidental in the performance of this job.

• Leads staff to provide excellent service to the Citizens of Oconee County every day.
• Understands the balance between the need for planning and the need to protect personal property rights.
• Provides zoning administration and coordinates presentations to the public, elected, or appointed officials.
• Develops plans and policies regarding land use.
• Coordinates and maintains development software for tracking projects.
• Reviews and approves major and minor plats and subdivisions for recording of property.
• Reviews and approves commercial and industrial projects for compliance with County Ordinances.
• Reviews County industrial park projects for compliance with covenants and restrictions.
• Reviews and manages construction plans within County overlay districts and works with developers to ensure compliance or enforce mitigation when required.
• Supports, prepares for, and manages County Boards and Commissions including the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Agricultural Advisory Board and any related sub-committees.
• Supports and provides regular updates to the County Planning and Economic Development Committee and other Council Committees as requested.
• Attends County Council meetings when planning, zoning, or code enforcement issues are on the agenda.
• Addresses and reviews citizen complaints, requests for information, and concerns.
• Orders supplies and reconciles invoices for processing.
• Manages Floodplain areas within the County.
• Reviews rezoning requests and refers recommendations to the Planning Commission and County Council.
• Maintains the website.
• Manages the code enforcement division of the Planning department.
• Performs field inspections of development sites and complaints of zoning issues.
• Manages the County’s Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives, and strategies for implementation.
• Provides support to Oconee County Emergency Services as needed.
• Provides support to the Oconee County Economic Development Department, as needed.
• Works closely with other departments on various projects and plans.
• Reviews requests for proposals as requested.
• Assists to organize and facilitate the design of applications and forms for the developing community and general public for compliance with Building Codes and Planning.
• Supports and provides technical assistance to the County Council and Council subcommittees.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of adopted and proposed ordinances and codes. 

Knowledge of permitting and mapping software.

Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft© Office Suite software products. ESRI ArcGIS© software products; and Adobe Photoshop© (or similar) graphics software.

Customer service skills.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

General clerical and organizational skills.

Critical thinking abilities for interpretation of County adopted codes and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in a related field, and five (5) years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Required: None.

Preferred: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Certified Floodplains Manager (CFM).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  

This position has the following special vision requirements: close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less); distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more); color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up or down and to the left and right when vision is fixed on a given point); depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships); adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a relatively safe and secure indoor and/or outdoor work environment; may encounter noise, weather, extreme temperatures, moisture, humidity, dust, or odors.

Oconee County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or military service in employment or the provision of services. The County is committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity and seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed.

#ZR