Planning & Zoning Planner

Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Assistant Zoning Administrator and/or Solid Waste Administrator. Serve the citizens of the County by accurately and consistently administering and enforcing those ordinances related to land use and providing interpretation to the public and staff.

This position is located on-site at the Government Center in Elk River, MN, however will also require occasional work in the field, and may have the opportunity to work remote 1 day per week once trained into the position. Our regular business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am -4:30pm, though the department provides staff with flexibility in effort to strive for a desired work/life balance. Sherburne County is one of the fastest growing counties in Minnesota, where you can find a nice blend of suburban and rural life. If you are interested in bringing your skill and talent to a dynamic Planning & Zoning department in a growing community, we encourage you to apply for this great opportunity.

Learn more about Sherburne County, our workplace culture and opportunities!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
 
Assist in the enforcement of the County’s Zoning Ordinance and Solid Waste Management Ordinance, conduct compliance inspections to obtain compliance.
Research and analyze current land use topics and make recommendations to supervisors, advisory commissions and townships.  This includes amendments to ordinances and addressing changes and proposed changes to meet state/federal legislation and regulations.
Review and coordinate land use applications for variances, conditional/interim use permits, subdivisions, and text/map ordinance amendments. This includes analyzing applications for compliance with ordinance requirements, conducting site inspections, and writing review letters to applicants.
Attend meetings with the County Board, Planning Advisory Commission, Board of Adjustment and/or the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.  Support these boards by preparing and presenting staff reports, board packets and recommendations at these meetings.  
Represent the department's interests on external technical advisory committees, such as township (local), legislative (professional), and environmental (state, local).
Prepare reports related to studies and research, develop presentations and provide technical and professional advice to the Planning Commission, County Board, and other local groups, such as townships and community advisory groups.
Prepare grant applications and administer grants for land use or environmental studies.
Assist in the preparation of Environmental Reviews for development projects exceeding certain thresholds according to MN Environmental Quality Board (EQB) rules, and present findings of the Environmental Review to advisory boards and the County Board for approval.
Attend training and education to maintain professional competence and required licenses/certifications.
Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
Regular and reliable attendance according to the department’s work schedule.
 
Addendum 1: Environmental and Solid Waste
Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
Assist in the proper management of the County’s solid waste in accordance with set policies and procedures.
Administer and enforce ordinances related to solid waste.
License and regulate solid waste haulers.
Assist in the administration of Land Application of Septage and Solid Waste
Provide enforcement of non-compliant onsite sewage treatment systems (septic systems) and Certificate of Real-estate Values (CRV’s)
Research and analyze current solid waste topics and make recommendations.
Prepare reports related to studies and research, develop presentations and provide technical and professional advice to the Board of Adjustment and Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Prepare grant applications and administer grants for solid waste.
Prepare Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW) for solid waste projects.
Addendum 2: Zoning
Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
Review and coordinate land use applications for kennel licenses.
Oversee administration of the County’s Shoreland Ordinance by processing applications, promoting education and outreach and enforcement of violations.
Review all building permits for compliance with Sherburne County Zoning Ordinance and contact the applicant if there are issues of non-compliance or when a variance is needed.
Respond to variance questions, request and review variance applications for completeness.  Prepare staff comments and present to the County Board of Adjustment all variance requests.  
Assist in the administration of the Sherburne County Stormwater Program in compliance with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulations. 
Assist in the administration of permits for excavation activities that disturb more than one acre of land to ensure compliance with County Ordinances and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency General National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Construction Activities.  Assist in the administration of  the permit process for new mining Interim Use Permits.  Prepare and present to the County Planning Commission all new Interim Use Permits requests for mining.  
Monitor and annually inspect gravel mines for compliance with conditions of the permit.  Document inspections with photos and GPS equipment to monitor boundaries of mining sites, track changes and ensure compliance with the permit.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
An individual must meet the minimum qualifications as stated below to qualify for this position.
 
Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development, Urban Studies, Planning or related field; AND 
Two years’ work experience in planning within a mixed urban/rural community.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems certification, or ability to receive it within two years of hire.
Valid Minnesota Driver’s License is required.
Ability to attend evening meetings is required.