ZONING AND PLANNING MANAGER

About La Crosse County:

At La Crosse County, we are committed to creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we focus on economic growth, environmental stewardship, affordable housing, and robust public services that enhance the quality of life for all residents. Why Join La Crosse County? Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.

Affordable Insurance Premiums:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

Generous Paid Time Off:

Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.

Work-Life Balance:

Flexible schedules and wellness programs. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

Overview FLSA:

Exempt. The Zoning & Planning Manager provides leadership and oversight for the Zoning & Planning Division within the Land Services Department. Reporting to the Director of Land Services, the Manager administers County zoning ordinances, interprets and applies land use regulations, supervises division staff, and oversees planning, development, and land information functions. The position is responsible for ensuring accurate and consistent zoning enforcement, guiding long-range and current planning activities, coordinating hearings and public processes, and supporting community and economic development initiatives. The Manager exercises independent judgment within the framework of County ordinances, state statutes, and County Board policies. Essential Leadership Functions Act with Integrity and Build Trust Demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty in all interactions Speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints Actively listen and remain open-minded to diverse perspectives Drive for Results Set clear goals and objectives to motivate self and others to achieve outcomes Seek new opportunities to improve processes and drive sustainable results Hold self and others accountable through consistent evaluation and monitoring Develop Talent and Effective Teams Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and growth Provide mentorship and support to help self and others reach full potential Recognize and leverage diverse strengths within self and team Lead with Vision and Strategy Understand and communicate a compelling vision that aligns with organizational goals Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to achieve long-term objectives Connect daily work to the bigger picture, inspiring self and others to contribute meaningfully Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking Navigate complex situations by considering multiple perspectives Adapt quickly to changes and uncertainties in the work environment Make critical decisions using analytical skills, experience, and input from others Build and Maintain Effective Relationships Communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization Influence others through coaching, consulting, and team-minded thinking Develop and sustain partnerships that create positive outcomes for all stakeholders Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service Understand and address the needs and concerns of the community Incorporate community perspectives into decision-making processes Drive initiatives that create positive impacts beyond the organization Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence Show self-awareness and manage emotions effectively in challenging situations Seek and respond constructively to feedback, even in the face of setbacks Balance empathy with accountability when leading self and working with others Essential Job Functions Leads and administers the Zoning & Planning Division, including staff supervision, hiring, training, performance management, and work assignments. Develops and administers division budget and ensures compliance with County financial requirements. Leads and coordinates initiatives related to the County's Climate Action Plan. Ensures division operations align with departmental strategies and County Board priorities. Administers and enforces County zoning ordinances including Zoning, Shoreland, Floodplain, Non Metallic Mining, Outdoor Advertising, and Mobile Tower/Broadcast Facility Siting. Provides zoning and ordinance interpretation to the public, municipalities, developers, and County staff. Reviews development proposals for compliance with all applicable zoning and land use regulations. Oversees development and maintenance of comprehensive and long range county plans, including the climate action plan. Leads and coordinates planning initiatives related to land use, development patterns, and community and economic development. Coordinates land information modernization efforts in cooperation with the Survey & Land Records Division and local governments. Prepares and recommends ordinance amendments and land use policy updates. Coordinates public meetings and hearings before the Planning, Resources & Development (PR&D) Committee and the Board of Adjustment. Works closely with towns, villages, and cities on zoning decisions, boundary reviews, and land use matters. Assists in damage assessments after catastrophic events as required. Supports the Director of Land Services in census address updates and municipal boundary reporting. Related Job Functions Performs additional duties as assigned to support departmental and countywide planning, zoning, and land information initiatives. Physical Demands Majority of work performed in an office setting with occasional travel to meetings and site visits; may require traversing uneven terrain. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Considerable knowledge of zoning, planning, land use policy, and mapping technologies. Ability to interpret legal descriptions, plats, and land record documents. Knowledge of local, county, state, and federal regulations related to zoning, land use, and development. Strong skills in communication, public engagement, and intergovernmental relations. Ability to analyze technical information and make sound regulatory decisions. Ability to supervise, motivate, and develop staff. Training, Experience and Other Requirements Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or a related field. Masters Preferred. Five years of experience in zoning, planning, or land use regulation. Supervisory experience strongly preferred. May consider other combinations of education and experience that provide equivalent knowledge and abilities

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

La Crosse County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need accommodations for a disability during the selection or interview process, please get in touch with Human Resources at jobs@lacrossecounty.org.

Application Process:

All applications must be submitted through our career website. Please ensure your application is complete and accurate,our hiring process highly values attention to detail.