Land Resource Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The purpose of this position is to lead and direct the operations of the zoning (comprehensive zoning, shoreland, wetland, and floodplain, etc.) mining, and private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS) programs, with the desired outcome of citizen compliance with these regulations. This includes developing strategies to protect our community’s land and environment to achieve the goals of the County’s Comprehensive and Strategic plans. These strategies shall focus on the protection of land and water resources; balance sustainable land use with economic opportunities, promote community health and safety, protect public infrastructure and minimize land use conflicts.

The Land Resources Manager sets the tone in establishing messaging, engaging citizens, and developing processes to work with program applicants to achieve the aforementioned plans and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Land-use Planning, Natural Resources or a related field, and a minimum of 3 years of experience in land resource programs or a related field; including but not limited to zoning and planning, with administration of a wide variety of land use regulations, personnel management, and code development OR any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Prior supervisory experience preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets County standards or ability to obtain reliable transportation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

This position is considered a working management position with the expectation the manager will step in and step-up to assist their team and department where needed. The successful applicant will seek out and keep skillsets up to date as it relates to all areas of their primary duties.

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as all-inclusive but will be the primary duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Land Resource Program Management: 50%

• Leads and manages the operations, personnel and policies for the County regulatory/land resources program, including: comprehensive zoning; wetland, shoreland, and floodplain zoning; non-metallic mine reclamation; private onsite wastewater treatment, airport height limitations, etc.
• Oversight of ordinance related complaints, investigations, enforcement processes, and follow-on actions. In some instances, may lead/conduct the violation and citation process. In coordination with the POWTS lead and Zoning Administrator, decides when and how to address violations through stepped enforcement, and when to engage Corporation Counsel as it relates to enforcement, violations, and citations.
• As needed, may be required to help cover day to day duties on the zoning, POWTS, and non-metallic mining programs. This could include, but not limited to, assisting citizens with questions and permit applications, reviews of permit applications, and assisting on field inspections.

Community engagement: 35%

• Engages internal and external partners, stakeholders, citizens, and town officials to educate and inform about land resource programs of Marathon County and to encourage participation in those programs.
• Conducts land resource related training/educational programs for the public, customers, and staff.
• Coordinates with CPZ Planning staff and town officials related to comprehensive plan updates

Leadership and Departmental Management: 15%

• Serves as a member of the Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department management team.
• Develop and present recommendations to improve department programs and operations.
• Develops individual work plans and monitors implementation for assigned staff.
• Completes staff performance reviews and improvement plans
• Lead, support, and sustain the CPZ culture by demonstrating and embracing the department’s and county’s core values. Monitors and evaluates department culture with management team, develops and implements strategies to continuously improve the working environment and service of the department.
• Develops and leads policy discussions with the Environmental Resources Committee to achieve goals of related plans as well as to introduce new topics for consideration.
• Represent the department with various land and water related organizations and agencies.
• Responds to general department questions from citizens and governmental officials.
• Performs related work as necessary. ​​​​

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

• While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.
• Serves on county or other community committees to promote cooperation and improve services to County residents.
• Performs other related functions as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to perform mid to upper-level data analysis including the ability to coordinate, strategize, systematize and correlate, using discretion in determining time, place and/or sequence of operations within an organizational framework. Requires the ability to implement decisions based on such data and oversee the execution of these decisions.
• Ability to utilize a variety of reference, descriptive and advisory data and information such as contracts, architectural/engineering drawings and reports, consultant reports, Wisconsin Code books, ordinances, research documents, professional literature, statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence. Basic knowledge of surveying practices. Skill in understanding legal descriptions of real property.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with the CPZ Director, other county department staff, County Board members, local, state, federal, and other municipal officials, architects, engineers, vendors, the news media and the public. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with these groups.
• Ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict; including the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in critical and /or unexpected situations involving moderate risk to the organization.
• Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighing five to ten pounds. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Occasional field work will require the ability to exert moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven ground and squatting.
• Tasks are regularly performed in safe surroundings with occasional exposure to construction site hazards.
• Understands the County’s and department’s mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
• POWTS Inspector Certification and Certified Soil Tester Certification preferred, but not required. If successful applicant does not have these certifications, the ability to obtain these certifications within 6 months of hire is required. The county will assist the selected applicant with obtaining these certifications.