Education/Experience/Training:
Bachelor's Degree in a Planning,, Geography, Geology, Public Administration or closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, zoning, subdivisions, stormwater, or floodplain including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory capacity. Or, Master's Degree preferred in a related field with three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Certifications: Valid Driver's License issued by the State of Montana.
Each applicant is required to provide the following: A writing sample demonstrating your ability to write a professional, technical report and synthesize planning, land use and/or zoning data.
JOB DESCRIPTION The Planning Director (Director), under the general direction of the Board of County Commissioners, is responsible for the administration and supervision of the Cascade County Planning and Geographic Information System (GIS) Department (Planning Department), performs a variety of difficult, complex and specialized assignments in the preparation and distribution of planning reports, technical and professional work in planning programs for the County related to the development and implementation of land use, floodplain, stormwater, zoning, subdivision, mapping and addressing, junk vehicle retrieval, littering and community decay enforcement, superfund controls and redevelopment, and related plans and policies. This is a department head/senior management position responsible for the supervision and the work of all Planning Department personnel. The Director represents the Planning Department and associated functions with groups and organizations to explain ordinances, resolutions, regulations and County policies to the public, other city, county, state and federal agencies and County departments, including but not limited to the Cascade City County Health Department, Clerk and Recorders Office, Cascade County Commissioners, Planning Board members, Zoning Board of Adjustment members, the general public, engineers, developers and surveyors. The Director supervises the Planning Department staff, performs special assignments as directed and provides administrative support to the Cascade County Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Board of County Commissioners and other duties as required or assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Directs and administers the day-to-day activities of the Planning Department staff, including land use planning, subdivision review and permitting, zoning, land use regulation geographic information systems, mapping/addressing, MS4 program, and the superfund program; With the concurrence of the Board of Commissioners, plans, directs, coordinates, and supervises the development of an effective long range and current planning program goals and objectives for the County; Supervises and evaluates the activities and workplans of professional, technical and support personnel; Plans and administers plans within the policies of the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; Serves as Zoning Administrator for Cascade County; Serves as the Floodplain Administrator for Cascade County; Reviews the Growth Policy, JLUS and related policies and recommends amendments; Reviews FEMA regulations in conjunction with state and federal agencies; Coordinates with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on land management issues relating to the monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites and/or the repurposing of former industrial sites for future land uses; Reviews land use and zoning policies to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; Conducts research and prepares or supervises the preparation of reports and recommendations on zoning, land use, transportations, populations, community facilities and other related projects; Assigns, allocates and distributes major planning projects to Planners and the GIS Manager;Supervises and participates in the preparation and/or revision of the zoning ordinances and zoning maps; Prepares draft ordinances and resolutions relating to zoning, subdivisions, annexations, environmental review and related zoning and planning matters; Provides technical and professional advice to the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment on planning and zoning matters, including the preparation and presentation of reports and recommendations and ensuring compliance with Montana open meeting and public participation laws; Coordinates activities between the Planning Department and other entities, including but not limited to Board of County Commissioners, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Environmental Health Department, Public Works, civic organizations, industry/trade organizations and the general public; Confers with private citizens and various governmental representatives or agencies regarding staff or board functions and activities and attends public meetings as required; Confers with architects, engineers, developers, consultants and the general public on planning matters; Performs active and passive community outreach as needed and as required by the Community Rating System for floodplain management and the Cascade County Stormwater Management Plan; Ensures all minimum control measures of the Cascade County Stormwater Management Plan are implemented, completed, tracked, and reported, including but not limited to, conducting outfall sampling and inspections, and promptly investigating and taking action on reports of illicit discharges; Tracks ongoing legislative proposals and advises Board of County Commissioners on potential financial and operational impacts to the County; Trains staff to ensure compliance with changed or new laws relating to land use management; With the concurrence of the County Attorney's Office, makes authoritative interpretations of applicable laws, regulations and policies; Supervises and participates in the more complex and technical planning studies; Determines and prioritizes departmental budget needs, prepares, monitors and administers the implementation of the department budget and approves budgeted expenditures; Attends meetings and makes presentations to represent the County, Planning Department and Zoning Board of Adjustment; Works and cooperates with municipal officials, developers and community organizations in connections with new or contemplated development projects; Oversees the coordination, development and management of complete, timely and accurate GIS data to support users of geographic data in effective decision making within government; Oversees the Cascade County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program and ensures compliance with state reporting requirements; Establishes work priorities and methods for all work activities related to GIS projects; Plans, organizes, assigns and reviews the work of department staff to meet departmental goals and community needs; Monitors and ensures adherence to changes, revisions or updates to state and federal rules, regulations and laws and informs department staff, the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment of any such changes, revisions or updates; Attends meetings and conferences, directs and serves on boards, commissions, committees and prepares and maintains necessary records and reports; Maintains effective, professional communication with all levels of management and the public; Professionally and respectfully responds to inquiries from the general public in a timely manner; Regularly schedules interdepartmental and departmental meetings to maintain effective communication/interaction and liaison among departments, staff and the County Commissioners; Follows the Cascade County Human Resources recruitment and hiring processes to fill approved staff positions; Follows the Cascade County progressive disciplinary process to achieve corrective action or termination of the