Manager, Physical Development Planning

General Description

POSTING TYPE:
Open-competitive

DEPARTMENT:
Physical Development, Office of Planning

HOURS:

Full-time

SALARY RANGE: $103,284 - $161,381 /year (111 grade level)

LOCATION:

Western Service Center, Apple Valley

UNION:
None

CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026

The Planning Manager leads Dakota County's strategic visioning and planning efforts related to land use, the environment, natural resources, parks, open space, and transportation, including the identification and analysis of current and emerging issues. The Planning Manager builds collaborative relationships with cities, townships, and government agencies and engages the public in identifying, evaluating and planning for County and regional issues. This position also serves as the liaison to the Dakota County Planning Commission.

The Planning Manager leads multi‑disciplinary work teams and serves as a resource to County senior management and the Board of Commissioners.

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values:
Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Bachelor’s degree AND 4 years of related professional land use or community planning experience (see below).

OR

Master’s degree AND 2 years of related professional land use or community planning experience (see below).

AND

Two years of experience managing/supervising staff in a formal capacity.

• Experience interpreting and applying zoning ordinances, regulations, comprehensive plans and applicable state and local land use laws.
• Experience presenting technical information to elected officials, planning commissions, boards, and the public.
• Experience leading an appointed-level commission making recommendations and giving comments to elected officials.
• Experience facilitating public engagement and navigating complex or controversial land use issues.
• Experience with comprehensive and long‑range planning.

• Degree in urban studies, planning, political science, public administration, business administration, public affairs, public policy
• Direct work experience in county or municipal government.
• Grant writing or capital improvement planning experience.
• Knowledge of GIS applications and planning software.
• Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.