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)

• Public policy analysis and development.
• Identify and analyze emerging issues, synthesize and integrate information, frame issues and develop recommendations for senior management and County Board consideration.
• Pursue opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration within Dakota County government and with cities, townships, and other public agencies, as well as non-profits, and businesses.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with committees, interest groups, local units of government and the general public who are interested in planning and land use issues.
• Develop and lead interdepartmental and intergovernmental teams, as needed.
• Represent Dakota County on special committees and before governmental bodies (including state regional and local governments) on planning and land use matters and on other Division and County issues, as assigned.
• Oversee the development of an effective, comprehensive and strategic planning program and annual work plan related to the physical environment and development of the County and that allocates resources to address priority issues.
• Assure staff support to the Dakota County Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Budget preparation and administration, monitoring the use of appropriated funds, and recommendation of budget amendments, as necessary.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

• Experience in developing and coordinating the completion of complex projects and the ability to work independent of direct supervision.
• A demonstrated ability to create effective, professional relationships and to effectively lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• A demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.
• Knowledge of governmental functions and organizations (including legislative) affecting County government.
• The ability to develop effective cooperative relationships with policy staff of local, state and regional authorities.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels of government.
• Communication skills, both verbal and written, to clearly and concisely convey complex issues to decision-makers to enhance effective…