Zoning Administrator

The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR is the principal staff person responsible for enforcing the Washburn County Zoning Ordinances and related state and federal regulations including but not limited to comprehensive zoning, shore land zoning, subdivision control, floodplain zoning, private on-site wastewater treatment system regulation, and nonmetallic mining. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR is the first line of contact for all land use permit applications. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR assists applicants, issue permits, conducts enforcement actions, educates the public about the requirements of the Washburn County Zoning Code.

Additionally, the ZONING ADMINISTRATOR assists the County Zoning Committee, the County Board, County Board of Adjustment and other administrative departments as needed. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR performs administrative, professional, regulatory, and technical work related to the County’s land use and development review process. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR shall administer the ordinances, rules and regulations literally and shall not have the power to permit any land development that is not in conformance with the applicable laws.

The position requires considerable judgement and tact in literal administration and enforcement. The following duties are normal for this position within the Zoning Department. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned or required.

• Prioritizes and assigns work. Supervises staff activities. Reviews work and evaluates employee work performance. Advises employee regarding policies and procedures. Recommends employee selection, discipline and discharge. Approves employee vacation, holiday and sick leave requests, in accordance with the applicable employee handbook.
• Oversees review and issuance of sanitary permits. Conducts site inspections and soil evaluation for sanitary permits for on-site septic systems.
• Oversees review and issuance of land use permits.
• Oversees review of rezoning applications and conditional use requests and prepares staff reports for review by the applicable committees.
• Reviews variance applications to determine appropriateness. Works with property owners during variance application process. Advises on applicable standards and departmental practices relative to variance requests.
• Investigates and takes appropriate action in regard to complaints received regarding potential violations of ordinances, statutes or regulations over which the Zoning office has jurisdiction.
• Monitors and inspects properties to confirm compliance with Conditional Use Permits.
• Works directly with Corporation Counsel to prosecute violations of ordinances over which the Zoning Department has jurisdiction. Prepares documents and evidence for court cases. Testifies in court.
• Assists Corporation Counsel and/or outside Counsel with any claims or lawsuits filed involving the Zoning Department.
• Assists Corporation Counsel with drafting ordinance amendments for the Zoning Department. Attends and participates in meetings and hearings regarding zoning and sanitation matters. Prepares and delivers reports.
• Prepares and monitors department budget. Approves vouchers and purchases in accordance with County administrative policies.
• Supports Washburn County Core Values throughout all levels of department decision-making. Develops customer service as an integral part of department operations.
• Maintain departmental competence and credentials through training and study including an up to date knowledge of all state and federal rules and regulations related to applicable land use, water and air quality, and sanitary standards.

Four-year degree with training in land records and physical sciences, three to five years land use administration experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator’s license, certified soil tester and POWTS inspector license required.

• Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
• Ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, and to oversee their execution. Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, to determine consequences and identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to manage and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation. Ability to persuade, convince and train others. Ability to advise and interpret regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as zoning applications, land use requests, sanitary permit applications, site and soil evaluations, citations, inspection reports, personnel performance evaluations, ordinances, plumbing codes, land use regulations, computer software operating manuals, soil testing manuals, meeting minutes, meeting agendas and…