Land Use Services Director

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7:00 AM | Expires Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:59 AM

Thank you for your interest in joining Door County Government!

Door County is proud to be a premier place to live, work, and visit
. We serve nearly 30,000 year‑round residents and a vibrant seasonal population by providing essential services that support and protect the people, economy, and environment of the beautiful Door Peninsula.

Within the County organization, the Land Use Services Department oversees zoning administration, land use planning, environmental protection, and compliance with applicable county and state regulations. The department processes zoning permits, conditional use requests, variances, appeals, and proposed ordinance or map amendments, supporting informed decision‑making through public hearings and established review procedures.

Land Use Services also administers the County’s Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) program, ensuring proper regulation, inspection, and monitoring to protect ground and surface water resources. In addition, the department develops and updates comprehensive and farmland preservation plans, prepares and maintains land use ordinances, and provides technical assistance, education, and coordination with local municipalities, state agencies, and community partners.

Through these combined functions, the Land Use Services Department promotes responsible development, environmental stewardship, and sound land use practices across Door County.

To continue this important work, we are seeking a candidate who will perform the responsibilities outlined in the job summary and contribute to our efforts in serving the community.

The Land Use Services Director is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and strategic direction of the Land Use Services Department. This position manages departmental personnel, programs, budgets, and regulatory functions related to planning, zoning, land use, private onsite treatment systems (POWTs) and resource management.

• Directs all functions of the Land Use Services Department, including planning, zoning, conservation, and mapping services; sets department priorities and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Supervises departmental staff in implementing programs, projects, and plans; conducts performance evaluations and ensures ongoing staff development.
• Coordinates and administers the development of comprehensive, farmland preservation, and other land‑related plans in collaboration with planning staff and external entities.
• Oversees preparation and monitoring of the department’s annual operating budget; ensures fiscal accountability and alignment with County goals.
• Represents the County at public meetings, and intergovernmental forums; communicates complex technical and legal information to diverse audiences.
• Develops, implements, and reviews departmental policies and procedures in coordination with the County Administrator and the Resource Planning Committee.
• Prepares and submits grant applications and other funding proposals to support land use initiatives.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments affecting planning, zoning, and land use; evaluates impacts and recommends appropriate County responses.
• Participates in recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of department personnel in partnership with Human Resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including special projects and organizational initiatives that advance the County’s strategic objectives.
• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Develops long‑range goals and aligns departmental operations with County planning and legal priorities.
• Legal Acumen
  :
  Applies legal principles and practices in land use, zoning, and municipal governance.
• Analytical Reasoning
  :
  Evaluates regulatory requirements, case law, and planning data to inform decisions.
• Public Communication
  :
  Engages with diverse stakeholders through meetings, presentations, and written correspondence.
• Collaboration
  :
  Fosters cooperative relationships with local governments, state agencies, and internal departments.
• Organizational Management
  :
  Directs staffing, budgeting, and…