Planning & Zoning Director
Portage County is all about having a servant heart and providing services that enable our citizens to build productive communities, families and lives. Due to an upcoming retirement, Portage County is hiring a Planning and Zoning Director!
Summary of Position:
The Planning and Zoning Director functions as the Department Head of the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department. This position oversees and directs a staff of approximately sixteen employees, and is responsible for the following programs: Planning, Zoning/Onsite Waste, Land and Water Conservation, Water Resources, Land Records, Business Park/Economic Development, and Geographic Information System (GIS). The Planning and Zoning Director oversees all work programs, budget, personnel, and administrative functions of the department. This position reports directly to the County Executive and serves under the policy direction of the Planning and Zoning Committee and the Portage County Board of Supervisors. The Planning and Zoning Director and staff, subject to approval by the County Executive, also works with and provides services to the Land and Water Conservation Committee, Executive/Operations Committee, Highway Committee, Finance Committee, Stevens Point Plan Commission, Stevens Point Common Council, and all village and town units of government.
The Director is also responsible for duties to assist County staff and County Board Supervisors with regard to 1) the Regional Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), and Portage County’s economic development/workforce growth initiative utilizing local, State and regional funding sources; and 2) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-Housing funding at the regional level, providing professional support and input regarding the needs of Portage County’s low-to-moderate income population to assist in successfully obtaining home rehabilitation loans.
The position is an appointed position per Wisconsin State Statutes 59.17 (2) (br).
What are the minimum qualifications?
Bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning, natural resources or acceptable related field required.
A minimum of ten years of land use or zoning experience and/or professional planning experience required. Experience in a public agency preferred. A Master’s degree in urban/regional planning or natural resources, may be substituted for two years of required experience.
Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.
Knowledge of economic development principles and programming is highly desirable.
Work experience shall consist of background in both urban (incorporated) and rural (town and county) planning and zoning.
Supervision experience required.
Any combination of education and experience that provides the equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.
For a complete position description, please email: HR@co.portage.wi.us
Portage County offers the following benefits:
State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan
Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with the High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) Paid by the County
Employee Wellness program
Vacation – available on date of hire!
Paid holidays
Sick pay
Flexible spending account
Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hours/week)
Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hours/week)
Dental insurance
457B Deferred Compensation Plan
* First review of applications will be Friday, November 5, 2021.
Portage County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
Deadline Note:
