Job posting closing 07/07/2025 3:00pm

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Planning and Development Director, the Zoning Administrator is responsible for administering fair and uniform land use controls including Zoning, and Subdivision and Platting Ordinances. Plays a lead role in administering and enforcing the County’s Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. Provides staff support to boards and commissions including the Board of Adjustment, Zoning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and Historic Preservation Commission. Works to maintain and update County ordinances and policies. Supervises, schedules and directs employees. Plans and manages budget system. Educates and assists the public regarding land uses, building permits, and planning. Ensures compliance of ordinances are being met and enforcement of the ordinances. Works with other County departments and officials from other jurisdictions.

JOB DUTIES

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned.  

• Assist with administering and enforcing the County’s Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Platting Ordinance, and Comprehensive Plan.
• Prepare written reports and memoranda, recommend measures regarding development projects, rezoning and variance requests, and ensure compliance with County regulations and policy.
• Assist in floodplain and watershed management issues.
• Assist in overseeing the departmental and County datasets and GIS assets.
• Assist in the coordination of multi-departmental design review, and written and oral feedback to applicants.
• Review and approve building permits, liquor licenses, and entrance permits.
• Attend meetings, including the Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Supervisors and provide written and oral reports and documentation regarding rezoning, variances, conditional or special uses, or platting requests.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Develop positive working relationships with work colleagues, commissioners and board members, elected officials, and external officials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, engineering, geography or related field; and 5 years of experience in urban and regional planning, including some previous supervisory responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• AICP Certification desired.
• Valid driver’s license.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential.

• Comprehensive planning and current land use planning practices and principles. 
• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Records maintenance and retention policies, procedures, and practices.
• Understanding issues related to land development, community and economic development, property taxes, watershed management, and alleged nuisances.
• Legal requirements for administration of County ordinances and policies.
• Highly effective oral and written skills.
• Ability to facilitate and lead groups to achieve goals and promote a positive image for Dubuque County.
• Ability to develop policies consistent with the State code, and with County plans, goals, and initiatives.
• Ability to adapt to use specialized software for reporting, data logging, etc.
• Familiarity with ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Dubuque County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.  

Physical Requirements

• Subject to repetitive motion activities, such as typing, keypad or data entry. 
• Requires ability to walk steps, reaching, squatting, stooping, bending, standing, sitting, pushing, and pulling.
• Occasionally work outdoors on all types of terrain in all weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily indoors in an office setting.
• Frequently work with property owners, developers, farmers, contractors, consulting firms, government officials, and the media, occasionally including irritated or agitated individuals.
• Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed.
• Frequent work-related travel.
• Routine work-related evening meetings and events outside the regular work hours.
• Occasional working alongside moving traffic on roads.
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines, and address challenges appropriate to this position.

Equal Opportunity

Dubuque County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Help Dubuque County get to the next level. Competitive wage and benefits. Good office environment in a 2019 building as part of a 4-person department, and good collaboration with other departments and cities, as well as with the development community and property owners.

Dubuque County is Iowa's 9th largest county with an unincorporated population of almost 20,000, and 21 cities ranging from metro size down to tiny. Several unincorporated villages and rural commercial areas. About 60% of County roads are paved or hard surfaced and there is no grid pattern. Dubuque County is also a significant dairy/cattle area with smaller than average farm sizes. Leads in cover crops. Dubuque County is still a disproportionately large manufacturing area. Located in the dynamic "Driftless" region topography and karst soils. The County is a major tourist destination thanks to the Mississippi River, some natural beauty with cold streams, skiing, boating/kayaking, hiking, bike trails and single track, hunting, local foods, plus developments like the Field of Dreams, Sundown Mountain, foodie spots, breweries, live music and nightlife. Seven (7) colleges/universities. These things shape our land use patterns and demand for development. Located just across the river from destinations like Galena, IL and Southwest Wisconsin. Affordable housing for a metro. Gets cold but also hot.

County is embarking on development of a Unified Development Code, including public engagement and reevaluation of development policies.