Land Resources and Environment Director
Sauk County is home to a vast array of lakes, rivers, and creeks with 22,000 acres of natural parks and open spaces that allow for 100 miles of biking, hiking, and walking. Sauk County is the ultimate destination where anyone can happily live, work, and play. We are looking for someone who has the desire to support local communities and positively lead the Land Resources and Environment team.
The purpose of the Land Resources and Environment Director is to direct, plan, organize, and supervise all programs, functions, and activities of the Land Resources and Environment Department. The position is responsible for the administration of county planning, land use, zoning, subdivision, floodplain, shore land/wetland, code enforcement, fire numbers, POWTS, agricultural performance standards and manure management, and non-metallic mining reclamation as well as parks and recreation programs, activities, and properties, and the oversight of County owned dams. The Director provides direct support to the Board of Adjustment and Land Resources and Environment Committee; and indirect support to other County Committees as needed. The Director is responsible for all work programs, budget, personnel, and administrative functions of the department.
Essential Duties- Exercise oversight authority and broad discretionary judgement to manage all functions, programs, and resources of the Department to achieve the departments and County’s strategic priorities.
- Manage and supervise department operations to achieve goals with available resources; plan and organize workloads and staff assignments; train, motivate and evaluate staff; review progress and direct changes as needed.
- Provide leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans; gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
- Assure that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; perform cost control activities; monitors revenues and expenditures to assure sound fiscal control; prepares and administer annual budget requests; assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
- Determine work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
- Maintain harmony among employees and resolve grievances; perform and assist subordinates in performing duties; adjust errors and complaints.
- Issue written and oral instructions; assign duties and examine work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
- Interview and select new personnel; provide instruction and training; approve time off and overtime requests.
- Supervise the administration of conservation programs and practices, comprehensive zoning, wetland, shore land, and floodplain zoning, exclusive agricultural zoning (farmland preservation), nonmetallic mine reclamation, land division, onsite, waste, nutrient management, and animal waste and manure management; and park and recreation policies and programs; responsible for problem and complaint resolution (with appropriate follow up) relative to the various program areas.
- Direct the preparation and implementation of the department's strategic plan, including operational policies, goals and objectives, engage in the regular assessment of strategic efforts and practice the concepts of continuous quality improvement; undertake and manage complex projects and initiatives identified to advance the goals and objectives of the department; and engage and interact with lead staff regarding department programs and projects.
- Serve as department representative and advocate by conducting outreach and developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with the county board of supervisors, county staff, members of the public, elected officials and other stakeholder groups.
- Review and assess existing ordinances and policies applicable to conservation, parks, and recreation, planning and zoning priorities, and determine need for, draft, and recommend new ordinances and amendments to existing ordinances and policies as well as comprehensive plan updates and revisions.
- Provide oversight to service areas in design and implementation of capital improvement projects including planning and budget management and coordination with other service areas, planners, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
- Direct department staff and provide input to consultants in the preparation of plans, project specifications, surveys, and other engineering work.
- Administers, prepares determinations, renders decisions, and performs enforcement action regarding the regulatory functions and processes of the Department by reviewing County ordinances, state statutes, and federal regulations.
- Communicate official plans, policies, and procedures to staff and the public.
- Prepare a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
- Identify and research potential grant opportunities, complete grant applications and undertake reporting and monitoring requirements.
- Perform the duties of the Planning and Zoning Manager, County Conservationist, and Parks and Recreation Manager, as needed.
- Perform field work and on-site inspections as needed for problem resolution.
- Aid and support, as needed and requested, the County Administrator, other County departments and agencies regarding complex issues, opportunities, and problems facing the County.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Training and Education
Required: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Business Administration, Public Administration or another related field
6 years professional work experience in the areas of planning, zoning, conservation, parks, or natural resource management with a public agency
3 years demonstrated knowledge of administrative, managerial, and supervisory principles and practices including budgeting, planning, program evaluation
and employee supervision
Licenses/Certifications: Valid Wisconsin State Motor Vehicle Operator's License
Preferred: Master's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Natural Resources, Agriculture, or another related field
8 years professional work experience in the areas of planning, zoning, conservation or natural resource management with a public agency
5 years demonstrated knowledge of administrative, managerial, and supervisory principles and practices including budgeting, planning, program evaluation
and employee supervision
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
CPM/Certified Public Manager
CCA from American Society of Agronomy
USDA-NRCS Certified Conservation Planner
CPESC Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control
Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
Sauk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
