Sherman County Community Development Director/County Planner

Supervisor: County Judge and CommissionersType: Regular Full-Time

Department: Planning FLSA: Exempt

Salary Range: $5,193-$6,629 per month

Coordinates the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and zoning/development ordinances in accordance with Local, State, and Federal laws.  Consults with the Planning Commission and County Court in establishing and/or modifying local planning and development policies and regulations.  Receives and processes a variety of planning, zoning, and land use applications.  Assists Legal Counsel and Planning Consultants on complex and/or long-range planning projects as assigned. Organizes and coordinates community development services for the County including Economic/Business Development, Tourism, and Land Use Planning.

Works under the supervision of the Sherman County Judge and Commissioners.

Supervises assigned employees and volunteers. Assigns and reviews work; alters the workloads of others to meet scheduling demands; evaluates performance and conducts appraisal interviews; and has the authority to hire and fire, or effectively recommend the same.

1. Attends meetings, develops and maintains a professional relationship with individuals, departments, agencies and others in Sherman County involved in Economic Development/Tourism activities.

2. Implements and carries out economic development projects as developed and instructed by County Court.

3. Develops an awareness of opportunities for Community and Business Development to assist with existing business growth and expansion to their maximum capability.  Coordinates these opportunities with County Court for strategic decisions.

4. Develops an awareness of workforce issues and an understanding of the needs of employers in Sherman County through meetings with individuals and conferences involved with these issues.

5. Assists and coordinates the siting of new business to Sherman County.

6. Develops and maintains an inventory to track available sites in Sherman County for new business and housing.

7. Monitors grant sources for Community and Business Economic Development/Tourism and other county departments.  Coordinates the application process to maximize participation.

8. Provides technical assistance in community and business economic development/tourism procedures or projects to Sherman County cities and other public or private agencies, as appropriate.

9. Provides technical advice to the Commissioners and other County department on related natural resource and land use matters.

10. Serves as a liaison with Cities in Sherman County to promote and retain businesses and assist with their Enterprise Zones as needed.

11. Stays apprised of changes in laws affecting the responsibilities of community development.  Including thorough knowledge of Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon Revised Statute requirements for both the State Department and Commissioner of Land Conservation and Development, and Oregon Department of Transportation.

12. Serves as a professional primary liaison and provides administrative support to the Sherman County Planning Commission; provides executive management of Planning Commission meetings and business; maintains planning commission appointment correspondence; advertises commission vacancies and recommends planning commission appointments to the county court; prepares, schedules, and advertises notices of public hearings and public meetings; develops and presents policy proposals; and processes and presents applications/proposals requiring planning commission approval.

13. Administers the land use planning function of Sherman County; responds to requests from the public, other governmental jurisdictions, and regulatory agencies; processes land use applications according to the requirements of the SCZO; receives and properly documents public comments regarding land use decisions; develops and proposes ordinances, procedures and positions which comply with the requirements of DLCD; interprets and implements provisions the Oregon Administrative Regulations and the Oregon Revised Statutes, conferring with legal counsel as needed.

14. Monitors compliance with land use actions.

15. Facilitates the development and maintenance of the County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

16. Develops and presents policy proposals.  Facilitates the development and maintenance of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance in consultation with County’s Legal Counsel.

17. Responsible for grant writing and associated grant management activities.  Compiles, prepares, and files required reports in accordance with grant contracts, federal and state reporting requirements, insurance policies, and County policies and requests.

18. Develops the annual budget proposal for the Planning Department; ensures planning department activities are in line with budget; prepares monthly invoices for the budget officer; purchases supplies and equipment for the Planning Department.

19. Communicates with members of the general public to provide appropriate information about county activities; performs site visits as appropriate.

20. Maintains planning department files, documents, and reports; compiles data; and prepares reports, records and documentations.

21. Communicates with other county departments and agencies to effectively coordinate work programs as needed.

22. Attends County Court meetings as appropriate to advise court of projects and updates; prepares and presents regular reports for the County Court.

23. Conducts training and orientation sessions for Planning Commission members.

24. Receives and distributes incoming and outgoing communication and correspondence for the planning department. Generates reports and correspondence required by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Business Oregon, and other agencies.

25. Attends meetings and consults with Federal, State and Local agencies, businesses, general public, internal departments, and other applicable entities to resolve issues, share best practices, solicit feedback, and represent the County.  Serves on boards and committees as assigned and directed by the County Court; participates in safety inspections for the Safety Committee. Works with partner agencies such as MCEDD, Regional Solutions, Frontier Chamber of Commerce, etc.

26. Coordinates with and supports County Court in the formulation, development, and implementation of economic development/tourism strategies, programs, and projects throughout the County, and implements the projects and the policies of the County Court.

27. Works as the liaison to local, state, regional and federal economic agencies or groups.

28. Manages, directs, and integrates current and advanced economic planning programs and strategies that enhance the County’s business environment, working with diverse stakeholders to support local businesses.

29. Develops strategies to retain and grow existing businesses, recruit targeted industries, creates employment opportunities and increase the tax base including through innovation, start-ups, and new investment especially in the enterprise zone(s) and urban renewal districts.

30. Develops and maintains an information resource to provide existing and prospective businesses with local demographic, land and building resources, business development financing and other key information.

31. Identifies any federal, state, and private economic development funding opportunities that are consistent with the local economic development strategy.

32. Coordinates special projects as directed by the County Court.

33. Serves as the Sherman County Enterprise Zone Manager.  Maintains records related to businesses with enterprise zone exemptions and when they expire.

34. Oversees and performs activities related to the management of the Sherman County RV park.

35. Follows all safety rules and procedures for work areas.

36. Maintains effective and cooperative working relationships with those encountered in the performance of duties; including employees, elected officials, other organizations, and the public.

37. Maintains appropriate confidentiality with regard to information obtained during the course of work.

38. Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.

39. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in land use planning or related field;

• AND Two (2) years of experience in land use planning, business office or other related experience.

• OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience which ensures the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

• A valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of employment, reliable transportation, insurance required by the state of Oregon and proof of an acceptable driving record are required.

• Pre-employment background check required.

Knowledge of:  Broad knowledge of federal, state, and local laws/policies related to assigned areas of responsibility including wetlands, floodplains, wellhead protection, environmental protection, and cultural criteria; working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of land use planning; standard office equipment, procedures and practices, English composition, spelling, punctuation, recordkeeping and reporting.

Skills:  Computer skills, preferably in Microsoft Office Suite® products; skilled in communicating information effectively, both verbally and in writing; excellent customer service skills; skilled in information analysis, report development, preparation, and presentation.

Ability to:  Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work independently with initiative, making decisions with sound judgment; comprehend, interpret, and implement laws, rules, and regulations related to areas of responsibility; effectively operate modern office equipment, computer systems and programs; maintain confidentiality and handle highly-sensitive information with sound judgement and discretion; accurately maintain records, reports and statistical data; write reports, public notices, orders, decisions, amendments, minutes and other land use related materials; facilitate public meetings and hearings; effectively apply supervisory and management best practices; serve the public, other internal and external personnel, organizations, executives and officials with tact and judgment; work variable work shifts.

Physical Demands of Position: The physical demands listed below represent those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Manual dexterity and coordination are required for over half of the daily work period which is spent sitting while operating office equipment such as computers, keyboards, 10-keys, and telephones; and while driving. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach, bend, kneel, stoop, twist, see, talk, hear, and manipulate objects. The position requires some mobility including the ability to lift and/or move materials up to 5 lbs. daily, up to 10 lbs. frequently, and up to 25 lbs. occasionally. This position requires both verbal and written communication abilities, close vision ability, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is primarily working indoors in an office environment. The employee is not exposed to hazardous conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and lighting is adequate.

A portion of the employee’s workday (less than 5%) may be spent outdoors and/or driving to and from work sites, where the employee may be exposed to inclement weather, dust, or other similar environmental conditions.

The employee will utilize proper protective equipment, where recommended/required for compliance with county policy and OSHA standards, to include reflective vest, protective footwear, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and hard hat.

Please submit resume, cover letter and application to countycourt@shermancounty.net