County Planning & Zoning Director

Custer County is an equal opportunity employer. This is a full-time exempt position

Applications may be submitted to:
Custer County Human Resources
P.O. Box 150Westcliffe, CO 81252
Email: [email protected]

The Custer County is looking an ideal candidate to be their Director of Planning & Zoning. The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of professionalism, exceptional customer service and leadership abilities. Receives limited direction from the Managing Commissioner & Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). This position performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgement, requesting supervisory assignments only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. 

Provides quality public welfare services to the people of Custer County. While the position manages the administrative operations, programs of the department, on an as-need basis it may also review complex or sensitive cases or complaints; may preside at hearings or investigates as appropriate; make determinations and resolves problems or complaints.

The Director of Planning and Zoning supervises and participates in advanced, complex professional planning activities and highly visible public projects in addition to administering and enforcing the Comprehensive Plan and all land development-related activities, as well as other applicable state, local and federal laws. 

Duties include developing short and long-range goals and objectives, developing and implementing goals and objectives and managing projects relative to the development and redevelopment of County properties. The Incumbent serves as an advisor to Board of County Commissioners on county planning issues and oversees activities of the Planning Commission, the Board of Adjustment and other public bodies as needed.  

Supervision Received: Receives limited direction from the Managing Commissioner & Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). This position performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgement, requesting supervisory assignments only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. 

 Supervision Exercised: Exercise direct, first-level supervision of positions, employees, operations, and activities within the planning & zoning department.

Job Summary Provides quality public welfare services to the people of Custer County. While the position manages the administrative operations, programs of the department, on an as-need basis it may also review complex or sensitive cases or complaints; may preside at hearings or investigates as appropriate; make determinations and resolves problems or complaints.

The Director of Planning and Zoning supervises and participates in advanced, complex professional planning activities and highly visible public projects in addition to administering and enforcing the Comprehensive Plan and all land development-related activities, as well as other applicable state, local and federal laws. 

Duties include developing short and long-range goals and objectives, developing and implementing goals and objectives and managing projects relative to the development and redevelopment of County properties. The Incumbent serves as an advisor to Board of County Commissioners on county planning issues and oversees activities of the Planning Commission, the Board of Adjustment and other public bodies as needed.  

The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the position.         Custer County retains the right to change the duties and responsibilities on the position.    

Essential Job Functions:

• Establishes departmental policies and procedures and coordinates departmental activities.
• Plans, directs and evaluates the work of subordinates in harmony with existing policies and procedures.
• Prepares annual departmental budget requests and administers allocated funds. Approves purchase order requests for supplies and equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Represents the department at BoCC meetings. Attends various advisory board and commission meetings on an as needed basis.
• Responsible for zoning permit administration and utility connection permit compliance; administration of building permit applications.  
• Responsible for the administration of all county land use regulations, including the Custer County planning and zoning resolution, subdivision regulations, the master plan, on-site wastewater treatment system and airport leases.
• Inspects all on on-site wastewater treatment systems for compliance prior to contractor covering site.
• Interprets and enforces the Custer County zoning resolution and on-site wastewater treatment system regulations.
• Undertakes special studies and projects assigned by County Management.
• Coordinates with various local, state and federal agencies on projects and programs affecting the County.
• Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research and analysis.
• Coordinates the site plan review process, prepares reports, attends and serves as staff liaison to the Planning Commission.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Oversees the administration of zoning regulations, including zoning permits or other administrative approvals. Answers public questions and reviews development plans.
• Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding all applicable planning and zoning issues to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, property owners, the public and County Officials. Provides assistance, responds to requests, and resolves complaints.
• Oversees specialized planning functions such as large-scale new development proposals and environmental studies.
• Provides overall management of division-related planning issues.
• Coordinates the preparation of agenda materials for various County boards, Planning Commission and BoCC.
• Directly responsible for managing all activities relative to the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment including the filling of vacancies, education of members, and the formulation and posting of all agendas. May also be responsible for ad hoc commissions or committees to address specific development issues.
• Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.

Job Related Knowledge and Skills: 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, work planning, organization, performance review and evaluation, and employee training and discipline.  
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, statutes, ordinances related to planning & zoning programs and activities.
• Knowledgeable in areas such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development.
• Ability to be free of any conflicts of interest associated with the performance of the position.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy in contentious or confrontational situations.
• Ability to communicate and work with professionals and clients from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, and work effectively within deadlines, and changes in work priorities.
• Ability to remain professional, analyze complex situations and respond appropriately under stress. Ability to work under pressure and/or frequent interruptions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journal, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, and other directors.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to complete tasks within established deadlines.
• Ability to effectively process and maintain files and prepare reports.
• Possess effective and persuasive leadership skills, be comfortable with all levels of staff, appointed and elected officials, public stakeholders and others.
• Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Skill in interpreting and applying planning and zoning guidelines and ordinances.

MINIMUM EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or equivalent combination of education and experience, closely related field with five or more years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience - required

Experience including regulatory requirements of the land entitlement process and interpretations and applications of zoning code requirements as they relate to the overall land and infrastructure standards -preferred

Preference given to candidates with graduate degrees and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. Experience with CityWorks, Naviline, GIS, AutoCAD is preferred. AICP certification required within two (2) years of employment.

License or Certification - Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license and be insurable.

Tools & Equipment Used - This position requires the use of standardized office equipment including but not limited to – desk top computer and associated software. 

Working Environment  - Somewhat disagreeable working conditions. Continuously exposed to one or two elements such as noise, intermittent standing, walking, pushing, carrying, or lifting. May involve some travel and/or work is at times, in the evening or during the night hours. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

The employee is required to sit, talk and hear and is frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger dexterity to perform clerical functions of the position. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Accommodations can be negotiated for physically challenged applicants.

Specific vision abilities required by this position, ability to distinguish objects in low and bright light using visual capacity including peripheral vison, depth perception, color vision and near and far vision.

The employee is frequently required to manipulate office and similar other equipment, tools and materials; and to participate in routine conversation in person or vis telephone. This position is occasionally required to stoop, kneel/bending crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching and reaching.