DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ZONING

Description
The purpose of the class is to assist the Director in planning, directing and supervising the administration and operations of the Planning & Zoning Department with the management of daily department operations, serving as liaison to other Departments, managing the land development review process, performing professional and technical work in short-range and long-range planning programs related to the development and implementation of land use plans and policies, capital improvements, infrastructure development, and other County projects and programs; to train and supervise subordinate staff; and to perform related work as assigned. The class works within broad policy and organizational guidelines, does independent planning and implementation, and reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings. This class establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other County employees, municipalities, state and federal officials, representatives of historic and neighborhood organizations, business and community organizations and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

Duties

• Assists the Director in planning, coordinating and supervising the programs and operations of the Planning & Zoning Department including: planning, zoning, and land development.
• Assists the Director of Planning & Zoning in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, infrastructure, and other plans and codes to meet the County's needs.
• Assists in ensuring departmental compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and County policies and procedures.
• Supervises all aspects of Land Development review activities
• Supervises the work of subordinate staff (professional and technical); supervisory duties include instructing, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, assisting with the selection of new employees, and recommending employee discipline as appropriate. Provides training, advice and assistance as needed. * Develops policy, guidelines, department schedules and workloads; makes adjustments as necessary to ensure optimum productivity and efficiency for the Engineering Department.
• Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the division's policies, procedures and service delivery methods; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Advises the Planning Director, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County Council, County officials and other entities on planning and development issues and projects; prepares and presents project information and staff recommendations to such groups as required.
• Confers with and advises engineers, developers, architects, surveyors, property owners and citizens in the coordination of planning and zoning issues, and in the interpretation and enforcement of County ordinances.
• Researches, gathers, interprets and prepares data for planning and zoning studies, prepares a variety of studies, briefs and reports for decision-making and presentation purposes.
• Reviews existing regulations and plans; makes recommendations for modification to the Planning Commission as appropriate.
• Evaluates land use proposals, development designs, subdivision plans, etc., for compliance with County, state and federal laws, regulations, codes and ordinances; evaluates the impact of development proposals; evaluates environmental impact information; and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impact of development.
• Processes land use applications; coordinates process with applicants, technical consultants and other agencies; performs site evaluations for proposed land usage; interprets regulations; and informs applicants of required actions.
• Coordinates with the Public Works Department regarding the approval, retention, and release of financial guarantees for land development.
• Conducts field inspections for developments, requested variances, rezoning, unusual applications and site-specific requirements.
• Coordinates sign review and approval.
• Participates in long-range planning projects as assigned.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, and concerns pertaining to County planning projects, regulations and ordinances.
• Participates in department marketing and public relations efforts; makes public presentations to inform the public about planning projects and programs.
• Researches, analyzes and prepares information for the development of grants and related projects as directed.
• Coordinates and participates in employee and board member training. Ensures compliance with state training requirements.
• Maintains records pertinent to planning and development programs and projects.
• Assists in coordinating department activities and functions with those of other County departments, municipalities and outside agencies as appropriate.
• Represents the Director at meetings and other functions as required in his/her absence.
• Performs routine administrative/clerical work as required, including entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, assembling materials, typing reports and correspondence, ordering office supplies, etc.
• Attends training, seminars, conferences, meetings, etc., to enhance job knowledge and skills; keeps abreast of federal, state and local case law and new trends and innovations in planning and zoning administration. Maintains professional certifications.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
• Provides technical direction of other department staff in areas of responsibility.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in planning or related field. Master's degree in planning or related field preferred.
Requires at least seven (7) years of related work experience.

Special Qualifications:
Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
AICP Preferred but not required.

For more information on Dorchester County Government please view the information below:
https://www.dorchestercounty.net/index.aspx?page=227

Benefits for County Employees

County Employees may be eligible for a variety of State benefits associated with their employment. From a comprehensive health and dental insurance program, to generous annual and sick leave policies, to a solid and secure retirement system.

Healthcare Benefits
(Full-time employees)
Dorchester County is a part of the State Benefits Program. The State program offers its employees a comprehensive health and dental program, along with a wide array of supplemental insurance programs. South Carolina has long been committed to providing its employees the best possible insurance benefits at the greatest possible value. We've maintained that commitment, too, even in the face of healthcare costs that continue to soar. You may refer to the link for more information.

www.eip.sc.gov/

Retirement Benefits
In addition to our health and dental insurance programs, all county employees are a part of the South Carolina Retirement System. These programs are designed to help provide county employees secure retirement alternatives that will best meet their needs. You may refer to the link for more information.

http://www.retirement.sc.gov/

Workplace Benefits
In addition, county employees may be eligible for other benefits, such as holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.

Note: The above benefits are available to most county employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or none of these benefits based on the benefits associated with each position. For these positions, please contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available for the particular position.

Job Type: Full-time