About the Department

Summary
Under direction of the Zoning Administrator, the Zoning Technician promotes and protects the environmental health, safety and general welfare of the county citizens through regulation of Polk County Comprehensive Land Use, Sanitary, Shoreline Zoning, Floodplain, Wetlands, Subdivision, Telecommunication, Small Wind Energy, County Rural Addressing, and any other land use Ordinances as adopted by the Polk County Board of Supervisors. 

Position Duties

Essential Duties: 
These duties represent the typical duties and responsibilities assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed:

• Assists with administration of the Comprehensive Land Use, Floodplain, Wetlands, Subdivision, Telecommunication, Small Wind Energy, and County Rural Addressing Ordinances so that land is developed in a safe, healthy, and orderly manner
• Administers and enforces the Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) ordinance and corresponding Wis. Administrative Code (Chapter SPS 381-387,391)
• Provides information and assistance concerning code and ordinance requirements to the general public, contractors, real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, appraisers, plumbers, surveyors, engineers, and land developers in written form, orally and through on-site visits
• Conducts on-site inspections for Shoreland Zoning & Land Use Permit applications
• Reviews ordinances and proposes changes when necessary
• Reviews and inspects private on-site wastewater treatment (septic) system installation and files necessary reports
• Reviews and inspects conditional use permits and variances for compliance with established conditions
• Participates in conducting code enforcement actions; receives reports or complaints of potential ordinance code violations; inspects alleged violation sites; documents conditions observed; determines if conditions are in compliance with code; issues violation notices as warranted; issues orders for correction of ordinance code violations; verifies accomplishment of corrections; initiates appropriate enforcement action in cases of non-compliance. 
• Represents the Department at Zoning Committee, Public Hearing and Board of Adjustment Meetings when needed
• Assigns rural addresses in compliance with the Polk County Rural Address Numbering System
• Maintain a professional relationship with staff, peers, and upper management
• Assist the public, other county departments or government agencies with questions or requests
• Attends continuing education seminars and conferences & keeps licenses active
• Other duties as assigned by the Zoning Administrator or Land Information Director
• Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Land Use/Planning (e.g. Soil Science, Natural Resources, Sanitation, Environmental Health or another related field) OR
• Associate's degree from an accredited institution in land use, planning, or related studies with 2 years zoning or planning experience
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Preferred Skills:

• Zoning & Land Use Regulation
• Permit Review & Field Inspections
• Code Compliance & Enforcement
• Public Communication
• Analytical Problem Solving

Other Qualifications

Minimum Skills Assessment Requirements: Must be capable of operating a personal computer using standard graphical interface word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail software.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:

• Must hold a current Wisconsin Driver's License or have access to a regular source of transportation.
• Within six months of hire, must obtain a POWTS (Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System) certification. 

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform 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 job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 1O pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in precarious places and in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud.