DIRECTOR OF LAND SERVICES

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

13d

About The Position

The Director of Land Services provides strategic leadership for the Land Services Department and its three divisions: Zoning & Planning, Land Conservation, and Survey & Land Records. Each division is led by a Division Manager who reports directly to the Director.
This role shapes the long-term land use vision for La Crosse County and plays a key role in balancing growth, environmental stewardship, and community priorities.
The Director leads countywide land services by setting department strategy, guiding policy development, overseeing long‑range planning and resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and county requirements. Core service areas include land use regulation, planning and development, soil and water conservation, surveying and plat review, land records modernization, and GIS infrastructure. The Director also provides coordination with local, state, and federal partners to support cohesive and sustainable land use outcomes across the county.
This position is appointed by the County Administrator and reports to the Deputy County Administrator.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal, public‑relations, and communication skills, including presenting to committees, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex regulatory programs.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with county officials, local governments, agencies, developers, contractors, and community members.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply zoning, planning, conservation, surveying, platting, and land records systems.
• Ability to navigate and apply federal, state, and local laws related to land management and natural resources.
• Ability to balance competing priorities in a complex regulatory and political environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, civil engineering, natural resources, public administration, or a related field
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in land services that includes supervisory and/or leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and working in complex regulatory environments.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License or ability to obtain.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic direction for the department and ensures coordinated operations across all three divisions. Division Managers lead technical expertise and day-to-day operational decisions.
• Directly supervises three Division Managers, setting expectations, supporting performance, and ensuring accountability for program and staff leadership.
• Leads department-wide policy development, long‑range planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and county statutes related to zoning, land conservation, surveying, land records, and land use regulation.
• Leads department-level employee relations, including hiring decisions, performance management expectations, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Approves major departmental initiatives and supports Division Managers in executing operational and technical functions.
• Provides direction for zoning enforcement, land use planning, ordinance interpretation, and coordination with the PRD Committee and Board of Adjustment.
• Ensures consistent and legally sound administration of zoning, floodplain, shoreland, nonmetallic mining, and related ordinances.
• Provides strategic leadership for major planning initiatives, community and economic development efforts, and intergovernmental coordination on land use.
• Provides strategic leadership for soil and water conservation programs, farmland preservation, nonmetallic mining reclamation, stormwater and erosion control, and natural resource projects.
• Ensures programs align with federal/state mandates and county conservation goals.
• Guides relationships with partner agencies, such as NRCS, DNR, DATCP, and local municipalities.
• Provides strategic leadership for county surveying, subdivision ordinance administration, plat, and Certified Survey Map review, and PLSS/geodetic monumentation priorities.
• Establishes policies for land records modernization, GIS integration, and real property listing functions.
• Ensures statutory compliance and supports countywide land information needs.
• Serves as the primary liaison to towns, villages, cities, state agencies, and federal partners on countywide land issues.
• Leads public processes related to hearings, outreach, and community engagement on land use and environmental initiatives.
• Coordinates census data, municipal boundary changes, and supports accurate redistricting.
• Supports continuity of operations and county emergency response as assigned.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees