ZONING AND PLANNING MANAGER

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Zoning & Planning Manager provides leadership and oversight for the Zoning & Planning Division within the Land Services Department. Reporting to the Director of Land Services, the Manager administers County zoning ordinances, interprets and applies land use regulations, supervises division staff, and oversees planning, development, and land information functions. The position is responsible for ensuring accurate and consistent zoning enforcement, guiding long-range and current planning activities, coordinating hearings and public processes, and supporting community and economic development initiatives. The Manager exercises independent judgment within the framework of County ordinances, state statutes, and County Board policies.

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of zoning, planning, land use policy, and mapping technologies.
• Ability to interpret legal descriptions, plats, and land record documents.
• Knowledge of local, county, state, and federal regulations related to zoning, land use, and development.
• Strong skills in communication, public engagement, and intergovernmental relations.
• Ability to analyze technical information and make sound regulatory decisions.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and develop staff.
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in zoning, planning, or land use regulation.
• May consider other combinations of education and experience that provide equivalent knowledge and abilities

Nice To Haves

• Masters Preferred.
• Supervisory experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads and administers the Zoning & Planning Division, including staff supervision, hiring, training, performance management, and work assignments.
• Develops and administers division budget and ensures compliance with County financial requirements.
• Leads and coordinates initiatives related to the County’s Climate Action Plan.
• Ensures division operations align with departmental strategies and County Board priorities.
• Administers and enforces County zoning ordinances including Zoning, Shoreland, Floodplain, Non‑Metallic Mining, Outdoor Advertising, and Mobile Tower/Broadcast Facility Siting.
• Provides zoning and ordinance interpretation to the public, municipalities, developers, and County staff.
• Reviews development proposals for compliance with all applicable zoning and land use regulations.
• Oversees development and maintenance of comprehensive and long‑range county plans, including the climate action plan.
• Leads and coordinates planning initiatives related to land use, development patterns, and community and economic development.
• Coordinates land information modernization efforts in cooperation with the Survey & Land Records Division and local governments.
• Prepares and recommends ordinance amendments and land use policy updates.
• Coordinates public meetings and hearings before the Planning, Resources & Development (PR&D) Committee and the Board of Adjustment.
• Works closely with towns, villages, and cities on zoning decisions, boundary reviews, and land use matters.
• Assists in damage assessments after catastrophic events as required.
• Supports the Director of Land Services in census address updates and municipal boundary reporting.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support departmental and countywide planning, zoning, and land information initiatives.

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.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): At La Crosse County, we believe that diversity strengthens our community. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager