Zoning Inspector

Douglas County • Douglas County Superior, WI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Zoning Inspector is a primary field-based position within the Land Services Department, with secondary office time to complete required reports and permits. The Zoning Inspector aids in the administration of all of Douglas County’s Zoning ordinances including but not limited to shoreland, floodplain, private sewage systems, primary structure address, and non-metallic mining. The Zoning Inspector inspects properties for compliance with all zoning ordinances for the issuance of permits and investigates and report complaints. This position also assists with the administration of the non-metallic mining ordinance, communicating with property owners and contractors, and sanitary inspections as needed by the department. Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Based on 40 hours per week, non-exempt, limited-term position with full benefits eligibility. Continued employment is probable based on operational needs. 2026 Salary Grade: $26.05 - $27.42 per hour.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Associate's degree or a two-year technical certification in Plumbing, Soil Science, Administration, Land-Use Planning or Resource Management preferred.
• Certification as a Soil Tester and POTWS (Private On-site Wastewater Treatment System) Inspector (must be obtained within 6 months).
• Two years of Inspection and Code Enforcement experience preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Plumbing
• Building construction
• Soils morphology
• Map and blueprint reading
• Wetland and flood plain delineation
• Legal descriptions
• Map reading/navigation
• Basic knowledge of GIS
• GPS knowledge
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, ensures understanding, and conveys information accurately.
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributes to group efforts, and fosters a cooperative and supportive work environment to achieve common goals.
• Takes responsibility for actions and decisions, follows through on commitments, and ensures tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Takes proactive steps to address opportunities and challenges, shows a strong drive to achieve results, and goes above and beyond.
• Makes informed and timely decisions, evaluates options thoroughly, and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Demonstrates a strong desire to achieve goals, seeks continuous improvement, and strives for excellence in all endeavors.
• Identifies and addresses conflicts promptly, mediates disputes, and fosters a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrates a strong awareness of safety protocols, promotes a safe work environment, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
• Shows tolerance for different perspectives, remains patient and open-minded, and fosters an inclusive environment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree or a two-year technical certification in Plumbing, Soil Science, Administration, Land-Use Planning or Resource Management
• Two years of Inspection and Code Enforcement experience

Responsibilities

• Inspect property sites to ensure ordinance and code compliance with permit applications, soil reports and sanitary system installation.
• Review land use permits, nonmetallic mining conditional use permits, and soil and sanitary applications.
• Investigate complaints by collecting information, questioning, researching, conducting site inspections and report writing.
• Resolve problems like bad site sketches, misinterpreted codes, soil types, POWTS locations and products used.
• Assign fire numbers.
• Make contact with contractors, local units of government, (RGU's) homeowners, Sheriff's Department, Highway, Forestry, Department of Health, State of Wisconsin onsite waste water specialists, and non-metallic mine operators/owners.
• Assist the general public and others in the office and in the field with application of county ordinances, state codes and statutes.
• Complete work in a timely fashion and autonomously with little or no direct supervision throughout the day.
• Collaborate with Land Conservation and other Zoning Department employees on the annual review of non-metallic mines.
• Collaborate with Land Conservation on shoreland mitigation plans as required by shoreland zoning ordinance(s).
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Benefits

• Annual wage increase based on eligibility
• Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
• 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
• Health Saving Account (HSA) available to all employees enrolled in the county's medical plan, with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
• County paid life insurance policy with coverage equivalent to annual salary (affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent life insurance available at employee’s expense)
• Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree