Land Use Inspector

Position Summary    

This position performs permit application review and inspection work to assist in providing uniform enforcement for county codes; and investigates potential land use violations.  

Essential Functions    

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.  

1. Investigates complaints and documents violations of the Land Use Ordinance.    
2. Develops written notice of violations and orders for compliance.  Tracks violations until resolved.  
3. Serves as a resource and educator for landowners in violation.  
4. Conducts on-site meetings to discuss code violations as needed.  
5. Performs site inspections to verify completion of compliance actions.  
6. Provides necessary documentation and testimony to Corporation Counsel for litigation required for enforcement of County land use ordinances.  
7. Testifies on behalf of Barron County in Circuit Court as needed.   
8. Performs site inspections.  
9. Educates customers and all stake holders of code and ordinance requirements.  
10. Provides technical assistance and explains and interprets codes, ordinances, and regulations for design professionals, contractors, owners and the general public.  
11. Reviews application requests, compiles facts of the ordinance and develops recommendations to the Board or Committee.  
12. Participates in public hearings relating to variances, special exceptions, and rezonings with the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Committee as requested.    
13. Reviews Land Use Permit Applications for compliance with county codes.  
14. Issue permits or notifies applicant when additional information is needed.  Provides denial notifications as needed.  
15. Review Impervious Surface Calculation Worksheets for accuracy and determine if the proposed land use activity will require a Shore land Mitigation Plan.    
16. Review Shore land Mitigation Plans and accompanying site plans, design specifications to determine compliance and approve when appropriate.    
17. Enter permit information into permit tracking computer software.     
18. Acts in the absence of the Land Services Director to hold meetings; make compliance decisions; and sign certified survey maps. 
19. Draft amendments to the Land Use Ordinance as directed.  
20. Other duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Knowledge of land use ordinances.   
• Knowledge of  legal descriptions.  
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.   
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.   
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.   
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.    
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.   
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.   
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.   
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.   
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.   
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.   
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.   
• Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.   
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.   
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.   
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records laws.   
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.   

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications  

• Bachelor’s Degree in soil science, natural resources management, land use planning, geography or closely related field.  
• Minimum of one (1) year of land service related experience.  
• POWTS inspector’s license must be obtained within 6 months of employment.  

Physical and Work Environment  

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.    

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.  
• Work has standard vision requirements.  
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.  
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.  
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.  
• Work performed may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain.  
• Work is primarily in an office setting, although field work may occur on occasion.  
• Work may be in adverse weather conditions where variations and extremes in environmental factors such as temperature, odors, noise, wetness, and/or dust, may cause some discomfort and where there is a risk of minor injury.  
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile or aggressive,  posing threatening conditions.