Planner

Door County is proud to be a premier place to live, work, and visit. We serve nearly 30,000 year-round residents and a vibrant seasonal population by providing essential services that support and protect the people, economy, and environment of the beautiful Door Peninsula.

Within the County organization, the Land Use Services Department oversees zoning administration, land use planning, environmental protection, and compliance with applicable county and state regulations. The department processes zoning permits, conditional use requests, variances, appeals, and proposed ordinance or map amendments, supporting informed decision-making through public hearings and established review procedures.

Land Use Services also administers the County’s Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) program, ensuring proper regulation, inspection, and monitoring to protect ground and surface water resources. In addition, the department develops and updates comprehensive and farmland preservation plans, prepares and maintains land use ordinances, and provides technical assistance, education, and coordination with local municipalities, state agencies, and community partners.

Through these combined functions, the Land Use Services Department promotes responsible development, environmental stewardship, and sound land use practices across Door County.

To continue this important work, we are seeking a candidate who will perform the responsibilities outlined in the job summary and contribute to our efforts in serving the community.

This position supports the County’s land use and development goals through professional planning services. It involves analytical, advisory, and project management work to guide the implementation of comprehensive, preservation, and related land use plans. The Planner serves as a key resource for local municipalities, inter-agency coordination, and the public, requiring collaboration, technical proficiency, and policy interpretation.

• Consults with County departments, local governments, and external agencies to identify planning needs, develop project goals, and determine implementation methods.

• Develops, coordinates, and implements comprehensive, farmland preservation, and specialized land use plans and studies in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

• Attends and conducts public meetings to present, explain, and gather input on planning initiatives; prepares presentations, maps, and supporting documentation.

• Reviews, drafts, and revises ordinances and regulatory frameworks related to land use, including zoning, subdivision, floodplain, and energy systems.

• Conducts spatial and statistical analysis using GIS and related software to support planning projects and inform decision-making.

• Provides technical consultation and demographic information to municipal boards, commissions, and community groups in support of planning and development activities.

• Monitors and analyzes state and federal grant programs related to community and economic development; advises municipalities on funding opportunities and assists with applications.

• Tracks legislative developments that may impact local planning policies or operations and provides summaries or recommendations to appropriate parties.

• Ensures accurate and professional communication in all written reports, public materials, and oral briefings.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent use of computers and digital tools. Duties may require attending evening meetings and occasional field visits in varying weather conditions. The position requires sitting for extended periods and occasional lifting of materials up to 40 pounds. Some travel within the County and to partner agencies may be necessary.

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.

Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Contact Door County Human Resources at hr@co.door.wi.gov
(Mon–Thurs 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fri 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.)

In compliance with federal and state laws, if you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or selection process due to a disability, please notify Human Resources.

Applicants may be evaluated through one or more of the following:

Final candidate(s) may be subject to:

Door County is committed to a fair, consistent, and job-related hiring process.