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Planning & Zoning Director

Portage County, WI
Stevens, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 4/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/31/2026


Located in the Heart of Wisconsin, Portage County is looking to hire a Planning & Zoning Director!  This position is located in Stevens Point, WI.

The pay range starts at $113,589 / yr
 

Overview of the position:

The Planning and Zoning Director functions as the Department Head of the Portage County Planning and Zoning Department. This position oversees and directs a staff of approximately fourteen employees, and is responsible for the following programs: Planning, Zoning, Onsite Waste, Land and Water Conservation, Water Resources, Land Records, Economic Development, and Geographic Information System (GIS). The Planning and Zoning Director oversees all work programs, budget, personnel, and administrative functions of the department. This position reports directly to the County Executive and serves under the policy direction of the Planning and Zoning Committee and the Portage County Board of Supervisors. The Planning and Zoning Director and staff also works with and provides services to the Land and Water Conservation Committee, Executive/Operations Committee, Highway Committee, Finance Committee, Stevens Point Plan Commission, Stevens Point Common Council, and all village and town units of government.

The Director is also responsible for duties to assist County staff and County Board Supervisors with regard to 1) Portage County's economic development/workforce growth initiative utilizing local, State and regional funding sources; and 2) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-Housing funding at the regional level, providing professional support and input regarding the needs of Portage County's low-to-moderate income population to assist in successfully obtaining home rehabilitation loans.


The position is an appointed position per Wisconsin State Statutes 59.17 (2) (br).


What are the minimum qualifications?

 

  • Bachelor's degree in urban/regional planning, natural resources or acceptable related field required.
  • A minimum of ten years of land use or zoning experience and/or professional planning experience required. Experience in a public agency preferred.  A Master’s degree in urban/regional planning or natural resources, may be substituted for two years of required experience. 
  • Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.
  • Knowledge of economic development principles and programming is highly desirable.
  • Work experience shall consist of background in both urban (incorporated) and rural (town and county) planning and zoning.
  • Supervision experience required.
  • Any combination of education and experience that provides the equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.


For a complete position description, please email: HR@co.portage.wi.gov


Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following;

 

  • Vacation - available on day one!
  • Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan)
  • Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year!
  • Flexible spending account
  • Dental insurance
  • State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 7.2%
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave
  • Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
  • Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk)
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County
  • 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
  • PEHP (Post Employment Health Plan)
  • Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program


Visit https://northcentralwisconsin.com/portage-county/ to learn more about Portage County and everything it has to offer!


Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer




 

Salary : $600 - $113,589

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