County Planning Director

Cass County Government; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 72,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA

Employer-paid life insurance

Spouse coverage (optional)

Vacation and sick time

Job security

Job summary

Cass County Government is seeking a full-time County Planning Director to guide land use decisions for Cass County, towns, and rural areas.

You’ll review proposals, coordinate Planning Commission meetings and public hearings, and prepare expert planning guidance for local jurisdictions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in planning, land use, floodplain management, transportation planning, or local government.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the County's primary Planning Administrator guiding land use decisions across Cass County, townships, and rural municipalities.
• Review development proposals and coordinate Planning Commission meetings and public hearings.
• Prepare recommendations and reports; conduct pre-development meetings; provide expert planning guidance to local jurisdictions.

Skills

GIS knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Public administration understanding

Transportation planning principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or related field

5+ years of progressively responsible planning experience

Master's degree in Planning or related field (preferred)

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS Desktop

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cass County | West Fargo, ND

If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity where your expertise can leave a lasting impact on communities for generations, Cass County wants to hear from you. Join our team as a full-time County Planning Director and help guide responsible growth while building a stronger future for residents throughout Cass County.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US?

This is more than a planning position; it's an opportunity to become a key contributor to the future of Cass County. Offering an annual salary of $72,277 - $78,626.48, with additional salary growth available through regular increases within the classification up to $104,023.70, this role provides excellent earning potential and long-term stability. You'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, employer-paid life insurance, optional spouse coverage, vacation and sick time, and job security. Beyond the benefits, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with government leaders and community stakeholders, supervise planning initiatives, and make a measurable impact on how local communities grow and thrive.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR TEAM?

For more than 150 years, Cass County has proudly served and protected our residents as the most populous county in North Dakota. Our mission is to maintain a safe environment where everyone can enjoy a happy, healthy life. With a dedicated sheriff's office that operates a jail, provides court security and services, and leads life-saving special projects like search and rescue and snowmobile patrol, our community counts on us for safety and support.

DO YOU MEET THESE QUALIFICATIONS?

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in planning, land use, floodplain management, transportation planning, or local government

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the position successfully

Additionally, you must have:

• A valid driver's license
• Knowledge of local government planning practices and land use regulations
• Experience utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) in planning activities
• Knowledge of transportation planning principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively work with coworkers, supervisors, government agencies, and the public
• Advanced proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS Desktop, Microsoft Office, and web-based software

Preferred qualifications:

• 3+ years of local government planning experience, supervisory experience
• Master's degree in Planning or a related field

WHAT WILL YOU DO AS A COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR?

This county planner position works 9am-5pm M-F.

As the County Planning Director, you'll serve as the County's primary Planning Administrator, helping guide land use decisions and development throughout Cass County, townships, and rural municipalities. Your days will be filled with reviewing development proposals, coordinating Planning Commission meetings and public hearings, preparing recommendations and reports, conducting pre-development meetings, and providing expert planning guidance to local jurisdictions. You'll supervise the Assistant County Planner, oversee GIS-related planning activities, coordinate transportation planning efforts with local and regional agencies, and serve as the County Floodplain Administrator by administering and enforcing FIS, FIRMs, NFIP requirements, and floodplain ordinances. You'll also act as the County 911 Coordinator, maintaining rural addressing systems and emergency service zones while leading planning studies, special projects, grant initiatives, stormwater management efforts, hazard mitigation programs, and representing Cass County on regional committees, all while helping shape responsible growth and development across the region.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH US NOW!

Join Cass County and help shape the future of our communities while building a rewarding and stable career. Our initial application process is quick, easy, and mobile-friendly.