Planning & Development Director

camdencountyga; Kingsland (GA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Camden County in Georgia seeks a seasoned Planning and Development Director to lead the county's planning, zoning, and development operations. You will direct staff, oversee building codes, and guide policy implementation to ensure compliant growth.

The role supervises multiple divisions, manages the budget, collaborates with the County Administrator and commissions, and provides expert advice on land use, maps, and regulatory processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to planning, development, or public administration.
• Three to five years of progressive management experience in planning/development.
• Driver's license valid in Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Direct planning and development operations for Camden County.
• Lead staff in planning, zoning, and development reviews.
• Attend County Commission and Planning Commission meetings to advise on policy and code updates.
• Oversee preparation of maps, charts, reports, ordinances, and regulations.
• Prepare and monitor the department budget and allocate resources.
• Lead planning reviews, coordinate with Board and Administrator on projects.
• Interpret and enforce building codes; handle enforcement decisions.
• Ensure compliance with zoning, development regulations, and codes.
• Oversee building licenses and inspections to ensure compliance.
• Consult with builders, contractors, architects, and developers on code compliance and variances.
• Oversee consultants and GIS applications development and software acquisition.
• Review plans for commercial, industrial, and residential construction.
• Provide information to emergency services and coordinate address management.

Skills

Planning & Zoning

Civil Engineering

Budget Management

Public Administration

Building Codes & Construction

GIS/Software

Regulatory Knowledge

Land Records & Docs

Blueprints & Maps

Supervision & Management

Problem Solving

Prioritization & Planning

Interpersonal Skills

Oral & Written Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

GIS Software

Job description

Planning and Development Director

Planning and Development

FLSA: Exempt

Minimum Pay: $93,036.42 DOQ

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing the county’s planning and development functions.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Provides technical assistance and advice to the County Administrator, County Attorney, and other department heads as requested.

• Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.

• Attends meetings of the County Commission and Planning Commission to provide advice on agenda items related to building and zoning; implements policies and directives approved by the Commission.

• Directs and oversees the preparation of maps, charts, and reports related to planning and land use; drafts ordinances, resolutions, and regulations.

• Prepares and monitors the department budget.

• Performs planning and development review; develops and evaluates department strategic plans; manages Board of County Commissioners/County Administrator directed projects.

• Interprets and enforces building codes and ordinances; makes administrative decisions concerning enforcement as provided by state law.

• Ensures compliance with zoning and development regulations and building and construction codes.

• Oversees the issuance of building licenses to ensure compliance with zoning regulations and county codes.

• Consults with and respond to inquiries from builders, contractors, architects, and developers in order to ensure that proposed construction will be in compliance with codes; responds to requests for variances.

• Oversees the inspection process for all new buildings, additions, and repairs; schedules building inspections.

• Responds to complaints from property owners concerning builders; mediates disputes.

• Issues certificates of occupancy for structures; determines load requirements.

• Manages and monitors the work of consultants providing planning services to the county.

• Oversees GIS applications development, contract development, and software acquisition.

• Reviews all plans for proposed commercial, industrial, and residential construction.

• Locates structures and issues addresses for each improved property in the county for mail and emergency response purposed; notifies local Postmasters and utility providers of address changes and additions; provides assistance and information to emergency service agencies regarding the use of county maps.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of planning and zoning principles and practices.

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles.

• Knowledge of budget management principles.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of the techniques, materials, and equipment used in building construction.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, county ordinances, and department policies and procedures.

• Skill in the review and analysis of land records and construction documents.

• Skill in interpreting blueprints and maps.

• Skill in analyzing and compiling technical data.

• Skill in management and supervision.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The County Administrator assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the National Electrical Code; standard gas, plumbing, and mechanical codes; applicable construction codes; county ordinances and resolutions; zoning and development regulations; fire protection and life safety codes; and county and departmental policies and procedures. The position also operates in accordance with relevant state and federal laws, including the Zoning Procedures Law and the Georgia Planning Act. Applying these guidelines requires sound judgment, discretion, and professional interpretation. This position is also responsible for developing departmental guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied management, supervisory, and enforcement duties. The need to interpret ordinances and regulations to apply in a variety of cases and circumstances contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to direct the planning and development operations of the county. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of those operations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other professionals in the field, elected and appointed officials, attorneys, realtors, property owners, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, negotiate matters, justify matters, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping.

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over the Building Official, Plans Examiner/Inspector, Planning and Development Coordinator, CRS E & S Coordinator, Planning and Development Technician, GIS Manager, GIS Analyst, and GIS Technician.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.