GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Administrates the County Planning Department in its application of Oregon and County land use laws, rules, and regulations; zoning of real property, compliance with the Malheur County Comprehensive Plan and Malheur County Code, adhere to joint management agreements with Vale, Ontario, and Nyssa for urban growth areas/boundaries.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of the County Court, who periodically reviews for adherence to the appropriate policies and results obtained.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides general supervision to Planning Manager and Planning Clerk and all planning department employees by periodically reviewing for adherence to the appropriate policies and for the results obtained.

Malheur County may consider underfill staffing this position with an applicant who is not fully qualified, but who can reasonably meet the full position requirements within 36 months. The successful underfill candidate would be offered the position at a lower classification and rate of pay.

There will be a 4% COLA effective July 1, 2025.

Link for Veterans Preference Form:http://www.malheurco.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Veterans-Preference.pdf
If you are a Qualified Veteran or Qualified Disabled Veteran and would like to be granted preference in the selection and hiring process, please fill out this Veterans' Preference Form and provide proof of eligibility by submitting a copy of form DD-214 or 215 (copy 4). This completed form and required supporting documentation must be submitted with your application in order for consideration for Veterans' Preference.

Link for Malheur County Resident Preference Form:

https://www.malheurco.org/wp-content/uploads/Departments/Admin/Menu-Links/50-Resident-Applicant-Preference-Form.pdfIf you are a Malheur County Resident that plans to stay in Malheur County for the next 5 years and would like to be granted preference in the selection and hiring process, please read, fill out this form and attach it to your application.

If you qualify for either of these, Veterans Preference or Malheur County Preference, please fill out the form(s) and attach them to your application or send them back to me.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(The following description may not be all inclusive and other functions may be assigned at the discretion of County Court.)

• Develop, direct, implement, and maintain planning and zoning processes and development to ensure compliance with State laws, rules, goals and regulations, the Malheur County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps, and the Malheur County Code. This position fulfills responsibilities of planning official/ planning director under ORS 215.042.
• Issue land use/planning and zoning permits in Malheur County and Urban Growth Areas.
• Administer hearings and applications before the Malheur County Planning and Zoning Commission, Malheur County Court and Border Region Review Board to include provide technical advice, interpret codes and write staff reports. Act as staff to Border Region Review Board and implement SB 16 (2021) and SB 70 (2023).
• Perform duties of Flood Plain Manager for Malheur County, Jordan Valley and Adrian. Malheur County Code 5-2-1
• Coordinate with cities to administer planning and zoning functions within the urban growth boundary in compliance with Joint Management Agreements with Vale, Nyssa and Ontario.
• Investigate complaints of planning and zoning violations as described in Malheur County Codes.
• Work with landowners to find solutions to accomplish desired development, within planning and zoning laws, rules and codes.
• Make regular and on-going contact with DLCD representatives on land use issues effecting the State and Malheur County.
• Coordinate department activities, establish and/or approve department policy, web-page and forms to ensure overall quality control.
• Perform full and complete supervision, including assignment of work, evaluation, discipline, adjust grievances, hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, instruct, schedule, approve leaves.
• Represent the department before the County Court, public, other jurisdictions, and professional organizations.
• Prepare departmental budget and monitors expenditures.
• Attend state-sponsored conferences and training seminars as required to obtain new information concerning rules, regulations and procedures. Stay current on new planning and zoning laws and regulations and flood plain management. Regularly attend trainings, seminars, meetings and planner networks sponsored or held by Association of Oregon County Planning Directors, DLCD, Chapter of American Planners Association or American Institute of Planners.
• Update Malheur County Code, subject to funding, available professional services and as needed.
• Courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, department heads, elected officials, outside agency personnel and the public. Work closely with County’s Building Official, Environmental Health Director, Road Supervisor, Assessor and Surveyor; as well as irrigation and special districts.
• Facilitate one-stop community development. The Malheur County Planning Department is the first stop for owners, residents and contractors seeking to develop real property in the County and Urban Growth areas. For this reason, the Director is to facilitate communications between developers, owners and residents with county departments and offices, including Building Department, Assessor, County Surveyor and Environmental Health Department.
• County Addressing: Issue Addresses in Malheur County in accordance with County Code 4-2-2
• Regular physical attendance at the employer’s facility is required.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
3 years of progressively responsible work experience in planning and zoning, community development, urban or regional planning, or related field; and 2 years in a supervisory capacity; OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience, training and certifications relevant to the position. A bachelor’s degree in planning or related field is preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the use of a vehicle to conduct County business. Possession of a valid Drivers’ License with a good driving history required. A safe and acceptable driving record per County policy must be maintained throughout course of employment.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Past government experience
• Experience working with the public
• Experience preparing and managing budgets

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of: Supervision principles and modern personnel and office practices; record-keeping and budgeting; pertinent laws, rules and regulations applied to county land use planning and zoning; maps and geography.

Ability to: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; deal effectively and tactfully with a variety of individuals, including superiors, peers, subordinates, contractors, boards and the public; work independently, organize and plan work, and comprehend and follow complex instructions; learn, interpret, and implement legal requirements.

Skills in: Application of principles of supervision and communication; planning and zoning principles; conflict resolution; operation of motor vehicle.