Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Planner: (Starting salary is $30.31 - $40.47. Full range is $30.31 - $50.62)
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban or Regional Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Policy, or closely related field.
OR
A combination of education and experience equivalent to four (4) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
 
Senior Planner: (Starting salary is $34.59 - $46.18. Full range is $34.59 - $57.77)
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban or Regional Planning, Urban Design, Environmental Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Policy, or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.
OR
A combination of education and experience equivalent to six (6) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Desirable Qualifications: AICP certification from the American Planning Association, and/or Floodplain Manager certification from the Association of State Floodplain Managers.

Nature of Work

Under supervision, performs work pertaining to planning, analysis, permitting, and administration of policies. May be required to work outside of normal business hours to attend evening meetings.

Examples of Work

• Reviews and makes recommendations on zoning related permits and applications, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Responds to questions from property owners, developers, and the general public, regarding land use, zoning, and floodplain/shoreland regulations.
• Issue permits for development in community’s floodplain.
• Collects data, prepares reports, and assists with projects on topics such as land use, zoning, floodplain/shoreland, transportation, economics, and housing.
• Presents reports and represents the planning department at public meetings.
• Conducts site inspections for compliance and possible zoning or floodplain/shoreland violations.
• Conducts community outreach and education.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Community Rating System (CRS).
• Knowledge of urban design, transportation, land use, floodplain/shoreland, and housing.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.
• Knowledge of land use concepts, zoning, growth management and other regulatory matters and related considerations.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Skill in providing customer service.
• Skill in presenting information to large groups of people.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in preparing maps and graphics.
• Ability to understand and interpret ordinances, policies and codes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, advisory groups, staff and the public.
• Ability to learn and adapt to updates in technology.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-
essential job duties.