Job Details

Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities include the following:      

• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
• Promotes and maintains positive and effective working relationships through collaboration with other political and organization entities by providing effective public relationships as a representative of Licking County Government.
• Provides leadership in the development of long-term sustainable growth strategies.
• Ensures work assignments are complete, provides training and evaluates employee performance; receives and resolves employee issues according to established guidelines; approves timesheets and leave requests; issues corrective action as necessary. In coordination with the Planning Commission, interviews and hires candidates for employment. Actively involved in employee and/or labor relations.  
• Resolves more complex problems that arise due to department activities (internal and external). Works on projects involving Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS), Planning, Economic Development and Annexation activities. Receives inquiries, applications and/or complaints from the public and officials concerning areas under the Planning Division; obtains relevant data and prepares answers or resolutions to the inquiries and/or complaints; and ensures resolution. Ensures regulatory compliance, ensures that planning practices operate with legal and ethical boundaries and mitigates the risks of non-compliance.
• Reviews documentation and status reports for future actions; reviews staff reports (e.g., project status, violations, grant status, etc.); oversees a variety of planning activities (e.g., zoning resolutions; subdivision regulations; subdivision applications and lot splits; land use plans, comprehensive plans, area studies; etc.).
• Develops and manages the Planning & Development Division budget. Recommends contracts/agreements to the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners for review /acceptance.
• Oversees various state and federally funded Community Development projects; assists in and / or develops new community development programs and projects; supervises and assigns the preparation of grant applications to state or federal agencies; monitors project time frames; conducts on-site inspection of community development projects to ensure that all phases of the project meet the established guidelines and constraints as determined by the grant or project plans.
• Performs a variety of administrative functions to ensure efficient operation of the division; formulates/recommends, implements and administers new and revised policies and procedures; prepares reports and presentations.    
• Serves as the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), as LCPC Director, and as a member of the Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS) Technical Advisory Committee.
• Complies with and promotes the Licking County Board of County Commissioners, Licking County Planning Commission, Licking County Area Transportation Study, and the Licking County Planning and Development Department policies and procedures at all times.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Meets all job safety requirements and all applicable PERRP safety standards that pertain to the essential functions of the position and all agency safety procedures.
• Remains informed of current developments and procedures pertinent to duties; may be required to attend seminars/training.

Other Skills and abilities required:

Possess Excellent: Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Conflict Resolution Skills, Decision Making Skills, Leadership Skills, Organizational Skills.

Knowledge of: Land-use, zoning, planning process, access management, transportation, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain management and governmental policies, procedures and operations. Workflow Program management. Working knowledge of Community and Economic Development rules and regulations.

( Planning Director - Job Position Introduction Video )

The Licking County Planning Commission (LCPC) is seeking a qualified Director to provide leadership and direction for the overall operation of planning. The Planning Director will ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to Planning. Acts as a visionary and identifies issues and recommends plans of action to improve and enhance the quality of life for the inhabitants of Licking County on behalf of the Planning Commission and the Licking County Board of Commissioners.

Licking County is experiencing unprecedented growth pressure as the Central Ohio continues to expand. Licking County, in particular, is a focus of significant economic investments, both private and public. This is placing pressure on individual communities related to the housing market, the transportation system, and open space assets. The County seeks a proven planning leader who can immerse themselves in the details of growth and development, while serving the County and its local jurisdictions in anticipating and planning for this significant amount of change. The Planning Director and the staff should be able to help with problem identification and solutions, providing assistance to the impacted cities, townships, and villages.  

Among the attributes that are being sought are:

1. A planning leader with experience in high growth communities, preferably in counties with a suburban and semi-rural environment who understands the intricacies of managing change, while managing conserving valuable rural and open space assets.
2. A sound planning technician with strong experience in the areas of comprehensive planning, land use planning, zoning and subdivision regulations, development review and approval process, farmland preservation, and open space conservation planning.
3. An individual who successfully has maneuvered and managed policy conflicts among individual jurisdictions, provided proven solutions in support of local governments, and maintained a broad perspective on the opportunities offered by growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university; and six (6) to eight (8) years related experience and/or training; a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Masters Degree in a related field is preferred.

Additional Qualifications (Agency/Dept. Qualifications):

Valid Ohio Driver’s License and American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) Certification.

Send Resume and Cover Letter to [email protected]

Salary:           $120,500 Minimum

Maximum – Depending on qualifications

Licking County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.