Louisa County
TITLE: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development is responsible for land use and planning policies for the County of Louisa as established by the Louisa County Board of Supervisors. The Director of Community Development is responsible for zoning, subdivision, and site plan administration. The position also serves as Department Head for County Community Development activities, including planning, zoning, and building/code inspections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs independent work in the development of analyses and recommendations for the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the activities of the Community Development Department including planning, zoning, GIS, code enforcement, building inspections and related administration.
• Reviews subdivision and land use plans for conformity with principles of good planning and land use practices compatible with adjacent development and for compliance with subdivision and zoning regulations.
• Prepares long range planning studies relating to a wide variety of social, economic, physical and facility planning, including County infrastructure, affordable housing, land use and other long range policies.
• Prepares recommendations and offers interpretations relative to land use and zoning matters.
• Prepares, or oversees the preparation of, technical studies and reports.
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding Community Development activities.
• Serves as a liaison with State, Federal, and local agencies on community planning and economic development issues.
• Prepares annual department budget and update of capital improvement program.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND WORK AIDS USED IN PERFORMING THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Pen, pencil, forms, existing ordinances, manuals, reference books, schedules, public records, computer.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The employee is primarily subject to inside environmental conditions. Limited exposure to weather conditions.

STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The position requires a thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices and techniques of rural/urban planning and development; knowledge of modern administrative methods of management; and budgetary development and personnel management. Previous local government experience preferred.

In addition, the position requires a thorough knowledge of the various ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and code enforcement along with a general knowledge of municipal finance and facility planning relative to capital improvement programming.

The ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written and graphic form, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteer associations and the general public is also essential.

Excellent communication and organizational skills, both verbal and written, along with a proven ability to problem solve, using both sound judgment and tact and diplomacy is also crucial.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, with a master's degree in planning or related field and a minimum of five years of experience in planning, including two years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Accreditation by the American Institute of Certified Planners preferred.