Job Summary
To perform technical and inspection work as it relates to the objectives of the Planning/Zoning Department; and is responsible for the administrative enforcement of the county and state ordinances and other functions as required by the Environmental Services/Planning and Zoning Department.

To complete paperwork related to planning and zoning, keep records of transactions, and provide customer service to citizens requiring information and permits.

Supervision Received 
Employees working in this job class work under general supervision and usually receive some instruction with respect to details of most assignments, but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods, and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and are only subject to periodic supervisory checks.  

Supervision Exercised
No formal supervisory authority.  

Essential Functions 
This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.

1.    Receives, issues or rejects permits for land use and zoning purposes.  Answers questions from the general public relating to issuing permits and rules and regulations of Aitkin County ordinances.  Performs inspections of individual sewage treatment systems and reviews related soil and design information for permit compliance with Aitkin County SSTS Ordinance.  Reviews and inspects subdivisions/plats, variances, conditional use permits, land use permits, and re-zonings.  Examines and inspects all facilities and sites presently within the scope and jurisdiction of the Aitkin County Environmental Services Department for compliance with goals, plans and objectives of said department.  Receives payment and issues receipts for permits. Records and documents all findings of fact and transmits the necessary reports to the appropriate department or agency. 
2.    Responds and investigates complaints of potential violations of local and state rules and regulations from the public and related state and local agencies. Resolves complaints and violations through compliance and restoration, and if unsuccessful, issues citations and follows through with court/legal proceedings. 
3.    Consults with local officials and the general public to explain and interpret zoning ordinances, environmental protection regulations, and construction requirements.
4.    Provides consultative services relative to Planning and Zoning, Environmental Health, and Solid Waste problems, representing the department favorably in public by handling potentially sensitive complaints, inquiries, and emergencies.
5.    Assist with Environmental Health operations as needed, which may include conducting water testing, as well as various tasks associated with Food, Beverage, and Lodging (FBL) owners and businesses located throughout Aitkin County.
6.    Performs office assistant functions as assigned which may include, but not be limited to, file maintenance, scanning, preparing agenda packets, notices, publications, taking minutes, typing correspondence, billing, processing mail, data entry, research, special projects, grant and report assistance, conference registrations, and other office related functions.
7.    Attends seminars and workshops as needed to keep informed and up-to-date on state regulation and rule changes as it pertains to planning and zoning, environmental health, groundwater protection, surface water protection, solid waste, hazardous waste, wetland conservation, shoreland management and well program.
8.    Coordinates with the Wetland Specialist on potential wetland issues, as well as determining Ordinary High Water Level of lakes and rivers.
9.    Assures water testing laboratory certification by the MDH through participation in proficiency testing, develops and keeps an updated Safe Drinking Water Testing manual, as well as maintaining operating procedures and the downloading of data to the MDH's Environmental Laboratory section. Samples and then tests drinking water of local residents, invoices and collects payments, instructs the Public on correction of drinking water problems. Purchases equipment and supplies and helps develop preliminary budget for the water lab. Performs annual self-audit and reports results to the MDH. Maintains document filing system for adherence to the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

•    Performs other work-related duties as assigned/required.

Minimum Qualifications (Preferred Qualifications if advertised as a Trainee position)
Requires an Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in Planning, Natural Science, or a related field, plus two (2) or more years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.  

Must possess, or obtain within two (2) years of hire, a Certified ISTS Inspector/Designer license issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks, pre-employment physical, and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must be willing to work flexible hours when necessary, including occasional evenings for meetings and occasional weekends. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:
1.    County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 
2.    Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations relevant to the work performed in this position, including land use, zoning, wetland, solid waste, and pollution control.
3.    Soils sufficient to interpret groundwater levels based on color and texture, and ability to interpret soil absorption based on soil texture.
4.    Survey techniques, transits and levels to determine contour and slope ratios for onsite sewage treatment systems, and collect preliminary information for reports, design, and construction layouts.
5.    Business English, spelling, grammar and punctuation. 
6.    Basic math and accounting skills sufficient to track expenses and revenues. 
7.    Modern office procedures, practices and equipment. 
8.    Quality assurance and quality control and lab recordkeeping to maintain state certification.

Skill in:
1.    Public relations, communication, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
2.    Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
3.    Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. 
4.    Organizing and prioritizing work.
5.    Computer skills sufficient to efficiently retrieve and update information.

Ability to:
1.    Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat others with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
2.    Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
3.    Read and interpret plans, specifications, and blue prints sufficient to compare them with construction in progress and construction regulations.
4.    Exercise independent judgment, initiative, and discretion in operating methods and procedures.
5.    Interpret and enforce regulation with tact, firmness, and impartiality.
6.    Establish and maintain effective working relations with county personnel, local officials, state and federal agencies, the community and the general public.
7.    Negotiate and resolve disputed issues and deal with difficult and irate people in a tactful manner.
8.    Deal with the public on a daily basis in a pleasant and polite and tactful manner.
9.    Conduct thorough investigative work from start to finish and to accomplish assignments under stress at times and time restrictions.
10.    Read, understand, and locate properties by legal description.

Language Skills 
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills 
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common 
fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 
Ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Skills 
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills 
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient at using the following software.                                   
County Payroll Software, E-time, Webfusion, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other job-related software.

Ability to Travel 
Daily travel required for site inspections in Aitkin County. Occasional travel required for trainings and meetings out of Aitkin County.

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, leadership, quality management, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, and initiative.

Work Environment
Outdoor work is performed for the majority of the day. The employee is required to operate office equipment, lift and transport light equipment including but not limited to, auger, probes, levers, transit, sewer manhole covers that may involve lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing, bending stooping, reaching, and also may involve dust and extreme temperatures. Outdoor work will include visiting construction sites, inspecting onsite sewage treatment systems, and investigating complaints. Outdoor work conditions will frequently be in proximity to wood ticks, mosquitoes, flies, bees and other insects, inclement weather, domestic and wild animals.

Indoor work will be performed in an office setting using various office machinery and equipment, assisting the public at the counter, processing and writing reports. Indoor work will involve sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time, and getting up and down to greet the public. 

Equipment and Tools  
Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, shredder, hand tools, surveying equipment, laser levels, measuring and metering devices, county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements
Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium to heavy work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free workplace.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

6/10/2010 – updated min quals 8/2022 to also include Designer license, updated title from Technician to Officer


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Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism