Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conducts on-site inspections relating to construction, private on-site wastewater treatment system (POWTS) installations, and other land and structural uses for compliance with county and state regulations.
- Issues and tracks zoning permits and provides information regarding zoning, sanitary, and related land use requirements.
- Administers and maintains the county’s uniform numbering system.
- Investigates zoning complaints and land use compliance issues.
- Provides information and assistance to the public, contractors, developers, and governmental agencies regarding zoning and land use regulations.
- Maintains records, prepares reports, and assists with departmental administrative functions.
- Reviews Certified Survey Maps (CSMs) and other land use applications for ordinance compliance.
- Assists with the administration, implementation, and enforcement of zoning, sanitary, and related land use ordinances.
- Coordinates and supports Board of Adjustment processes, including meeting preparation and public hearing administration.
- Assists with ordinance development, amendments, grant-related activities, and other Land Management initiatives.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with property owners, municipalities, state agencies, and community partners.
Minimum Training, Experience, and Qualifications Required to Perform Essential Duties:
Applicants may qualify at either the Zoning Technician or Zoning Specialist level.
Zoning Technician
- Associate degree in land use, planning, zoning, natural resources, environmental studies, or a related field and two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to learn and apply county ordinances, state regulations, and permitting requirements.
- Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
Zoning Specialist
- Bachelor’s degree in land use, planning, zoning, natural resource management, environmental engineering, geology, public administration, or a related field and at least two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of land use planning, zoning administration, ordinance interpretation, and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to independently manage complex permits, investigations, and land use issues.
Both Levels
- Must obtain Wisconsin DSPS POWTS Inspector credential within six months of employment.
- Must obtain Wisconsin Certified Soil Tester (CST) credential within one year of employment.
- Familiarity with GIS, aerial photography interpretation, soil science, and land use regulations is preferred.
- Advanced computer skills required.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Please review the full job descriptions here that includes the full list of duties, requirements, physical demands and work environment.
⇒ Zoning Technician Job Description
⇒ Zoning Specialist Job Description
Benefits
- Wisconsin Retirement System
- 176 hours of Paid Time Off in the first year
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Supplemental Insurances
- Flex Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Hours / Location
This position works 36 to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Buffalo County offers scheduling flexibility, with work hours established between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. based on employee preference and departmental needs. A regular, consistent schedule is required once established. This position will be based out of the Buffalo County Courthouse in Alma, WI.
Pay
This position is FLSA non-exempt. It may be filled as either a Zoning Technician with an hourly pay rate of $25.06 to $26.49 or Zoning Specialist with an hourly pay rate of $26.94 to $28.48. Starting pay will be based on qualifications, experience, and the level at which the successful candidate is hired.
To Apply
Complete the online application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with preference given to applications submitted by November 6th, 2026.
Questions
Contact HR at (608) 685-6234 ext.3 or at [email protected].