Zoning Compliance Specialist / Senior Zoning Compliance Specialist (Hybrid Work Schedule)

Arapahoe County's Department of Public Works and Development (PWD) is an American Public Works Association Accredited Agency, the first County in Colorado to obtain this status. Within PWD, we are seeking two Zoning Compliance Specialists to join our team in the Planning Division. If you enjoy problem-solving and working in a fast-paced environment, this position is for you! We are looking to hire a master multi-tasker with an upbeat attitude, strong people skills, and a passion for detail-oriented service. Our ideal teammate is also an exceptional communicator and collaborator.

Some of the benefits of working for PWD include:

• 15 days (120 hours) of paid vacation per year
• 13 paid holidays (108 hours) and 3 additional floating holidays (24 hours) per year
• 12 days (96 hours) of paid sick leave per year
• Flexible work schedules and limited remote work available
• Training and development opportunities to help you grow in your professional career
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

The Zoning Compliance Specialist and Senior Zoning Compliance Specialist perform the following duties:

• Manages, reviews, analyzes, and processes a variety of land use requests ensuring compliance with the Land Development Code, the Comprehensive Plan, and any approved development plans. Conducts intricate research to fulfill public requests for planning and zoning information, in additional to other land use and quality of life related issues. Collaborates with applicable internal and external agencies and addresses conflicts between agencies, applicants, and the public.
• Reviews commercial, industrial, and residential building permits, in addition to detailed sign and residential and commercial fence permits to ensure compliance with zoning and other regulations. Reviews Zoning and Engineering documents to ensure compliance with the Land Use, as well as Floodplain Regulations (Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control (GESC) permits and Drainage Certificates) prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
• Conducts investigations pertaining to alleged violations of the Land Development Code, applicable development plan, or ordinance by conducting site inspections, serving legal notices, and engaging with property owners to seek resolution. Partners with the County Attorney's Office and other appropriate agencies to guide resolution by voluntary compliance, formal agreement, or take cases through the court system. Works with the County Attorney's Office in court-ordered mediation efforts and testifies in legal hearings. Coordinates with all responsible parties to facilitate compliance in a reasonable timeframe. Documents, using the appropriate software, all efforts to reach compliance and interactions with property owners.
• Writes technical reports and recommendations on zoning issues for public hearings. Prepares staff reports regarding variance and special exception use requests. Researches and reviews the property to give accurate and detailed information to the Board. Coordinates project proposals with applicants, consultants, and internal and external referral departments; tracks application chronology in project management software. Presents information to the Board in a public hearing.
• Manages other various application processes including temporary use permits, agricultural exemptions, and land use determination letters. Serves as the project manager, ensuring compliance with the zoning requirements and partners with other referrals work groups for comments and recommendations. Investigates property history and processes Zoning Verification Letters to banks and other institutions as requested.

• Conducts revisions of the Land Development Code to ensure accuracy and applicability of compliance sections of the Code. Coordinates Code changes from start to finish, including analyzing current trends and enforcement actions and conducting research to identify and recommend Code changes that are needed, drafting proposed changes, vetting changes for internal concurrence, coordinating public comment, and independently preparing documentation and conducting presentations required to obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners for proposed changes.
• Serves as primary liaison to the County Attorney's Office, facilitating enforcement review and coordination for Zoning matters.
• Reviews planning applications for zoning compliance.
• Provides support in the training and development of new Zoning team members and existing team members as directed by the Zoning Manager.
• Coordinates cross-divisional and cross-departmental projects and collaboration on behalf of the Zoning section.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Adjustment.

• Knowledge of state and local zoning codes, regulations, and practices.
• Ability to read and understand building plans and construction documents.
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex reports, records, and legal documents.
• Ability to recognize, investigate, and analyze a variety of legal conflicts or code violations and make effective recommendations to obtain compliance.
• Ability to organize, analyze, and coordinate the various needs and interests of both the public and private sectors.
• Ability to enforce compliance with codes in a manner that is clear, firm, tactful, and impartial, and to deal with difficult interpersonal situations with property owners.
• Ability to represent the County in a professional capacity and speak publicly to citizens and external business partners.
• Ability to manage multifaceted projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and a variety of computer systems and applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED is required. Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or other related field is preferred.
• At least two (2) years of relevant experience is required for the Zoning Compliance Specialist. At least four (4) years of relevant experience in the area of zoning, code compliance, planning, or land use development/permitting is required for the Senior Zoning Compliance Specialist.
• Experience serving as a project lead or team lead is preferred for the Senior Zoning Compliance Specialist.

Pre-Employment Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR) and background check.
• Possession of a valid Class "R" Colorado Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within two weeks of appointment.

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field to conduct zoning compliance inspections.
• There is an occasional requirement to attend meetings and hearings outside of normal business hours.

• No unusual physical demands are associated with this position.
• Spends 50% of the time sitting and 50% of the time either upright or walking.
• Occasionally climbs, stoops, kneels, balances, reaches, crawls and crouches while performing office or work duties.
• Verbal and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication through automated devices, such as telephones, radios, etc.
• Constant use of eye, hand and finger coordination enabling the use of automated office machinery or equipment.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computer or other work-related equipment.

** In accordance with Senate Bill 23-058, applicants understand that Arapahoe County will not request or require the applicant to include their age, date of birth, or date of attendance/graduation date on the initial application. Applicants understand that Arapahoe County can request or require an individual to provide documentation including copies of certification, transcripts, and other materials created by a third party. The applicant understands that the applicant can redact, if they so choose, information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from an educational institution on those requested/required certification, transcripts and other materials created by a third party.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (i.e. uploading or attaching documents to your online application), call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627. Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt uploading (attaching) it.