Planning & Zoning Administrator

The Department

The Trenton Planning Department consists of 2 employees. The Department is staffed with a Planning and Zoning Administrator (Vacant) and a Planning and Zoning Assistant. Our department provides services to over 13,000 residents, with an approximate land area of 4 square miles.

The FY 2024 Operating Budget for the Planning Department is $280,886.00. 2024 Trenton Adopted Budget Book can be found at: https://trentonoh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1351/City-of-Trenton-2024-Adopted-Budget-Book

The Position

This is highly responsible and complex administrative and technical work involving the planning, organization, direction, coordination, and enforcement of the operations of the City’s Planning and Zoning Department. The Planning and Zoning Administrator will plan, direct and coordinate the application, review and enforcement of zoning and subdivision ordinances; manage zoning plan review, support field inspections and enforcement efforts; and coordinate, prepare, process, and present zoning appeals to the board of zoning appeals (BZA) and other items for Planning Commission (PC) approval. This position reports directly to the City Manager; however, extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Department Heads, employees in other City departments, contractors, and the general public.

The Ideal Candidate

In addition to being ethical, well-qualified, and experienced, the next Planning and Zoning Administrator must possess certain traits that will be essential for success:

–          As a smaller department, the Planning and Zoning Administrator must have strong hands-on administrative skills in addition to being a strong collaborator across the City departments to properly manage the Department’s budget, personnel, and other administrative functions.

–          The next Planning and Zoning Administrator must be confident, yet humble, and have the knowledge and communication skills to comfortably discuss issues/operational aspects with anyone, including members of the community, members of various departments, the City Manager, and City Council. The community expects a creative, compassionate problem-solver who is committed to open and transparent communication.

–          A genuine interest in coaching, mentoring, and developing people will be valuable.

–          Strong collaboration and teamwork skills are needed to achieve success in smaller cities and Trenton has accomplished much in this manner. The next Planning and Zoning Administrator will have a proven record of succeeding in this type of team environment.

Experience and Education

Minimum:

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Must be bondable.
• Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, construction management, planning, zoning, community development, or a related field of study; or
  Three (3) years of responsible professional experience in municipal administration, planning, zoning, City code enforcement, or community development; or
• A combination of experience and training that would provide the required skills.

Preferred:

• Equivalent to a masters’ degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners – Certified Planner Certification.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position will range from $70,232.00 to $89,574.00 per year.

In addition, benefits are provided which include: Health and Dental Insurance, Life/Accident Insurance, Vacation Leave, Personal Leave, Sick Leave, Holidays, Longevity Pay (after 5 years), Compassionate Leave, and professional development opportunities.

Recruitment Process/Timeline

All interested candidates should apply by 3:00 PM EST Friday, November 15, 2024 (first review of applications) by submitting a compelling cover letter, comprehensive resume, references, and salary history to: sleichman@trentonoh.gov, please include “Trenton Planning and Zoning Administrator Applicant” in the Subject Line of the e-mail or via mail: Trenton City Manager, 11 East State Street, Trenton, Ohio 45067. Position is open until filled.

Resources and Additional Information

Recruitment Brochure for Planning And Zoning Administrator

City of Trenton, Ohio: https://trentonoh.gov/

Trenton Service Department: https://trentonoh.gov/195/Planning-Zoning