September 09, 2025

SUMMARY

 The Planning and Zoning Director is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing the City of Gluckstadt’s planning, zoning, and development functions. This role ensures that growth and development align with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and long-term community goals. The Director provides leadership, professional planning expertise, and administrative management to support sustainable development, economic vitality, and preservation of community character.

As a newly formed City, this position would have responsibilities involving assisting with the creation of the long-range planning, zoning, building and code enforcement programs for the city. This position is responsible for the development, review and execution of departmental policies that pertain to the administration of the City’s planning, zoning, and building programs.  The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Mayor, who evaluates work programs, conformance to established procedures, and accomplishment of desired results.

The incumbent is normally a reference source for questions regarding zoning, subdivision development, building permits, sign permits, inspections, flood zone information and inspection. The nature of these duties will vary depending upon the various functions of the position.  Work is performed with considerable independence within established policies and procedures, and any significance deviations are referred to superiors.   Work and performance are evaluated on basis of completeness, accuracy, initiative, and adherence to the established policy.

Work also involves responsibility of directing, supervising, coordinating, and enforcing the inspection of buildings and their appearances throughout the City to assure adherence to municipal building, electrical and related codes, and ordinances, and for adherence to applicable standards of construction, maintenance, and safety.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING DUTIES.  ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY THE CITY AND LISTED AS SUCH IN THE INCUMBENT’S PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL ELEMENTS.  VARIOUS TASKS MAY BE ASSIGNED UNDER EACH ESSENTIAL FUNCTION.  THOSE THAT ARE LISTED UNDER THE EXAMPLES OF WORK ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE; THEY ARE EXAMPLES ONLY AND MAY BE AMENDED OR ADDED TO AS NEEDED BY THE CITY OF GLUCKSTADT.

•      Administers and enforces the City’s zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, sign codes, and related land use policies.
• Directs and coordinates long-range planning projects, including updates to the Comprehensive Plan and land use maps.
• Evaluates development applications, rezoning requests, conditional use permits, variances, and site plans for compliance with City codes.
• Provides professional guidance to developers, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding zoning and land-use regulations.
• Supervises and manages Planning & Zoning staff, including training, performance evaluation, and daily operations.
• Prepares and presents staff reports, maps, and recommendations for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Aldermen, and other public bodies.
• Oversees permit issuance and ensures accuracy and compliance of records related to zoning and land use.
• Develops and manages the department’s annual budget.  Serves as the City’s liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission and coordinates agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Works collaboratively with other City departments, Madison County officials, regional planning organizations, and state agencies.
• Engages with citizens, neighborhood associations, and business owners to promote transparency and resolve zoning or development concerns. 
• Conducts public hearings and community outreach on planning-related initiatives.
• Recommends updates to zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and land use policies to ensure compliance with state law and best practices. 
• Ensures consistency with Mississippi statutory requirements for municipal zoning and planning.  
• Monitors trends in urban development, transportation, and land use to advise City leadership on emerging issues.

 

 EXAMPLES OF WORK

 Examples of work performed in this classification include, but are not limited to, the following tasks.  These tasks may be amended, or other tasks may be assigned, as necessary.

• Guides builders/developers by answering questions and working with land use ordinances to explain standards.
•   Attends meetings with the Mayor, Aldermen, and other officials regarding programs, operations, services, and procedures of the specific division for which the incumbent is responsible. 
• Serves as advisor to Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Planning Commission on matters pertaining to City codes and ordinances and cases on appeal.
• Schedules Planning Commission meetings and attends these meetings.
•  Answers a variety of written and telephone inquiries from the general public regarding services.
• Maintains close public relations with developers with major projects under construction.
• Positively promotes the City of Gluckstadt in all activities and interfaces.
• Assists in administrative activities associated with building inspection, planning, zoning, and code enforcement matters. Ensure that all phases of the various permit applications are completed in a reasonable amount of time.
• Coordinate with contractors about various inspections required.  
• Maintains data files and prepares reports detailing the weekly, monthly, and yearly issue of building permits and inspections.
• Coordinate with the various utility companies related to connections for new construction
• Reviews and processes correspondence, reports, requisitions, payment requests, and similar administrative activities. May train or supervisor one (1) or more clerical or technical assistants.
• Maintains zoning files and maps; serves as a researcher for general zoning matters; confers with Mayor, City Officials, and technical advisors on difficult cases.
• Makes recommendations for changes in ordinances and regulations governing the municipal building inspection program, zoning and other land use or planning regulations.
• Reviews complicated plans and/or designs before permits are issued for construction, alteration, and repair.
• Ensures that reports on all inspections, construction, research materials, etc. are written and maintained.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory responsibilities are required.

INCUMBENT PERFORMS OTHER JOB-RELATED TASKS AS ASSIGNED AND REQUIRED; ANY DUTIES/TASKS INCLUDED IN THE EMPLOYEE'S PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ELEMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THAT EMPLOYEE'S POSITION WITHIN THE JOB CLASSIFICATION.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following minimum qualifications have been identified by subject matter experts (SME'S) who have supervised this position or functioned in the position; they are based upon job analysis information supplied by these SME'S.  However, if a candidate believes he/she is qualified for the job although he/she does not have the minimum qualifications set forth below, he/she may request special consideration through substitution of related education and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.  Any request to substitute related education or experience for minimum qualifications must be addressed to the Human Resource Manager in writing, identifying the related education and experience which demonstrates the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position.  If a candidate believes he/she needs reasonable accommodation to meet these minimum qualifications or, if called for an interview, to attend such an interview, the candidate must notify the Human Resource Manager in writing of the need for the accommodation and identify the specific accommodation requested.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

 Education:

 Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or architecture and three (3) years’ experience in the design, construction, or inspection of building structures, two (2) of which in a supervisory and managerial capacity is preferred.  Applicants with a degree in environmental science or related field will also be considered.

OR

Experience:

 Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in public administration which includes at least two (2) years experience in a responsible supervisory or managerial position. Five (5) years’ experience in the design, construction, or inspection of building structures, two (2) of which are in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

The successful candidate should hold, or be capable of earning, professional certifications in field of building code inspections.

 

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• General knowledge of administrative practices and procedures relative to Community Development. 
• Knowledge of the organization structure and administrative procedures of City government.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards involved in the work and the proper safety precautions for the safe performance of the job.
• Ability to make decisions based on departmental policies, and to use tact and candor in meeting new problems.
• Ability to exercise excellent diplomatic skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of subordinates.
• Ability to assist developers and business owners with planning and carrying out their projects while adhering to city, county, and/or state ordinances.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to subordinates and to general individuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Knowledge of office management skills, to include one (1) year of computer experience, type forty (40) WPM with no errors, ability to manage a comprehensive filing system.
• Knowledge of the organization and functions of municipal government. 
• General knowledge of Zoning Ordinances and Subdivision Regulations and related Codes and Ordinances.
• Ability to understand plans, diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to explain ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to effectively supervise and train subordinates in all phases of construction inspection using current standards, codes, and ordinances, at such time as additional staff is hired.
• Ability to positively communicate in writing or verbally with architects, building owners, contractors, and public officials.
• Outstanding knowledge of all types of building, construction materials and methods, and stages of construction, when possible, violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected.
• Thorough knowledge of the standard methods, materials, and techniques involved in building construction, repair, and alteration.
• Extensive knowledge of defects and flaws in building construction, and of effective corrective measures.
• Thorough knowledge of City building, electrical, and related codes and ordinances.
• Extensive knowledge of modern developments, current literature, and sources of information in the field of municipal building inspection.
• Outstanding Ability to understand and interpret plans, diagrams, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to enforce ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical demands may be added to these by the City if the need arises.  Corrective devices may be used to meet these physical requirements.
• Ability to sit and talk or hear as well as walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK CONDITIONS:

•  Work is performed in an office environment with frequent evening meetings (Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Aldermen, and public hearings).
•          Fieldwork, including site inspections and field surveys, is required.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position requires working in both an inside, office environment as well as an outside construction environment with exposure to weather extremes, safety requirements, and loud noises.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 Valid, renewable Mississippi Driver’s License

Send cover letter, resume and references to:

Ms. Lindsay Kellum, City Clerk

343 Distribution Drive

Gluckstadt, MS 39110

info@gluckstadt.net

Inquiries: 769-567-2306