JOB OPPORTUNITY BULLETIN
Posting Date: June 25, 2025
Post Closing Date: Open until filled
Job Title: Director of Planning and Development
Location/Department: Purvis, Lamar County, MS
Salary: Dependent Upon Qualifications
Position Summary: See Attached Job Description
This job description is not intended and should not be considered to be a complete list of all duties, skills, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be a reasonable outline of those principal job elements essential in maintaining related position. The job description is not a contract, the County reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Director of Planning and Development
SUMMARY: The Director is responsible for the operational administration and oversight of all Planning Department programs. This includes, but is not limited to: land use planning (comprehensive planning and zoning), site planning, subdivision review, solid waste management planning, hazard mitigation planning, grant writing, code enforcement, ordinance management, stormwater management, and economic development. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide oversight and guidance to all department employees as needed.
- Provide oversight and guidance to any employee in other departments who participates in a portion of any program managed by Planning and Development.
- Provide oversight and direct work into all land use-related programs, permits, and processing. This includes, but is not limited to, the Comprehensive Plan, Planning Commission, Land Use Zoning, Site Plan, Subdivision, Storm Water, Sewer Land Application Systems, Residential Construction Permitting, and Traffic Counts.
- Provide oversight and direct work into all auxiliary ordinances and programs managed by the Planning Department. This includes but is not limited to the following ordinances: Noise, Peddler, Illegal Dumping, and Hazard Mitigation Planning.
- Provide oversight and direct work into environmental programs managed, including, but not limited to, the Solid Waste Management Plan, Waste Tire Program, Saturday Drop-off Program, Vegetative Waste Program, Storm Water Management Program, and Right Way to Throw Away Day.
- Provide and manage office and budget resources to the Grant Writer.
- Direct coordination with the E911 Addressing department to provide staff assistance for the operation of the E911 Addressing department field work and addressing assignments.
- Direct coordination with the E911 Addressing department to provide staff assistance for the Flood Plain Management Program, including funding the department’s budget related to flood plain management.
- Provide oversight and direct work on noise level readings as requested by the County.
- Serve as the representative for the County on various Organizations, Boards, and Commissions as requested.
- Provide oversight and direct work for the Planning Department role in the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
- Provide oversight and direct work for the yearly budget, personnel matters, inventory, safety training, checking accounts, and office administration.
- Assists with Economic Development matters.
- Assists with oversight or direct work by the Planning Department for any other programs or operations within Lamar County as directed by the County Administrator.
- Provides ongoing guidance and support to direct reports through coaching and counseling, and documents disciplinary actions in accordance with Lamar County policy.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Proven ability to build rapport and work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills to include Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Understanding of regulations, ordinances, and laws related to Planning.
- Familiarity with grant writing processes.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans.
- Proficient in accounting principles and capable of performing financial tasks.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi Driver’s License.
- Availability to travel for conferences and professional development.
- Must be able to obtain financial bonding.
- Availability to attend occasional evening meetings.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Must possess a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, engineering, or a related field. Candidates with an engineering degree may be considered for additional duties and corresponding compensation.
- Extensive supervisory and management experience required.
- Minimum of three years of experience in comprehensive planning, community planning, and land use or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
Lamar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that all employment practices are conducted in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.