Land Use Planner - Feedlots
Salary
$73,153.60 - $102,523.20 Annually
Location
Government Center, 410 S. 5th St., Mankato, MN
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
2026-00058
Department
Property and Environmental Resources
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
DESCRIPTION
Under the general supervision of the Property and Environmental Resources Supervisor - Property and Land, this position supports the mission of the Property and Environmental Resources Department by providing fair, impartial, and efficient services to the public. The Land Use Planner - Feedlots manages the County's feedlot program, serving as the primary contact for the feedlot delegation program. Responsibilities include conducting investigations, developing and promoting education programs, and assessing feedlot facilities for compliance. This role also involves coordinating, maintaining, analyzing, and enforcing land use and feedlot ordinances, drafting new ordinances, issuing land use permits, researching, preparing, and analyzing reports, plans, and grant applications.
DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Administers the County's feedlot program. Develops County policies related to feedlot and makes recommendations to department leadership and the County Board. Coordinates the implementation of county ordinances and policies and state rules and regulations. Interprets state rules and decides on impact on County feedlot program. Monitors for compliance, cites permit holders for noncompliance, and develops compliance plans.
- Enforces and administers Land Use and Feedlot Ordinances. Reviews land use and feedlot proposals and evaluates for compliance with applicable county and state requirements, ordinances, and regulations. Meets with the public, realtors, appraisers, landowners, and developers regarding land use or feedlot proposals to identify and resolve discrepancies and/or non-compliance with county, federal, and state regulations. Provides recommendations regarding land use ordinance additions, changes, and amendments.
- Participates in development of Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Conducts research and coordinates activities to implement ordinances by developing new sections or provisions as necessary. Conducts research and analysis, synthesizes information, and develops long range land use goals. Develops and drafts ordinances, amendments, and directives for consideration by Planning Commission and County Board.
- Acts as the feedlot delegation program contact. Updates the required delegation agreement work plan annually. Maintains contact with necessary members of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as the main contact between the MPCA feedlot staff and Blue Earth County. Enforces applicable MPCA regulations and implements new procedures and policies as necessary. Attends meetings and training sessions.
- Manages the County feedlot database and feedlot information. Prepares state's annual report. Maintains a feedlot location and permit database by uploading registration, inspection and enforcement information and any other applicable data into the County electronic permitting system and State of Minnesota database within the timeframes required.
- Issues Land Use Permits. Issues construction permits if proposals comply with regulations. Informs the public or developers and provides explanation if proposals are denied. Reviews site plans and performs site visits to determine compliance with ordinances.
- Researches, analyzes, and prepares reports, plans, and grant applications. Meets with public and developers regarding rezoning, conditional use permit, variance, and subdivision applications. Synthesizes information and prepares reports. Develops conditions, recommendations, and findings of fact for the Planning Commission to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. Presents reports to appropriate committees. Conducts land use studies, reviews literature and ordinances. Prepares plans and grant applications.
- Conducts Investigations. Responds to and seeks resolution to complaints, evaluates compliance or noncompliance with land use regulations, maintains records of complaints and actions taken and, when needed, prepares cases for court. Works to achieve compliance and resolve problems. Works with Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Prepares and presents staff reports for review by the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment, attends Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment public hearings, and provides input and assistance on developing meeting procedures, recording minutes, and ensuring compliance with resolutions passed by the Board of Adjustment and County Board. Develops and prepares educational programs, makes presentations and lectures to the community, and provides technical assistance to the general public and other agencies.
- Promotes a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
- Engages positively with both internal and external customers. Communicates and interacts effectively and respectfully with colleagues, supervisors, representatives from other organizations, and the public.
- Performs the physical and mental demands of the position.
- Attends work during regularly scheduled hours.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
- Reviews Land Division requests. Meets with the public and determines if proposal complies with regulations. Issues notices and provides explanations. Offers guidance on proposals.
- Participates in professional staff development. Participates in training and education opportunities to maintain and improve proficiency. Attends and participates in professional organizations. Associates with employees and departments from other counties and states for collaboration.
- Performs other related functions as apparent or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors degree in agriculture, environmental science, planning, urban studies, or related natural resources science field; or
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in agriculture regulation, agriculture consulting, environmental regulation, environmental consulting, or environmental science; or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in urban or regional planning, geography, environmental science, agricultural sciences, environmental/civil/hydraulic engineering, or related field.
- A minimum of one (1) year of experience with a planning or environmental/natural resources agency
- Experience coordinating and/or facilitating public hearings and meetings
- Experience preparing written reports, plans, and/or procedures and manuals
- Proficient in understanding and speaking languages other than English, such as Spanish, Somali, Chinese, Sudanese, and Arabic, among others.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must successfully pass a background check.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and the ability to drive within the State of Minnesota.
- Must comply with all federal and state laws and organizational and departmental policies and regulations.
- Must complete and maintain training competencies under Minnesota Rules as recommended by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and described in the County's delegation agreement.
- Must adhere to data practices policies and standards regarding non-public data. Access to non-public data must be limited to what is necessary to perform job duties. Employees must take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure storage of data in accordance with county policies and Minnesota Statutes.
HOURS OF WORK
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Night, weekend, holiday, and overtime hours may be necessary to meet departmental needs, special projects, and service needs and demands of the community served.
Benefits Overview
AFSCME, No. 65 - Courthouse & Human Services
The County of Blue Earth provides a comprehensive, balanced, competitive total compensation package. The Countys benefit programs address both the immediate needs that you and your family may have, such as medical coverage or dependent care assistance, and your long-term needs, such as retirement savings. Benefits begin upon date of hire.
The following outlines County offered total compensation benefits. This document provides an overview and does not offer all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents and/or collective bargaining agreements, the plan documents will prevail.
Regular, Full-Time Employee
Wage/Salary Scale
Blue Earth County features a 12-Step Pay Plan. Our advertised salary ranges include all 12 Steps. A selected candidate will typically be offered Step 1 of the salary range. Additional salary considerations are subject to negotiation and dependent on skills and experience directly related to the position.
Vacation Leave
Vacation accruals, utilization, and payouts are detailed in the collective bargaining agreement and/or the employee handbook.
Blue Earth County Years of Service Bi-Weekly Accrual Rate
0 - 5 years - 3.85 hours
6 - 9 years - 4.77 hours
10 - 13 years - 5.69 hours
14 - 18 years - 6.62 hours
19 - 24 years - 7.54 hours
25 + years - 8.46 hours
Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 7.34 hours for each full month of service.
Paid Holidays
Blue Earth County recognizes 11 (88 hours) paid holidays, and employees receive one floating holiday per year.
Health Insurance
Employees may choose from 3-health insurance plans and either single or family coverage. Insurance Rates (Monthly) - Effective: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Plan 1: CMM $0 Deductible
Employee: Single - $137.19 / Family - $1,209.49
Employer: Single - $1,234.66 / Family - $2,822.16
Total Cost: Single - $1,371.85 / Family - $4,031.65
Plan 2: CMM $300 Deductible
Employee: Single - $1.04 / Family - $809.38
Employer: Single - $1,234.66/ Family - $2,882.16
Total Cost: Single - $1,235.70/ Family - $3,631.54
Plan 3: HDHP with HSA
Employee: Single - $0.00 / Family - $425.39
Employer: Single - $965.00/ Family - $2,410.57
Total Cost: Single - $965.00 / Family - $2,835.96
Blue Earth County contributes to a health savings account (HSA) when the employee elects the HDHP. Single coverage HSA contributions equal $1,650, and family coverage HSA contributions equal $3,300.
Life Insurance
Employees are provided with Term-Life Insurance at no cost to them:
- $20,000 term-life/$20,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- After ten (10) years of continuous employment with Blue Earth County, the policy will increase to $35,000 term-life/$35,000 accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
Retirement
The County and the employee contribute to the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) based on a percentage of the employee wage:
General/Coordinated Plan
Employee: 6.5%
Employer: 7.5%
Voluntary Benefits Available
- AFLAC
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Nice Healthcare
- Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
- Voluntary Life (Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren))
- Deferred Compensation (457b)
- Roth IRA
- 529 Educational Roth
- Minnesota Benefits Association (MBA)
- Savi Student Loan Benefit
01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
02
Please select the qualification below that best applies to you.
- I have a bachelors degree in agriculture, environmental science, planning, urban studies, or related natural resources science field.
- I have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in agriculture regulation, agriculture consulting, environmental regulation, environmental consulting, or environmental science
- I have an equivalent combination of education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- I do not meet any of the qualifications listed above.
03
If you selected the equivalent combination above, please describe your relevant education and experience.
04
Which of the following best describes your post-secondary degree field of study?
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Urban or Regional Planning
- Urban Studies
- Other field of study related to natural resources science field.
- No post-secondary field of study
05
Which of the following best describes your work experience related to agriculture regulation, agriculture consulting, environmental regulation, environmental consulting or environmental science?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
- More than 3 years, but less than 5
- 5 or more years
06
Describe what in your application demonstrates the experience described above. If you do not have experience, TYPE N/A.
07
Which of the following best describes your work experience performing customer service duties, particularly involving upset customers and situations involving conflict?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year
- More than 1 year, but less than 3
- More than 3 years, but less than 5
- 5 or more years
08
Describe what in your application demonstrates the experience described above. If you do not have experience, please type N/A.
09
Please indicate the following software/systems that you are Proficient in using. Please select all that apply.
- Microsoft Office Word
- Microsoft Office Outlook
- Microsoft Office Excel
- Microsoft Office SharePoint
- CityView Permitting
- Laserfiche Data Management
- Beacon Schneider
- Tempo (State of MN)
- None of the above
10
Please list the languages other, than English, that you are able to understand and speak. Please select all that apply.
- Spanish
- Somali
- Chinese
- Sudanese
- Ababic
- Other
- None of the above - I do not speak or understand any languages other than English
11
Why do you want this position with Blue Earth County?
12
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Describe any other special training youve completed or skills and experience you currently possess that you feel would make you the best-qualified person for this position.
13
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and education records, identification verification, drivers license record and a criminal history?
14
Do you currently have a valid Minnesota drivers license or a valid drivers license from another state?
- Yes, I have a valid Minnesota drivers license.
- Yes, I have a valid drivers license from another state.
- No, I do not currently possess a valid drivers license.
Required Question
Employer Blue Earth County
Address PO Box 168
204 South Fifth Street
Mankato, Minnesota, 56001
Phone 507-304-4374
507-304-4061
Website http://www.blueearthcountymn.gov