Land Use Attorney Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $5,074.88 Monthly
Location : 251 B Street W. Vale, OR
Job Type: Full Time 37.5 hrs/wk
Job Number: PM 2026-08
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Planning Director, the Planning Manager performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work in the current planning program and long-range planning program of the County, related to the development and implementation of land use plans and policies. The Planning Manager serves as an assistant to the Planning Director and can generally communicate on behalf of and speak for the Planning Department. This position serves as staff to the Malheur County Planning Commission and Border Region Housing Review Board.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Work is performed under the guidance of the Planning Director who outlines work projects, goals and objectives. Employee works independently to compile and analyze data, resolve questions or problems on the basis of past precedent, interpretation of policy, or procedural guidelines. The employee confers with the Planning Director for professional assistance and/or advice. Work will be reviewed by the Planning Director for conformance to policy and procedure.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over clerical personnel as needed.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(The following description of duties may not be all inclusive and other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Planning Department Director).

• Assume responsibility for managing the office of the Planning Department which includes: direct department activities, ensuring compliance to rules and regulations, act as a liaison between the Planning Director and the public by providing information requiring extensive knowledge of department policy and procedures.
• Issue allowed/non-discretionary (ministerial) zoning permits; farm agricultural exempt building permits; floodplain development permits; and land use compatibility statements for residential actions, various water right actions, DEQ actions pertaining to air, water, or soil quality, and DOGAMI actions.
• Issue administrative decisions that require notice, but does not require a public hearing.
• Process other land use decisions to be processed including but not limited to land partitions, subdivisions, conditional use permits including non-farm dwelling requests, site plan reviews, and variances.
• Process legislative decisions in cooperation with the Planning Director, including but not limited to, the maintenance of the Transportation System Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and other plans and ordinances. This includes all Post Acknowledgement Plan Amendments (PAPA).
• Process appeals in cooperation with the Planning Director, including maintaining records in preparation of appeals to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
• Prepare detailed Staff Reports demonstrating compliance with all applicable local and state laws and/or describe how the application does not comply.
• Present Staff Reports, or other work as assigned, to the Planning Commission or County Court as part of public hearings or meetings.
• Coordinate with other agencies as required under Oregon's State Agency Coordination program.
• Work with the Malheur County Sheriff's Office and the Ordinance Deputy to assist in the enforcement of codes and plans. This may include investigating complaints and assisting the Planning Director by compiling enforcement records, photographs for citations, or Justice Court presentations.
• Perform title research to establish legal lot status.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, notices, statistical and financial data, and other materials of an important or confidential nature often requiring researching information.
• Schedule Planning Commission and Border Region Review Board meetings, prepare agenda, notice for newspaper and landowners, and related reference materials; ensure a quorum will be present at each meeting; attend and present at monthly Planning Commission and Border Region Review Board meetings, which may be held outside of regular business hours; review meeting minutes for accuracy.
• Respond to citizen inquires.
• Provide information and assistance to the general public on questions about a wide variety of land use issues.
• Respond to informational inquires from realtors, investors, attorneys, regulatory agencies and elected officials.
• Assist landowners through sometimes complicated zoning and permitting processes by helping them with forms, explaining procedures, etc.
• Explain to customers when and how the laws apply to their situation and how to proceed with compliance.
• Conduct pre-application conferences when needed.
• Perform front line interactions with the public by answering the phone and greeting customers at the front counter.
• Regularly attend trainings in order to increase competency in land use regulations as well as stay current with land use legislation and case law.
• Accept applications, review applications for completeness and compliance with appropriate zoning laws, floodplain management, set up necessary files, and receipt funds.
• Complete or oversee any required Farm or Forest Reports for reportable actions on resource lands.
• Complete preliminary plat reviews.
• Monitor previously approved temporary hardship permits for continued compliance; adhering to the Planning Department's schedule.
• Work with other Planning Department staff to maintain the filing systems to assure organization of various planning records, including property files; monitor the electronic filing system as needed.
• Assure that applications and information sheets are routinely updated.
• Perform clerical work when assigned by the Planning Director and/or when the Clerk is absent.

• Regular physical attendance at the employer's facility is required.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with five years progressively responsible office experience which includes two year of supervisory experience; or a satisfactory combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the Oregon land use system including but not limited to appropriate laws and statutes and case law.
• Knowledge of all applicable Malheur County Code, Comprehensive Plan, Transportation System Plan and all applicable County ordinances and plans which pertain to the Planning Department.
• Application of principles and practices of Planning and Zoning in Oregon.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision.
• Training and performance evaluations.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment including Microsoft Office, AS400, ArcGIS, WordPress, and Adobe Pro.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain and prepare records, reports and statistical data.
• Make decisions independently in accordance with established policy.
• Use initiative and judgement in carrying out tasks and responsibility.
• Read, understand, and effectively apply complex rules and regulations, including local ordinances and state statute.
• Adjust to priority changes and work well under pressure.
• Plan, organize, train and supervise support staff.
• Courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, department heads, outside agency personnel and the public.

Link for Veterans Preference Form:http://www.malheurco.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Veterans-Preference.pdf
If you are a Qualified Veteran or Qualified Disabled Veteran and would like to be granted preference in the selection and hiring process, please fill out this Veterans' Preference Form and provide proof of eligibility by submitting a copy of form DD-214 or 215 (copy 4). This completed form and required supporting documentation must be submitted with your application in order for consideration for Veterans' Preference.
Link for Malheur County Resident Preference Form:
If you are a Malheur County Resident that plans to stay in Malheur County for the next 5 years and would like to be granted preference in the selection and hiring process, please read, fill out this form and attach it to your application.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of: modern practices and methods of office management and personnel practices; business English, spelling, grammar and composition; reasonable knowledge of: real estate transactions, property descriptions and proper record methods; basic knowledge of: pertinent laws, rules and regulations that affect program functions.
Skill in: understanding and interpreting deed and legal property descriptions; conducting record searches; the operation of modern office and computer equipment, processing information and use of programs including Microsoft Office, AS400, ArcGIS, WordPress and Adobe Pro; report writing.
Ability to: communicate effectively in both oral and written form; establish, maintain and prepare records, reports and statistical data; make decisions independently in accordance with established policy and use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibility; read, understand, and effectively apply complex rules and regulations, including local ordinances and state statute; adjust to priority changes and work well under pressure; plan, organize, train and supervise support staff; courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, department heads, outside agency personnel and the public
BACKGROUND CHECKS
In order to be considered for this position, final applicants will be going through background checks which may include: criminal, DMV, reference check, credit/certification and education checks.
GUIDELINES
Work is performed within department policy, procedure, and personnel policies; Federal, State and County rules, regulations and ordinances; Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules; various administrative reference materials. Employee uses seasoned judgment, initiative and experience to interpret and choose between alternative guidelines.
PERSONAL CONTACTS AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are with co-workers, department heads, State agencies, outside agency officials (i.e. the Malheur County Building inspection program) and the public to resolve problems, provide service, interpret policy, and to give or exchange information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment and is generally sedentary. However, some bending, climbing, lifting up to 35 pounds, pushing, standing and walking may be required. A reasonable amount of driving is required.

• PERS Retirement
• Medical, Dental & Vision - Blue Cross Blue Shield
• County pays 85% of premium on Medical, Dental, & Vision
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Deferred Compensation
• Employer paid basic life and AD&D
• Sick Leave - 1 day a month
• Vacation - 12 days a year accrued starting after 6 months
• Personal leave
• 11 paid holidays

01
Do you have 2 years supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

02
Describe your experience working in Planning and Zoning.
03
Do you have 5 years progressively responsible clerical experience? If yes, please describe how you obtained the experience and training.
04
Do you have a Bachelors degree in Planning or related field? Please describe what your degree is in.
05
Describe your knowledge of the Oregon land use system including but not limited to appropriate laws and statutes and case law.
06
Do you have experience with Malheur County Code, Comprehensive Plan, Transportation System Plan and all applicable County ordinances and plans which pertain to the Planning Department? If so describe your experience.
Required Question