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Zoning Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Washburn County, WI

Zoning Administrator

Shell Lake, WI · On-site

$69K - $79K/yr

The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR is the first line of contact for all land use permit applications. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR assists applicants, issue permits, conducts enforcement actions, educates the ...

Warren County, VA

Zoning Administrator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$63K/yr

Description COUNTY OF WARREN ZONING ADMINISTRATOR GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK: Performs intermediate professional and administrative work enforcing the County's Zoning Ordinance and related codes and ...

Rusk, County of (WI)

Zoning Administrator

Ladysmith, WI · On-site

$31.59 - $33.39/hr

... the Zoning/Land Information Committee. Maintain daily log of inspections and mileage. Administer the WI-FUND program. Administers the county POWTS maintenance tracking program. Draft and post ...

City of Hampton

Deputy Zoning Administrator

Hampton, VA · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

In this role, you will work under the direct supervision of the Zoning Administrator, playing a pivotal role in the day-to-day administration of zoning functions. You will manage zoning ...

Stafford County

Deputy Zoning Administrator

Stafford, VA · On-site

$77K - $135K/yr

We're looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented professional to serve as our next Deputy Zoning Administrator-a key role at the intersection of planning, policy, and public service. In this position ...

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Zoning Administrator information

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$39K

$73.3K

$152.5K

How much do zoning administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoning administrator in the United States is $73,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Zoning Administrator?

A zoning administrator is responsible for playing a critical role in urban planning: enforcing and evaluating regulations. As a zoning administrator, you work with the city’s planning commission. Your job duties are to look at zoning codes and determine the appropriate setup of regional residential districts, business districts, and more. You also review zoning applications and attend public hearings. To qualify for this job, you need at least a high school diploma, but in many municipalities, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture. Other qualifications for this career include a valid driver’s license and the skills to read and decode zoning designations. Typically, you also need prior job experience on a commission council or in urban planning.

Who is the zoning administrator?

A zoning administrator is a government official responsible for enforcing zoning laws and regulations within a jurisdiction. They review permit applications, ensure compliance with land use policies, and may conduct inspections to support urban planning and development efforts.

What is the highest paying administrative job?

Among administrative roles, executive-level positions such as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced degrees or certifications. Salary levels vary by industry, company size, and location.

Do you get paid to be on the zoning board?

Zoning administrators are typically paid employees who oversee land use regulations and zoning codes; they receive a salary or hourly wage for their work. Members of zoning boards or commissions may or may not be compensated, depending on the municipality's policies, with some serving as volunteers and others receiving stipends or per diems.

What is the difference between Zoning Administrator vs Building Inspector?

AspectZoning AdministratorBuilding Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; certifications in zoning or planning are commonRequires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications in building codes and inspections are often needed
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; interacts with city planners, developers, and the publicPrimarily on-site inspections of buildings and construction sites; collaborates with contractors and code officials
Employer & IndustryMunicipal governments, planning agencies, development firmsLocal government building departments, construction companies, inspection agencies

The Zoning Administrator focuses on land use regulations, zoning codes, and planning compliance, while the Building Inspector ensures construction projects meet safety and building codes. Both roles are essential in urban development but serve different regulatory functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zoning Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zoning Administrator, you need a solid understanding of land use regulations, urban planning principles, and typically a degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and permit management systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in interpreting regulations and engaging with the public and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate enforcement of zoning laws, smooth permitting processes, and positive community development outcomes.

What are Zoning Administrators?

Zoning Administrators are professionals responsible for interpreting and enforcing local zoning ordinances and land use regulations. They review development proposals, issue permits, and ensure that construction and land use comply with municipal codes. Zoning Administrators also respond to public inquiries, process variance requests, and may present findings at public hearings or planning commission meetings. Their work helps guide orderly community development and resolve disputes related to property use.

How to become a zoning administrator?

To become a zoning administrator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Relevant experience in planning, zoning, or local government is often required, along with knowledge of zoning laws and regulations. Some positions may also require certification or licensing depending on local regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by Zoning Administrators in their daily work?

Zoning Administrators often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex zoning codes, balancing the needs of developers and the community, and addressing concerns from residents about proposed land uses. They must stay current on local ordinances and state regulations while ensuring fair and consistent application of zoning laws. Additionally, Zoning Administrators frequently collaborate with planning boards, city councils, and the public, requiring strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
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Zoning Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zoning Administrator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,281 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Zoning Administrator

Washburn County, WI

Shell Lake, WI • On-site

$69K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Salary : $69,030.00 - $79,579.50 Annually
Location : Shell Lake - Courthouse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Zoning
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Purpose of Position/General Statement/Distinguishing Features of Position
The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR is the principal staff person responsible for enforcing the Washburn County Zoning Ordinances and related state and federal regulations including but not limited to comprehensive zoning, shore land zoning, subdivision control, floodplain zoning, private on-site wastewater treatment system regulation, and nonmetallic mining. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR is the first line of contact for all land use permit applications. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR assists applicants, issue permits, conducts enforcement actions, educates the public about the requirements of the Washburn County Zoning Code. Additionally, the ZONING ADMINISTRATOR assists the County Zoning Committee, the County Board, County Board of Adjustment and other administrative departments as needed. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR performs administrative, professional, regulatory, and technical work related to the County's land use and development review process. The ZONING ADMINISTRATOR shall administer the ordinances, rules and regulations literally and shall not have the power to permit any land development that is not in conformance with the applicable laws. The position requires considerable judgement and tact in literal administration and enforcement.
Primary Duties/Job Functions
The following duties are normal for this position within the Zoning Department. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned or required.
  • Prioritizes and assigns work. Supervises staff activities. Reviews work and evaluates employee work performance. Advises employee regarding policies and procedures. Recommends employee selection, discipline and discharge. Approves employee vacation, holiday and sick leave requests, in accordance with the applicable employee handbook.
  • Oversees review and issuance of sanitary permits. Conducts site inspections and soil evaluation for sanitary permits for on-site septic systems.
  • Oversees review and issuance of land use permits.
  • Oversees review of rezoning applications and conditional use requests and prepares staff reports for review by the applicable committees.
  • Reviews variance applications to determine appropriateness. Works with property owners during variance application process. Advises on applicable standards and departmental practices relative to variance requests.
  • Investigates and takes appropriate action in regard to complaints received regarding potential violations of ordinances, statutes or regulations over which the Zoning office has jurisdiction.
  • Monitors and inspects properties to confirm compliance with Conditional Use Permits.
  • Works directly with Corporation Counsel to prosecute violations of ordinances over which the Zoning Department has jurisdiction. Prepares documents and evidence for court cases. Testifies in court.
  • Assist Corporation Counsel and/or outside Counsel with any claims or lawsuits filed involving the Zoning Department.
  • Assists Corporation Counsel with drafting ordinance amendments for the Zoning Department. Attends and participates in meetings and hearings regarding zoning and sanitation matters. Prepares and delivers reports.
  • Prepares and monitors department budget. Approves vouchers and purchases in accordance with County administrative policies.
  • Supports Washburn County Core Values throughout all levels of department decision
    making. Develops customer service as an integral part of department operations.
  • Maintain departmental competence and credentials through training and study including an up to date knowledge of all state and federal rules and regulations related to applicable land use, water and air quality, and sanitary standards.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Training
Four-year degree with training in land records and physical sciences, three to five years land use administration experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license, certified soil tester and POWTS inspector license required.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
    1. Ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, and to oversee their execution. Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, to determine consequences and identify and select alternatives.
    2. Ability to manage and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation. Ability to persuade, convince and train others. Ability to advise and interpret regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
    3. Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as zoning applications, land use requests, sanitary permit applications, site and soil evaluations, citations, inspection reports, personnel performance evaluations, ordinances, plumbing codes, land use regulations, computer software operating manuals, soil testing manuals, meeting minutes, meeting agendas and non-routine correspondence.
    4. Ability to communicate orally and in writing with related Governmental Agencies or Public Interest groups.
    5. Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas. Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data.
  • Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
    1. Ability to use functional reasoning in performing influence functions such as supervising, managing, leading, teaching, directing and controlling.
2. Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations
involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, measuring tape, soil auger, laser levels, camera, shovel, telephone, calculator and computer terminal.
  • Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring moderate skill, such as typing and drilling.
  • Ability to exert very moderate physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.
  • Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
  • Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as irate individuals, intimidation, temperature variations or extremes, odors, disease and/or dust may cause discomfort and poses a limited risk of injury.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
This position description has been prepared to assist in defining job responsibilities, physical demands, working conditions and skills needed. It is not intended as a complete list of job duties, responsibilities and/or essential functions. This description is not intended to limit or modify the right of the supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The County retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to, or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgement, to be proper.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The duties are subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Benefits for full-time employees (30+ hours per week):
  • Wisconsin Retirement - Employer match w/ 5 years of service
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Income Continuation Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Sick leave
  • Vacation pay
  • Holiday pay
  • Post-Employment Health Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Achievement Program
Part-time employees who work an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a year, may receive some of the above benefits on a pro-rated basis.

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