The Community & Economic Development Department of Adams County Government is looking for a Land Use & Built Environment Specialist to guide policies and strategies aimed at addressing public & environmental health considerations within the built environment. The Land Use & Built Environment Specialist serves as a liaison between the Board of County Commissioners, Board of Health, Director of Community and Economic Development, Adams County Health Department, and the residents and businesses of Adams County in matters related to public health impacts of the built environment. We are seeking an individual to coordinate activity associated with land use development review and long-range planning, often in partnership with municipal and health department staff, to provide recommendations for incorporating public health considerations. Strong capacities in relationship building, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, problem-solving, and program development are some of the necessary qualifications for this role.

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

• May serve in a liaison capacity with local Board of Health and Board of County Commissioners in all areas of public and environmental health.
• Plans policy development and outreach activities by engaging with multiple stakeholder groups, municipalities, state agencies, coalitions, and other key stakeholders as identified.
• Investigates evidence-based findings and analyzes information that can inform options for policies, programs, and services that promote positive public and environmental health outcomes.
• Support and/or conduct community-based initiatives to address public & environmental health impacts, disparities, and access to public health services arising from the built environment.
• Reviews and prepares written comments on land use development referrals and on proposed updates to comprehensive plans, sub-area plans, and related regulations in coordination with both health department and internal staff.
• Formulates recommendations and strategies to address existing gaps or needs in the proper control of public and environmental health hazards of the built environment.
• Works in partnership with government, community, and professional organizations to coordinate and leverage resources that monitor, assess, and improve public health outcomes associated with the built environment.
• Participates in regional and state initiatives to support the integration of similar health promoting strategies into local land-use planning activities.
• Encourages the inclusion of health-promoting policies within the County’s long range development plans, sustainability plan, and other built environment-related plans.
• Educates and shares information with residents and businesses on evidence-based practices and programs that improve public and environmental health outcomes resulting in healthier community environments.
• Participates in program development, grant writing, and grant implementation for measures aimed at addressing public health impacts of the built environment.• Evaluates program & policy effectiveness by gathering information, describing relevant evaluation data, and preparing reports.
• Provides residents and businesses with technical expertise on County land use standards and regulations pertaining to the protection of public and environmental health.
• Track and communicate to leadership ongoing policy and regulatory actions being analyzed or proposed by federal and state legislative bodies and agencies. • Effectively utilizes available information technology to access, collect, analyze, use, maintain, and disseminate data and information.
• Prepares a variety of reports, tabular and narrative, as required.
• Prepares written documents and presentations for the Manager of Environmental Programs, Director of CED, and the Board of County Commissioners related to public & environmental health policy, programs, and actions in the county.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Knowledge of current best practices/policies to eliminate public and environmental health disparities, promote active living, deliver safe and equitable food access and integrating public health considerations into local community and economic development strategies.
• Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes and/or statutes.
• Experience in land use planning strategies that can contribute to improved public and environmental health outcomes.
• Experience with and ability to understand, interpret, and apply statutes and regulations pertaining to public and environmental health.
• Familiarity with inclusive and equitable community engagement and outreach strategies.
• Experience in analysis of environmental and public health data to inform policy and program development and implementation.
• Familiarity with state environmental, public health, and natural resource commissions, respective rulemaking processes, and mechanisms for public participation.
• Knowledge of land use planning, administration of zoning regulations, analysis of development applications for compliance with development standards, compatibility with surrounding land uses, and land use mitigation methods.
• Experience with community planning elements that protect public health, facilitate healthy behaviors, and ensure equitable access to basic services.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health and the impact on community health outcomes.
• Experience with methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to write and maintain accurate records and reports to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, priorities, project budgets, and to communicate project status to involved parties.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Must be able to handle sensitive information and situations as well as know when to pass these on to management.
• General knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) software programs.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of personal computer equipment and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and other products as required.

COMPETENCIES

• Decision Quality: Makes sound and timely decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Informing: Provides timely and relevant information to colleagues, stakeholders, or the public using appropriate means to facilitate understanding and decision making.
• Teamwork: Must work as a part of the team, bringing together relevant partners (internally and externally) to achieve goals and objectives. Must be able to take the lead when necessary, but also follow through on other’s directives when needed.
• Organizing: Can marshal resources (people, funding, material, and support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; arranges information and files in a useful manner.
• Problem Solving: Uses rigorous logic and reasoning methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the easiest answers. Must be able to make a sound decision and stick with it.
• Process Management: Skilled at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; knows how to organize people and activities; understands how to separate and combine tasks into efficient workflow; knows what to measure and how to measure it; can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others can't; can simplify complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources.
• Technical Learning: Picks up on technical matters quickly; can learn new skills and develop knowledge; is adept at learning new industry, company, product, or technical information; does well in technical environment.
• Written Communications: Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect to specific audiences.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in public health and/or environmental health related fields.
• Demonstrated experience writing policy analysis and regulatory recommendations.

Education and Training:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in public or environmental health, public policy, urban/regional planning, or closely related field.
• Master’s degree in Public or Environmental Health, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or closely related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.

Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Click here to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!

Benefits You Expect:

• AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
• Generous Vacation/Sick leave
• Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan
• Short-Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Fitness Center
• Employee Health Clinics
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Recreation Center Discounts
• Remote/Hybrid work options, depending upon position
  • Sheriff's Office positions are not currently eligible for Remote/Hybrid work options
• Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Wellness programs