Assistant Zoning Administrator/Administrative Assistant
Mason City, IA
Full Time
Administrative Services - Planning & Zoning
Entry Level
Assistant Zoning Administrator/Administrative Assistant: Full-time position available with Cerro Gordo County. The Administrative Assistant, under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, provides administrative services primarily to the Cerro Gordo County Planning and Zoning Department. Assists in administering the county’s zoning ordinances and policies. Provides staff assistance to various county boards and commissions as needed. Willing to train the right applicant. Applicants must be 18 years of age. Pay range: $27.00 - $33.48 per hour based on qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, IPERS, life insurance, deferred compensation retirement plan, and paid time off.
First review of applications will be on May 22, 2026. Pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal background check, and reference checks required. Cerro Gordo County is an EOE. Applications can be completed online by visiting our website at: www.cerrogordo.gov
Posted April 30, 2026
Summary:
Under direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, provides administrative and technical services mainly to the Cerro Gordo County Planning and Zoning Department, County Administration and the general public.
Primary duties include administering and enforcing rules and regulations under the zoning department, and processing zoning/building permits. Provides staff assistance to various county boards and commissions as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The duties listed herein 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 for the position.
Provides customer service and communicates with the public, surveyors, engineers, developers, realtors, attorneys, and other county, city, and state departments on county zoning and development requirements.
Prepares staff reports for Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.
Review and verify zoning applications and accompanying documents. Communicate to applicants and relevant parties’ changes or requirements which must be met before final approval of application.
Schedules and attends meetings as secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and attends as requested the Board of Supervisors meetings and follows-up on issues from the meetings.
May attend relevant seminars and conferences which may require occasional overnight travel.
Investigates complaints and inquiries regarding potential violations. Attempts to obtain compliance in zoning violation cases.
May participate in field work, which includes onsite visits to applicant’s property.
Sends out correspondence for zoning violations; may assist in communication with legal counsel.
Research related to zoning questions and projects, including gathering background data through researching property records, departmental files, and field site inspections.
Manage flood plain matters at the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer.
Issues approvals and denials of Applications for Zoning Certificate based on Zoning Ordinance criteria.
May assist Chief Administrative Officer in preparing amendments to ordinances and zoning documents as necessary for Board of Supervisors adoption.
Assists in managing the county’s public dock policy, maintaining waiting lists, reviewing applications and accompanying documents for compliance with the Dock Policy.
Files annual manure management plan received from the applicant and report from Public Health for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO), and forwards to DNR.
Assists in preparation of Master Matrix as needed.
Periodically provides information to the county’s web coordinator to keep the Planning and Zoning webpage current. Manages the Cerro Gordo County Planning and Zoning Facebook page.
Publish and mail all required public notices.
Mail agenda and packets to all Board and Commission members.
May provide support to the Board of Supervisors as assigned, such as creating agendas, coordination of events, and providing staff support.
Assists with the department budget process each year and completes claims for the department.
Must be able to work independently.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
N/A
Applicant should know or be able to learn the following qualifications:
Principles, practices, and trends of public planning and zoning.
Read site plans.
Ability to learn how to use ESRI GIS software.
Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the use of office computer hardware and software and other office equipment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Excel, Power Point or related software used by planning and zoning.
Learn techniques and investigatory methods related to zoning enforcement.
Learn and reference Cerro Gordo County zoning ordinances and policies.
General knowledge of Iowa open meetings and open records laws.
Learn to read surveys, legal descriptions, and building plans.
Ability to be well organized and deal with multiple and changing priorities.
Ability to represent Cerro Gordo County and perform duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner.
Attend work
Learn to apply laws, regulations, and policies.
Must be able to meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position.
Be able to maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
Education and Experience:
Desire graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university or an associate’s degree showing a minimum of three (3) years consistent significant work experience.
Prefer but not required: Experience in zoning, property or real estate work.
Language Skills:
Ability to prepare clear, concise, thorough, and accurate reports on development applications and planning documents.
Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees, the public, governmental agency representatives, development professionals, and attorneys.
Ability to communicate with the general public in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to properly and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to give and receive information in a friendly manner in an adversarial setting.
Reasoning Ability:
Learn to read and interpret maps, surveys, drawings, and building plans.
Exercise sound reasoning, discretion, and independent judgement to solve problems and work through matters of significance.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in verbal or written form.
Ability to recognize work situations that require special attention.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.
The employee must be able to conduct field investigations in rough terrain. Dock inspections require the ability to climb up and down stairs and balance on docks and catwalks over water.
Office work is at a level of that for sedentary or office environment work. Office tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (up to 2/3 of the time).
Must be able to move or carry job-related objects or materials such as various books, ledgers, printouts, file boxes, etc.
Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Work Environment:
Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. While work is normally performed in an office environment, some tasks may occasionally be performed in adverse weather conditions.
Headaches, eyestrain, carpal tunnel and related occupational hazards associated with computer work reflect most common potential for injury.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may encounter or be exposed to an emotional consumer or a member of the general public.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low; however, the employee may occasionally be subjected to louder levels on construction sites and in county workplaces outside of the Courthouse.
Comments:
Must have a valid Iowa Driver's License and have reliable transportation. Must be insurable for driving under county’s insurance company policies.
Ability to obtain automobile insurance if personal vehicle is ever used for county business for which mileage reimbursement would be received. To be reimbursed for mileage, must provide proof of auto insurance with the following minimum limits:
The applicant is subject to post offer pre-employment drug and physical testing, criminal background check, and reference checks.
Cerro Gordo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Cerro Gordo County is subject to and has adopted a policy in compliance with the 2008 Smokefree Air Act.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
First review of applications will be on May 22, 2026. Pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal background check, and reference checks required. Cerro Gordo County is an EOE. Applications can be completed online by visiting our website at: www.cerrogordo.gov
Posted April 30, 2026
CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IOWA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
| Position Title: Assistant Zoning Administrator/Administrative Assistant | |
| Department: Administrative Services/Planning and Zoning | |
| Immediate Supervisor: Chief Administrative Officer | |
| Shift: Normally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, additional hours as necessary to perform duties | |
| Location: Cerro Gordo County Courthouse | Salary Range: $27.00 - $33.48 per hour depending on qualifications |
| FLSA: Non-exempt | Date: April 30, 2026 |
Summary:
Under direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, provides administrative and technical services mainly to the Cerro Gordo County Planning and Zoning Department, County Administration and the general public.
Primary duties include administering and enforcing rules and regulations under the zoning department, and processing zoning/building permits. Provides staff assistance to various county boards and commissions as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The duties listed herein 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 for the position.
Provides customer service and communicates with the public, surveyors, engineers, developers, realtors, attorneys, and other county, city, and state departments on county zoning and development requirements.
Prepares staff reports for Board of Adjustment and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings.
Review and verify zoning applications and accompanying documents. Communicate to applicants and relevant parties’ changes or requirements which must be met before final approval of application.
Schedules and attends meetings as secretary for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and attends as requested the Board of Supervisors meetings and follows-up on issues from the meetings.
May attend relevant seminars and conferences which may require occasional overnight travel.
Investigates complaints and inquiries regarding potential violations. Attempts to obtain compliance in zoning violation cases.
May participate in field work, which includes onsite visits to applicant’s property.
Sends out correspondence for zoning violations; may assist in communication with legal counsel.
Research related to zoning questions and projects, including gathering background data through researching property records, departmental files, and field site inspections.
Manage flood plain matters at the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer.
Issues approvals and denials of Applications for Zoning Certificate based on Zoning Ordinance criteria.
May assist Chief Administrative Officer in preparing amendments to ordinances and zoning documents as necessary for Board of Supervisors adoption.
Assists in managing the county’s public dock policy, maintaining waiting lists, reviewing applications and accompanying documents for compliance with the Dock Policy.
Files annual manure management plan received from the applicant and report from Public Health for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO), and forwards to DNR.
Assists in preparation of Master Matrix as needed.
Periodically provides information to the county’s web coordinator to keep the Planning and Zoning webpage current. Manages the Cerro Gordo County Planning and Zoning Facebook page.
Publish and mail all required public notices.
Mail agenda and packets to all Board and Commission members.
May provide support to the Board of Supervisors as assigned, such as creating agendas, coordination of events, and providing staff support.
Assists with the department budget process each year and completes claims for the department.
Must be able to work independently.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
N/A
Applicant should know or be able to learn the following qualifications:
Principles, practices, and trends of public planning and zoning.
Read site plans.
Ability to learn how to use ESRI GIS software.
Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the use of office computer hardware and software and other office equipment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Excel, Power Point or related software used by planning and zoning.
Learn techniques and investigatory methods related to zoning enforcement.
Learn and reference Cerro Gordo County zoning ordinances and policies.
General knowledge of Iowa open meetings and open records laws.
Learn to read surveys, legal descriptions, and building plans.
Ability to be well organized and deal with multiple and changing priorities.
Ability to represent Cerro Gordo County and perform duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner.
Attend work
Learn to apply laws, regulations, and policies.
Must be able to meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position.
Be able to maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
Education and Experience:
Desire graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university or an associate’s degree showing a minimum of three (3) years consistent significant work experience.
Prefer but not required: Experience in zoning, property or real estate work.
Language Skills:
Ability to prepare clear, concise, thorough, and accurate reports on development applications and planning documents.
Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other county employees, the public, governmental agency representatives, development professionals, and attorneys.
Ability to communicate with the general public in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to properly and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to give and receive information in a friendly manner in an adversarial setting.
Reasoning Ability:
Learn to read and interpret maps, surveys, drawings, and building plans.
Exercise sound reasoning, discretion, and independent judgement to solve problems and work through matters of significance.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in verbal or written form.
Ability to recognize work situations that require special attention.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.
The employee must be able to conduct field investigations in rough terrain. Dock inspections require the ability to climb up and down stairs and balance on docks and catwalks over water.
Office work is at a level of that for sedentary or office environment work. Office tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (up to 2/3 of the time).
Must be able to move or carry job-related objects or materials such as various books, ledgers, printouts, file boxes, etc.
Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Work Environment:
Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. While work is normally performed in an office environment, some tasks may occasionally be performed in adverse weather conditions.
Headaches, eyestrain, carpal tunnel and related occupational hazards associated with computer work reflect most common potential for injury.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may encounter or be exposed to an emotional consumer or a member of the general public.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low; however, the employee may occasionally be subjected to louder levels on construction sites and in county workplaces outside of the Courthouse.
Comments:
Must have a valid Iowa Driver's License and have reliable transportation. Must be insurable for driving under county’s insurance company policies.
Ability to obtain automobile insurance if personal vehicle is ever used for county business for which mileage reimbursement would be received. To be reimbursed for mileage, must provide proof of auto insurance with the following minimum limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury for each person
- $300,000 bodily injury for each occurrence
- $100, 000 property damage
- $300,000 single limit for all liability
The applicant is subject to post offer pre-employment drug and physical testing, criminal background check, and reference checks.
Cerro Gordo County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Cerro Gordo County is subject to and has adopted a policy in compliance with the 2008 Smokefree Air Act.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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