Long Range/Natural Resource Planner

Franklin County•Franklin County Planning & Economic Development, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Long Range / Natural Resource Planner position administers long term planning actions, comprehensive plan and zoning petitions, periodic updates to our current community land use plans, regulations, and procedures, sub-area plans, master plan resorts, natural resource plans, and performs or assists in a wide variety of other technical or administrative tasks to manage the planning applications workload.

Requirements

Proficient knowledge in the laws, rules, and guidance related to the Growth Management Act, Shorelines Management Act, SEPA/NEPA, and other pertinent environmental regulations.
Proficient knowledge of relevant legislation, and modern principles, methods, and practices in planning and code enforcement.
Knowledge of state and local planning, zoning, development, and building codes.
Proficient knowledge of, and ability to apply, techniques and related tools, equipment, and technology as they relate to area(s) of assignment according to current department and County practices.
Proficient skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues or problems by analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, interpreting compliance documentation, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals.
Proficient time management and mental and physical organization skills that support the ability to focus, have clarity, and use strategy to fulfill a variety of tasks successfully.
Proficient computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, using Geographic Information System (GIS) software and the internet for research.
Ability to learn and develop proficient skills in the current County-wide resource planning.
Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and to express ideas and recommendations effectively orally and in writing.
Attention to details is a must.
Ability and willingness to establish and maintain communication and working relationships with peers, representatives from other agencies, vendors, public officials, and the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
Ability to effectively present information, findings, proposals, training, or other information to a variety of audiences by clearly articulating, engaging the audience, assessing the needs of the audience, and using appropriate materials to help audience understand the message.
Ability to work independently and take advantage of opportunities, organize and prioritize several ongoing and frequently changing assignments to meet deadlines.
Bachelor’s degree in planning or a closely related field.
Two years of land use planning, economic development, or related experience.
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job.
Employment at Franklin County is contingent upon the results of a background check and eligibility for coverage by the County’s liability insurance carrier.
Depending upon the position, background checks may include personal and professional references, social security verification, education and professional licensing verification, financial history, and criminal history.
Valid driver’s license if driving a vehicle for County business.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn Blue Beam and SmartGov Programs.

Responsibilities

Acts as the lead agent in the research and development of recommendations for improvements to the Franklin County land-use policies and regulations, as well as other long-term planning and economic development policies, standards, and/or projects.
Manages projects related to land use policy and development regulations including but not limited to the comprehensive plan, capital facilities plan, county-wide planning policies, shoreline master plan, sub-area plans, master plan resorts, major industrial developments, urban growth area and other overlays, natural resource plans, and economic development plans.
Leads all SEPA/NEPA functions, including but not limited to writing SEPA/NEPA documents, reviewing SEPA/NEPA documents performed by other planners, and responding to comments.
Coordinates with the director and other planners with code interpretations.
Attends Pre-application meetings as assigned.
Represents Franklin County on a variety of boards, commissions, and advisory groups.
Manages complex applications for land use actions, such as large subdivisions, planned unit developments, substantial shoreline applications, etc.
Provides customer service and performs department functions by responding to requests, inquiries, questions, or appeals by researching, reviewing, analyzing, tracking, or reconciling and communicating policy interpretation, sharing detailed and/or technical information, making recommendations, and providing advice, reports, answers, and presentations within scope of knowledge or authority.
Assists with the general administration of the Code Enforcement program as they relate to critical areas or shoreline violations including providing code interpretation, communication to property owners, site investigations, and presentations at public hearings.
Assists with developing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and making improvements to performance standards, processes, policies, procedures, ordinances, building codes and standards, or database due to new trends, innovations, federal, state and local rules, laws, regulations, legislation, codes, and ordinances as they relate to the assigned areas and responsibilities.
Pursues self-development and continuing development of skills and knowledge by attending ongoing educational workshops, reviewing professional or technical publications, and establishing personal networks.