Long Range Planning Series

Island County•Coupeville Campus, WA

11h

About The Position

Long range planning is a highly visible program and a core function of the Planning and Community Development Department. The number and level of positions in long range planning is determined through the budgetary process. The series includes mid-level to entry level planning professionals. Placement or promotion of individual employees within the series of positions is at the discretion of the County, based on their educational training, related professional experience, and demonstrated competency in performing assigned duties and responsibilities. Employees are responsible for implementation of the Planning Enabling Act and the Growth Management Act in Island County. Major duties include processing and scheduling the Annual Review Docket, coordination of periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan, development of implementing development regulations, and fostering public outreach for all long range planning efforts. Supporting the development review team or review of land use applications may be included in duties. This position includes GIS support of these activities. Employees in these positions must be able to work effectively with the community of development professionals, the general public, appointed and elected officials, and coworkers. Position may be hired as an Assistant, Associate, Senior, or Principal Planner dependent upon qualifications.

Requirements

Valid Washington State drivers license or the ability to obtain a license.
Considerable knowledge of comprehensive planning and zoning principles and practices, historic preservation, and environmental and land use laws; specifically the Washington State Growth Management Act and SEPA.
General knowledge of coastal biological and geologic processes and wetland environments.
Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Experience in making public presentations
Ability to exercise sound independent professional judgment and maintain objectivity when dealing with individuals and groups with conflicting or competing interests.
Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation of reports.
Attention to detail, critical thinking, and regular attendance are essential elements of this position.
Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, and relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner.
Ability to represent the department in public meetings and public hearings with excellence.
Independent and self-motivated to complete work and meet required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
Understands the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, such as in cases involving potential litigation.
Word processing and computer skills related to these tasks.
Assistant Planner: A Bachelors degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, historic preservation, or related environmental sciences AND one year of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.
Associate Planner: A Bachelors degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, historic preservation, or related environmental sciences AND three years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.
Associate Planner: A Masters degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, historic preservation, or related environmental sciences AND one year of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.
Senior Planner: A Bachelors degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, or related environmental sciences AND five years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.
Senior Planner: A Masters degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, or related environmental sciences AND three years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.
Principal Planner: Principal Planners are selected based on significant demonstrated experience and leadership in their field, in addition to the educational requirements above.

Nice To Haves

A degree from a Planning Accreditation Board certified planning program is desirable for Associate Planner.
A degree from a Planning Accreditation Board certified planning program is desirable for Associate Planner.
AICP designation is preferred for Senior Planner.
A degree from a PAB accredited planning program is desirable for Senior Planner.
A degree from a PAB accredited planning program is desirable for Senior Planner.

Responsibilities

Processing and scheduling the Annual Review Docket
Coordination of periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan
Development of implementing development regulations
Fostering public outreach for all long range planning efforts
Supporting the development review team or review of land use applications
GIS support of these activities
Review and analyze comprehensive planning issues, including interpretation of the Growth Management Act, SEPA, Island County Code, and other relevant regulations.
Evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposals through the administration of the State Environmental Policy Act and local environmental codes.
Assist in the review and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and related studies for specific projects.
Prepare detailed staff reports and present same orally before the public at Planning Commission and Board of Island County Commissioners hearings.
Represent the County at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups, perform public presentations.
Assist in the drafting of zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments related to land use.
Assist other planners and technical staff on resolving code comprehensive plan policies or conflicting provisions.
Monitor projects for timely performance and budget or resource constraints.
Conduct site visits as necessary.
Work with other senior level staff and the Deputy Director on long range planning projects including GMA Comprehensive Plan development and upkeep.
Work with senior level staff and the Deputy Director to develop and expand the County GIS System.
Develop GIS graphic illustrations, reports, and presentations.
Supporting the development review team and/or review of land use applications, including Historic Preservation applications.
Perform other tasks as directed.