Planner I

Yakima County • Yakima County Courthouse, WA

4d • $29 - $36

About The Position

Yakima County Public Services, Planning Division is hiring a Planner I to provide professional planning expertise and recommendations on routine to moderately complex development projects and other assignments. The position provides technical assistance to the public and serves as a resource to the assigned Section or Division. It may support natural resource planning and environmental protection, land use and development, and/or long-range growth management planning.

The Planner I provides policy information and technical assistance concerning plans, policies, ordinances, standards, regulatory and non-regulatory programs, and applicable federal and state laws and administrative codes. The role performs or assists with development application analyses, including initial customer review, completeness review, notices, YCWRS and SEPA review, coordination with agencies and organizations, and drafting written analyses. It also assists with department goals, policies, planning and regulatory updates, special studies, public education and outreach, and related projects. The position may conduct site inspections and participate in public hearings.

Requirements

• Associate degree or two-year technical certificate in Land Survey and Construction Design, Engineering, Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Services, Real Estate, paralegal studies, or a field directly related to the assignment, and two years of experience in permitting, code enforcement, real estate, architecture, land development, planning, engineering, construction, or a related industry environment in a professional, administrative, or program/project support role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and four years of experience in a professional, administrative, or program/project support role in permitting, code enforcement, administrative support, program coordination, project management, real estate, architecture, land development, planning, engineering, construction, or a related industry environment may satisfy the stated education and experience qualification.
• U.S. driver's license at time of appointment.
• Successful completion of general employment verification.
• Knowledge of customer service, team building, presentation and meeting facilitation, research and analytical methods, planning principles, site impact analysis, geography, geomorphology, natural systems, legal descriptions, cartography, GIS, public participation, applicable laws and regulations, public organizations, and professional report writing.
• Ability to analyze and resolve customer-service and work-related problems; analyze environmental, transportation, and land-use information; prioritize multiple projects; write technical reports; interpret and apply land-use policies; give presentations and facilitate meetings; communicate effectively; research and apply data, policies, laws, codes, and legislation; use computers and office equipment; apply basic math, algebra, and statistics; and maintain files.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience with Washington State land-use and environmental-protection law.
• Specialized training in environmental or natural resource issues and projects, including SEPA, GMA, Critical Areas, or Shorelines.
• Additional degrees, professional certifications, recognitions, awards, and licenses demonstrating relevant knowledge and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy information and technical assistance to the public, agencies, and County staff on plans, policies, ordinances, standards, programs, statutes, and administrative codes related to land development, transportation, environmental protection, and growth management.
• Perform, conduct, or assist with planning analyses for routine to moderately complex development applications, including initial project reviews, completeness reviews, notices, YCWRS and SEPA reviews, agency coordination, and preparation of final written analyses.
• Draft or assist in preparing department goals, policies, plans, programs, regulatory options, updates, and other assignments for management or other review.
• Develop, coordinate, and participate in public education and outreach efforts and special studies related to land use, transportation, environmental and natural resource planning, and other projects.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings and provide technical expertise to organizations and media as needed.
• Perform other duties as required, including site inspections and possible participation in public hearings.

Benefits

• Health care benefits, including medical, dental, vision, basic life, and basic LTD.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• Eligibility for overtime.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree