Planner II

Yakima County•Yakima, WA

1d•$32 - $41•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides experienced professional planning expertise and recommendations on routine to moderately complex development projects and other assignments; provides technical assistance to the public and acts as a resource for Section or Division within area(s) of expertise; participates in plan and regulatory updates; special studies, public outreach and education efforts for one of three divisions: natural resource planning and environmental protection, land use and development, and/or long range growth management planning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Planning, Geography, Geology or a field directly related to the area(s) of assignment AND one (1) year of increasingly responsible professional experience (including related internships), demonstrating knowledge and experience in one or more areas within the Planning field related to the area of assignment, including: Environmental Planning (SEPA, Critical Areas/Shorelines and Natural Resources), Transportation Planning, Current Planning (Subdivision and Zoning), and Comprehensive Long Range Planning; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Masters’ Degree may substitute for one year of experience.
valid WA Drivers’ License at time of appointment; and, successful completion of a general employment verification.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish
experience with Washington State land use and environmental protection law
specialized training in environmental or natural resource issues, projects (SEPA, GMA, Critical Areas, Shorelines)
additional degrees, professional certifications, recognitions, awards and licenses that demonstrate acquisition and application of the required knowledge, and abilities to be successful in this position are preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs, conducts or assists with planning analyses related to processing of routine to moderately complex new development project applications. Duties include: initial project review with customer, completeness review, preparation of required notices, YCWRS, SEPA review, project review and coordinating with other agencies / organizations and drafting of final written analyses.
Drafts and assists in preparing Department goals, policies, planning, programming and/or regulatory options and updates, and other project assignments for review by Section/Division management or others.
Provides policy advice and technical assistance to the public, agencies and county staff relating to: plans, policies, ordinances, standards, regulatory and non-regulatory programs, federal and state statutes and administrative codes governing land development, transportation, environmental protection and growth management, within area(s) of assignment or expertise.
Develops, coordinates and participates in public education/outreach efforts and special studies related to land use, transportation, environmental and natural resource planning issues and other program or project assignments.
Schedules and facilitates meetings and provides technical expertise to organizations and media as needed.
Performs other duties as required including site inspections and may participate in public hearings.
Other duties required including special projects such as reviewing and commenting on agency proposals and proposed changes to development ordinances.