Planner II

Yakima County•Yakima County Courthouse, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Yakima County Public Services is seeking a Planner II to provide experienced professional planning expertise and recommendations on routine to moderately complex development projects and other assignments. This role will offer technical assistance to the public and act as a resource for the Section or Division within their area(s) of expertise. Responsibilities include participating in plan and regulatory updates, special studies, and 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.
US Driver's License at time of appointment
General Employment Verification

Nice To Haves

A Masters’ Degree may substitute for one year of experience
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.

Benefits

Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
Retirement Benefits
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Medical, Dental, Prescription and Vision Coverage
Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA- VEBA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Voluntary Benefits – vision, term life, critical illness, disability and other insurance plans
Washington State Retirement Plan (DRS)
457 Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)