Planning Manager

City of Port Townsend•Port Townsend, WA

About The Position

This position works under the direction of the Planning and Community Development (PCD) Director. The Planning Manager is a mid-level supervisory position responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of the Planning division. Performs advanced professional planning work, exercising independent judgment in the direct undertaking of long-range planning, development review, critical area and shoreline regulation, and related research. Work requires a large degree of independent responsibility and a high level of professional performance in planning, reviewing, coordinating and undertaking a variety of complex planning tasks. Supervises Planning division staff, including evaluation of performance of assigned personnel. Assists the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning division budget.

Requirements

Knowledge of: laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances applied to land use planning
Knowledge of: comprehensive planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques
Knowledge of: municipal government organizational concepts
Knowledge of: operations, organization, policies and objectives of long-range planning and development review
Knowledge of: principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, coaching, assigning work, evaluating work and progressive discipline
Knowledge of: Geographic Information System (GIS) basics
Knowledge of: planning and environmental concepts and terminology
Knowledge of: budget preparation and control
Ability to: independently assess and resolve complex planning and policy issues are essential skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position
Ability to: comprehend and interpret land use laws, rules and regulations
Ability to: provide leadership to department personnel that includes fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment, motivating employees to achieve high standards, and providing strong and honest communication to promote transparency
Ability to: communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to: prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations
Ability to: demonstrate public presentation skills
Ability to: establish effective, ongoing relationships with public officials, citizen committees, applicants, members of the public and fellow staff
Ability to: demonstrate a positive and strong desire to assist the public
Skills in: computer and software proficiency, with emphasis in ArcGIS, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft One Drive, Sharepoint, Teams, Word, Powerpoint, and Excel
Skills in: research techniques
Skills in: interpersonal communication
Skills in: user friendly government writing
Bachelor's degree with major course work in planning, public administration, geography or r elated field.
Five years' work experience in land use planning, including supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Punctual and consistent attendance.
Possess a Washington Driver's License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
Dress and grooming appropriate to the position.
Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.

Nice To Haves

AICP certification

Responsibilities

Supervises Planning division staff, including evaluation of performance of assigned personnel.
Represents and serves as the PCD Director in their absence including interim responsibility as the City's SEPA, floodplain and zoning official.
Interpret, analyze and apply ordinances, zoning regulations and other City, state, and federal regulations and laws relating to planning, zoning, and the environment and development issues.
Update and amend adopted plans including the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Program in conformance with the needs of the City and the requirements of state law.
Research, compile, and analyze data and information for staff reports, ordinances, and plan amendments.
Receives, evaluates, and processes land use and development applications, ensures compliance with permit and code requirements, and ensures permits are processed in compliance with Municipal Code and State rules.
Prepare written project analyses for review by the Director, City Manager, Citizen Committees, Planning Commission and/or City Council including identification of appropriate land use policies, design issues and environmental requirements; make recommendations for action.
Coordinates joint activities between City departments.
Resolve complex problems encountered in performance of work assignments.
Identify and implement changes to the City's land development related policies, codes or operations including code revisions.
Assists in the formulation of planning documents and in developing, recommending and implementing new systems, policies and procedures.
Makes decisions regarding implementation of complex and sometimes conflicting code requirements.
Prepares and makes public presentations on planning information and activities; staffs and facilitates public meetings with the Planning Commission, citizen advisory committees, and other committees and groups.
Provides staff support to advisory committees.
Administers contracts for services according to established guidelines.
Assists the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning Division budget, monitors expenditures and revenue in division budget throughout the year.
Maintains cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public.
Assists PCD Director in grant application, management, and compliance.
General administrative and support activities as required; assists the department as assigned.