Principal Legislative Analyst (Land Use) -King County Council

King County • Seattle, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Principal Legislative Analyst whose primary policy areas are growth management, land use, comprehensive and regional planning, zoning, current planning, and development regulations. As part of a policy team, the analyst conducts objective, nonpartisan legislative, policy, fiscal, and operational analysis for the Council and its committees. Personal neutrality is essential. The role includes analyzing complex proposals, identifying legislative and executive intent, assessing impacts and alternatives, and advising on subject-specific strategic, policy, organizational, and operational matters.

The analyst prepares and presents reports and briefings for elected officials and the public, conducts research, drafts legislation and amendments as required, and works with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts, and risks. The position also involves preparing GIS maps and basic GIS analysis, participating in external committees, and mentoring assigned staff. The position is salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt, and represented by Teamsters Local 117. It is predominantly hybrid, with work performed at home and in the office. Employees must reside in Washington State within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite and be available for periodic in-person work. The standard workweek is 40 hours; non-traditional hours and travel throughout King County may occasionally be required.

Requirements

• Extensive specialized professional knowledge of the Growth Management Act (GMA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), comprehensive plans, land use codes, permitting, and GIS mapping software.
• Knowledge of long-range land use planning, policy interpretation, zoning, and development regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs related to planning, housing, land use, development, and the environment.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and Council and committee parliamentary rules and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of project management, research design, and sequencing project steps.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant sections of the King County Code and local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of proposals, alternatives, and conclusions, and assess whether proposals comply with policy.
• Ability to identify issues for legal review.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Master's degree in public administration, finance, accounting, transportation planning, behavioral or social science, political science, business, economics, or an equivalent discipline, and at least eight years of professional analytical, evaluative, or planning experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating ability to perform the job duties.
• Applicants must provide an online employment application, resume, cover letter, and answers to supplemental questions.
• Employees must reside in Washington State within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite and be available for periodic in-person work.
• Remote work requires a secure, reliable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 30 megabits per second.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with King County government, its mandates and functions, and regional and local policy issues and challenges affecting King County.
• Experience working for elected officials.
• Passion for the legislative process, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct objective, non-biased qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans, and proposals to identify legislative and executive intent, anticipated direct and indirect results, and alternatives.
• Work with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts, and risks.
• Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis for land use, transportation, financial, and/or equity and social justice policies.
• Provide analysis and counsel on complex subject-specific matters involving strategic direction, policy, organizational, and operational issues.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, logical, and objective staff reports and briefings, orally and in writing, for elected officials and the public.
• Initiate, coordinate, and conduct research and analysis of legislation referred to the Council on policy and fiscal matters, including new ideas and legislation.
• Identify legislative and executive intent on highly complex proposals and specify research design and outcomes.
• Participate in external committees to stay current on proceedings, performance, trends, and issues.
• Meet regularly with assigned mentees to provide mentorship and coaching.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for Council committees.
• Summarize intent, provide background information, analyze important issues, identify legal issues, impacts, and risks, and prepare pertinent attachments and illustrations.
• Draft legislation and amendments as required for Council consideration.
• Review work for compliance with professional and technical standards.
• Review annual budget proposals, discuss policy intent and expected outcomes, analyze issues, and develop options.

Benefits

• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System
• County health insurance
• Dental and vision plans
• Parental leave
• Local transit pass and other local alternative transportation incentives
• Deferred compensation plan
• Mandatory $1.50 per hour contribution to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund for represented employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior