Senior Legislative Analyst (Land Use) -King County Council

King County•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Senior Legislative Analyst whose primary policy areas include growth management, land use, comprehensive and regional planning, zoning, current planning, and development regulations. The analyst is part of a team that conducts or leads objective, non-biased legislative, policy, fiscal, and operational analysis for the Council and its committees. The role supports elected officials by analyzing proposals, identifying impacts and alternatives, preparing and presenting findings, and drafting legislation. The position requires expertise in land-use planning and policy, including the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), regional planning documents, local comprehensive planning policies, development regulations, permitting, and GIS. The analyst may provide advice on complex policy and operational issues, work with legal staff to identify legal issues and risks, conduct research, participate in committees, and assist Councilmembers with constituent inquiries. This is a salaried, at-will, overtime-exempt position outside the county Career Service system, represented by Teamsters Local 117. The standard workweek is 40 hours, with occasional non-traditional work hours and travel throughout King County. Work is predominantly hybrid, with time in the office and at home. Employees must reside in Washington State within a reasonable distance of their King County worksite and be available for periodic in-person work. A secure, reliable internet connection with at least 30 Mbps download speed is required for remote work.

Requirements

Experience working with the Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, comprehensive plans, land-use codes, permitting, and GIS mapping software.
Knowledge of long-range land-use planning, policy interpretation, zoning, and development regulations.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs related to planning, housing, land use, development, and the environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to identify strengths, weaknesses, alternatives, intended and unintended consequences, and compliance concerns.
Ability to remain objective in a political environment and properly handle private and confidential matters.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and adapt to diverse personalities and working styles.
Ability to establish cooperation within work teams, facilitate small-group discussions, and deliver formal presentations to audiences with diverse or confrontational viewpoints.
Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Ability to work varying schedules and travel throughout King County or surrounding areas.
Any combination of education and professional-level experience involving legislative processes, analysis, or planning that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties.
Applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with King County government, its mandates and functions, and regional and local policy issues and challenges affecting King County.
A master's degree in urban planning or a related field.

Responsibilities

Conduct objective, non-biased qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans, and proposals to identify intent, anticipated direct and indirect results, and alternatives.
Work with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts, and risks.
Prepare and present clear, concise, logical, and objective staff reports and briefings for elected officials and the public, orally and in writing.
Analyze and communicate the application of the Washington State Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, regional planning documents, and local comprehensive planning policies.
Analyze and interpret King County development regulations and assist Councilmembers with constituent inquiries by outlining legislative options and communicating permitting issues.
Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis related to 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.
Draft legislation and amendments for Council consideration.
Review work for compliance with professional and technical standards.
Research, develop, and draft ideas or legislative proposals based on policy direction.
Conduct research projects that contribute to evaluating fiscal, policy, or programmatic consequences.
Lead or participate in internal and external committees, including departmental, interdepartmental, and interagency committees.
Identify issues for legal review and assess whether proposals comply with policy, laws, and regulations.
Prioritize workload to meet deadlines and adapt to varying schedules and a multifaceted, sometimes ambiguous environment.
Travel throughout King County or surrounding areas in a timely manner.