Job DescriptionThis position performs technical and administrative duties at the counter in the Building and Planning Permit Center. This position serves as the Planning Department’s primary liaison to the public, answering land use and code inquiries, checking for completeness of planning applications, accepting planning permit applications, entering info into the permit system, and when feasible, issuing over the counter Planning Clearances.

This position may also perform or assist in a wide variety of other technical and administrative tasks to manage the current community land use plans, regulations and procedures, amendments to the comprehensive plan, rezoning requests, special use applications, administrative subdivision plats, variances, site plan approvals, current use assessments, building permit reviews and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determinations.

Benefits Information:
Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision  (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County
Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work.  Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts.  The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas. Job Duties

1. Provide permit applications to the public.  Accept applications and review for completeness and errors. Data entry and report processing using the County’s automated permit software.
2. Provide customer service, which may include providing guidance or advice regarding the permit process and requirements, provide code explanation and offer referrals to appropriate channels or contacts.
3. Process and route permit application materials through the county’s permit process, and track the process of applications.   Respond to inquiries about status information of permit applications.
4. Perform field inspections prior to preparing final reports to determine pre-project site conditions and perform post-permit issuance inspections to monitor compliance with the conditions of approval.
5. Receive land use complaints from the public; help complainant through the Department’s request for investigation process.
6. Assist Planners with non-complex reviews and other code related duties as assigned by supervisors.
7. Assist in preparation of educational materials and forms on local land use regulations, permit process and procedures.
8. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Provide input and recommendations to improve own work processes and the general operation, performance and services provided by the department.
9. Prepare and update maps, drawings, visual aids and other graphic materials for the planning division.
10. Prepare or assist to prepare staff reports and make recommendations on land use applications to the Director, the Planning Manager, the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and Board of Commissioners.
11. Attend local action committee meetings regarding community land use issues of interest to the Division and the County.
12. Attend training as needed and keep up to date with ordinance, codes, and legal changes pertaining to planning, land use and other job related subjects.
13. Perform other duties or projects as assigned by the Planning Manager and/or Operations Manager.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in urban, regional, or environmental planning or related field.
2. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Supplemental InformationRequired Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of land use planning and zoning administration. Familiarity with environmental planning and regulations.
2. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with the public and others requiring services. Clearly and effectively interpret and explain processes, codes and ordinances to the public or those unfamiliar with land use planning.
3. Professional, business-like oral and written communication skills. Ability to make, or assist in preparation of, group and single-person audience presentations.
4. Ability to work in a cooperative and teamwork environment. Capacity to perform at a high level in a fast-paced, multi-task work environment. Capability to handle a diverse workload, with multiple deadlines, in a changing political and legal environment, while prioritizing to achieve excellent organization.
5. Work under deadline requirements, and tactfully handle public pressure or disgruntled public.
6. Capable of analyzing and interpreting topographic maps, aerial photographs, plan drawings, and specifications.
7. Ability to read and understand a development site plan; knowledge of local site plan requirements.