SummaryResponsible for providing professional level planning support to administrative and senior-level planning staff, with emphasis on project management and/or as a technical specialist in a particular aspect of planning, for a wide range of land use proposals including subdivisions, special use permits and variances.. Coordinates the preparation and/or administration of comprehensive plan, public policy and development regulations. Works with a team of professional planners and support staff from pre-application through the public review process. Provides recommendations to the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Provides timely responses to public inquires relating to the land use code.

Essential FunctionsResponds to public inquiries with information on the comprehensive planning process, public policy and development regulations.

Interprets and administers land use code under the supervision of the Team Supervisor.

Conducts data collection, analysis, and studies related to land use, growth management, environmental planning issues, policies and their applications.

Manages scopes and reviews the technical work of consultants, contracting agencies, and other organizations as appropriate.

Assists with policy and plan development.

Attends pre-application meetings and provides direction and guidance on the land use review process.

Provides on call support to front desk inquires and responds to public in a courteous manner, provides information within scope of knowledge.

Meets with applicants and/or consultants to review land use issues, both in the office and occasionally in the field.

Provides technical support and assistance to code compliance officer.

Research and evaluate individual wells, multiple-connection water systems, alternative water sources including rainwater capture systems, and connections to public systems for building and land use permit applications.

Work with Senior Water Resource Planner and State Department of Ecology staff members to determine legal water supplies.

Prepares and presents written, oral, and visual reports, maps and graphics, and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, committees, community groups, and private organizations related to land use, regulatory ordinances, and development proposals.

Attends conferences, seminars and other meetings, as required.

Supervisory:

None.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work. Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience:
Depending upon experience and qualifications, the successful candidate will be hired into either an Assistant Planner or Associate Planner position as listed below.

Assistant Planner:
1 year professional planning experience; or Bachelor’s degree

Associate Planner:
7 years of professional planning experience; or 3 years of professional planning experience and Bachelor’s degree; or 2 years professional planning experience and Master’s degree

Requires knowledge of:

• Planning and Permitting process and requirements
• Local government and political decision-making processes
• Washington State statutes as they relate to planning, growth management and the environment
• Planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques as they relate to land use, transportation, growth management, natural resource lands, capital facility, community development, or environmental planning issues, policies and their applications
• Operation of standard office equipment, including computers (literacy with word processing, spreadsheet and data base software programs)

Requires ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with County officials, officials of other jurisdictions, project applicants or proponents, Department employees, consultants, citizen groups, the general public, and professionals from other agencies and departments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with citizen groups, other county departments, elected and appointed officials, agencies, staff, and the community.
• Prepare reports, departmental materials, and correspondence.
• Use, understand and interpret statutes, codes, and other planning related subjects.
• Conduct site visits for projects throughout the County.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is typically performed in an office environment.  Work requires remaining seated for long periods of time.  Some outdoor on-site review may be required. Occasional lifting, crawling, climbing, or walking on uneven or steep terrain. Analytical ability, conceptual, logical and intuitive thinking skills must be applied. Night meetings may be required occasionally.

Hazards:
Those present in a normal office environment. Physical hazard may be present during inspection of unsafe job sites. Occasional walking on uneven or steep terrain. Driving hazards to sites and meetings. Possible hazards in the field such as dogs, upset landowners, etc.Supplemental InformationSELECTION PROCESS:
Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.