Island County Planning & Community Development Looking for Long Range Planner at Coupeville, Washington Full Time

Long range planning is a highly visible program and a core function of the Planning and Community Development Department.Person in this position will lead the County through the process of updating our Comprehensive plan.

Employee is responsible for facilitating updates and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, Planning Enabling Act and the Growth Management Act in Island County. Provides leadership and direction in the development of Long Range plans and projects; gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates with other departments as needed. Assists in the administration of Long Range planning consultants and contracts. Manages grant funding and monitors revenues and expenditures to assure fiscal control. Major duties include, analysis, managing the schedule of the Annual Review Docket, coordination of periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan, working with consultants, development of regulations, and fostering public outreach. This position includes GIS support of these activities.Employees in this position must be able to work effectively with the community of development professionals, the general public, appointed and elected officials, and coworkers.

This is a term limited position with an anticipated duration of 3 years.

Principal Planners are expected to independently ensure the duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out timely, understanding established budgetary constraints.

• Review and analyze comprehensive planning issues, including interpretation of the Growth Management Act, SEPA, Island County Code, and other relevant regulations.
• Run reports and analysis on comprehensive issues.
• Interview consultants and assist in hiring of them for research and analysis.
• Evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposals through the administration of the State Environmental Policy Act and local environmental codes. Assist in the review and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and related studies for specific projects.
• Prepare detailed reports and present to the Board of Island County Commissioners.
• Prepare detailed staff reports and present same orally before the public at Planning Commission and Board of Island County Commissioners hearings.
• Represent the County at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups, perform public presentations.
• Assist in the drafting of zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments related to land use. Assist other planners and technical staff on resolving code and comprehensive plan policies or conflicting provisions.
• Monitor projects for timely performance and budget or resource constraints. Conduct site visits as necessary.
• Work with other senior level staff and the Deputy Director on long range planning projects including GMA Comprehensive Plan development and upkeep.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

• Considerable knowledge of comprehensive planning and zoning principles and practices; and environmental and land use laws, specifically the Washington State Growth Management Act and SEPA.
• General knowledge of coastal biological and geologic processes and wetland environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in making public presentations
• Ability to exercise sound independent professional judgment and maintain objectivity when dealing with individuals and groups with conflicting or competing interests.
• Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation of reports. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and regular attendance are essential elements of this position.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, and relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner.
• Ability to represent the department in public meetings and public hearings with excellence.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete work and meet required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
• Understands the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, such as in cases involving potential litigation.
• Word processing and computer skills related to these tasks.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Valid Washington State driver’s license or the ability to obtain a license.
• A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban and regional planning or environmental science and 5 years experience or a Masters Degree and 3 years experience.
• Experience in city, county or regional planning.
• Prior experience in Comprehensive plan and Growth Management Act
• Experience working independently.
• Experience in managing budgets and grants.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.