Human Resources

Job Location

Chelan County Community Development 316 Washington St. Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

PW 16 Steps 2-4 $4,914.09-5,395.23  Longevity Steps 5-8 $5,653.99-$6,510.54

Benefits Include medical, dental, vacation, sick, life insurance VEBA and Washington State Retirement System.

POSITION PURPOSE

Serves as a first-level professional planner.  Implements the mission of the Department in order to assure orderly growth of the County and coordination of planning efforts in Urban Growth Areas.  Undertakes and coordinates professional planning services for a broad range of planning activities involving:  long range comprehensive planning, drafting of development regulations, processing of discretionary and ministerial development applications, collection and analysis of geographic/socioeconomic data, and providing public information about County planning policies, regulations and activities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

First-level non-supervisory professional planner.  Reports to Assistant Director. Coordinates work with other staff when appropriate. Provides information to the public about County land use regulations and policies. Applies professional judgment to prepare recommendations on policy and regulatory issues to the Director, Assistant Director, and hearing bodies. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties, which are representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this classification.

• Provides information to the general public, permit applicants, and public officials – over the telephone, at the counter, through e-mail, through mail, and at meetings – regarding the County’s land use regulations and policies.

• Processes development proposals requiring discretionary County approval, for example:  Short Plats and Conditional Use Permits. Reviews proposals for compliance with zoning and related regulations and comprehensive plan policies, coordinates with other departments, prepares written staff reports, and makes recommendations to decision makers.

• Performs technical review of building and other ministerial development permits to ensure compliance with zoning and related development regulations, comprehensive plan policies, and conditions of approval for prior discretionary development permits.

• Reviews development proposals and planning projects for compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act.

• Conducts research, prepares options, makes recommendations, and drafts proposed amendments to planning and regulatory documents such as: Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Shoreline Master Program, Subdivision Ordinance, and Chelan County Code.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents the Department at public meetings hosted by the County, Community Councils, developers, and civic groups.

• Prepares and delivers public presentations of staff reports at public meetings and hearings before the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner and other hearing bodies.

• Works with individuals and interest groups to facilitate decision making on issues pertaining to development permits and planning projects.

• Prepares legal documents associated with development permits.  Monitors maintenance and performance securities, including wetland mitigation and landscaping.

• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

• Performs research tasks as assigned.

• Creates and/or revises administrative procedures to implement changes to policies and codes.

• Works with other members of the Department in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.

• May assist Code Enforcement Staff in performance of his/her duties.

• Represents the department on interdepartmental service teams and technical groups.

• Collects and analyzes demographic, land use, and related data.  May manage automated mapping, database, and geographic information systems.

• May assist the Director and Assistant Director in the preparation of budget requests for planning projects.

• May assist the Assistant Director in the preparation of applications for grants.

• May serve the County in a support role in the event of an emergency or disaster.

• Other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Planning practices and land use codes.
• One or more planning issues such as:  rural planning, site design, agricultural issues, transportation, housing, natural resources, economic development, computerized information systems, comprehensive planning, and land use regulation.
• Growth Management Act, SEPA, Shoreline Management Act and other State laws.
• Principles and practices of research and data collection of land use information.
• Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situation.

Skills in:

• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly and concisely to the public, elected officials, and stakeholders with tact and confidence.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Effective written and oral communications.
• Proficient public relations and interpersonal communications.
• Computer and equipment operations necessary to the functions of the position including the use of a variety of software programs such as Windows, MS Office (inclusive of Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), and ESRI GIS viewing products.

Ability to:

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work well with peers.
• Ability to follow direction of supervisors.
• Ability to analyze code provisions.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and verbally, including the ability to make public presentations before hearing bodies and diverse groups.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate personal computer programs, including those involving word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, project management, and permit tracking.
• Ability to read and understand maps, architectural plans, and ability to use architect’s and engineer’s scales and perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to perform site visits on varied terrain and conditions required.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS:

• Respectful, courteous, and friendly to customers, other County employees, and County leadership; demonstrates and maintains honest and ethical behavior.  Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with peers and management.
• A team player that helps the organization meet its objectives; takes initiative to meet department and County goals.
• Effectively communicates with customers and other County employees.  Positively represents the County, maintaining the trust County residents have placed in each of us.
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• WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Duties are performed primarily in an office environment and public settings, but do include outside inspections subjecting this position to a variety of weather and driving conditions.
• Work is mostly performed independently but does include small and large group settings.
• Demands of managing multiple activities, addressing citizen needs and meeting established timeframes for work performance may cause stressful situations.
• Work under pressures and under high liability exposure.
• Position requires appropriate attire and image, projecting a professional, positive attitude.
• Occasional evening meetings are a required part of this position.
• Infrequent out-of-town travel and a non-traditional work schedule may be required, at the sole discretion of the County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in planning, law, architecture, engineering, natural resources, government administration or other closely related field.
• One (1) year of professional planning related experience with either city or county government or as a consultant. 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Bi-lingual preferred.
• Must possess or have the ability to possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license.

CLOSING STATEMENT

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Additional Information

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume and completed Chelan County Application to human.resources@co.chelan.wa.us

Position is open until filled with first review on 5/15/2023