Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Community Development 316 Washington Street, #301 Wenatchee, WA 98801

Description

First Review Date: January 9th, 2026

SUMMARY

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.

First-level non-supervisory professional planner.  Reports to Director and 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 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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 code-regulated 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 tasks as assigned, prepares options, makes recommendations, and drafts proposed amendments to planning and regulatory documents including but not limited to: Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Shoreline Master Program, Subdivision Ordinance, and Chelan County Code.
• Represents the Department at public meetings hosted by the County, Community Councils, developers, and civic groups as well as on interdepartmental service teams and technical 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.
• 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.
• 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 and in the preparation of applications for grants.
• May serve the County in a support role in the event of an emergency or disaster.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Skills in:

• Proficient public relations and interpersonal communications to explain rules and procedures clearly and concisely to the public, elected officials, and stakeholders with tact and confidence.
• 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:

• Work independently as well as in small or large groups
• Follow direction of supervisors.
• Analyze code provisions.
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Communicate clearly both in writing and verbally, including the ability to make public presentations before hearing bodies and diverse groups.
• Organize and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform site visits on varied terrain and conditions required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• 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.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Bi-lingual preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Calculating figures and amounts such as interest, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Read and understand maps, architectural plans, and ability to use architect’s and engineer’s scales and perform mathematical calculations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess or have the ability to possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license within 90 days of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer, preparing written documents, attending meetings and driving a passenger vehicle.
• Climbing stairs in County offices and other agency buildings.
• Lifting (up to 40 pounds waist high), bending, stooping and twisting.
• Manual dexterity for the operation of a keyboard for computer and equipment use.
• Negotiating uneven terrain while performing site inspections.
• Sight and hearing of acceptable standards.
• Ability to physically operate a standard highway vehicle in a safe manner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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.