Salary: $4,651.00 – $7,704.00 Monthly
Location: Kennewick, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Planning
Job Number: 2022-00008
Closing: 3/11/2022 5:00 PM Pacific

Learn more about this position and apply today at Benton County’s Government Jobs page.

Job Summary:

Benton County is currently recruiting for one vacant Planner position. The position may be filled as an Associate Planner, or Principal Planner, depending on the selected candidates’ qualifications.

Salary Ranges: Associate Planner: $4,651.00 – $6,036.00 | Principal Planner: $5,936.00 – $7,704.00

Associate Planner: Performs a variety of routine and complex technical work in both current and long-range planning. Provides accurate information to the public, elected officials, planning board members and other departments within the County. Coordinates comprehensive plan update work coordinates other current and long-range planning activities.

Principal Planner: Participates in advanced level professional planning and supervisory work, coordinates the planning and implementation of assigned land use control programs; administers local, state, and federal land use ordinances, processes land use applications for zoning changes and permits, and performs duties of current and long-range planning. This is an advanced lead level planning position at Benton County.

Examples of Duties:

  • Provides technical and planning assistance to customers, reviews applications to ensure compliance with permit application process. Responds to customer inquiries regarding planning process, zoning, timetables, and related rules, regulations and/or policies.
  • Coordinates with planners and technical staff on work assignments, procedures, and studies.
  • Provides direction and support to other County departments, the development community, and the public regarding development requirements and land use projects.
  • Represents the County at various meetings and presents projects to the Hearings Examiner, Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners as needed.
  • Reviews, develops, and updates the County Comprehensive Plan and County Codes to ensure updates meet County goals and follow state and federal regulations.
  • Coordinates or assists with the promotion of the department’s work with other County divisions, local, regional, and state planning agencies, and organizations by providing technical assistance, knowledge of projects and procedures, communicating goals and objectives, and working to resolve issues.
  • Interprets and applies applicable federal, state and county codes, ordinances and regulations.
  • Assists with updates and maintenance of Comprehensive Plan and land development regulation.
  • Conducts reviews of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and rezoning.
  • Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
  • Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.
  • Receives defined assignments and assist in problem identifications, research, data gathering, prepare graphics and staff reports.
  • Collects, collates, reviews and evaluates base data in preparation for development of comprehensive plans for the unincorporated areas of Benton County.
  • Coordinates and conducts meetings and review sessions with representatives from related agencies concerning preparation of land use and other plans associated with Benton County.
  • Supports the Planning Manager and Senior Planners on various projects and special studies by assisting with research, public involvement, and drafting documents; utilizes Geographic Information System and general research/analysis skills to accomplish these tasks.
  • Prepares and coordinates grant projects as required by the Planning Manager for specific projects and ongoing projects of county interest.
  • Prepare reviews and analyzes environmental documents and checklists with reference to completeness and for the purpose of recommendations to the SEPA responsible official for potential determinations and requirements for environmental impact statements.
  • Prepares, reviews, comments and coordinates environmental reviews for county environmental impact statements or impact statements required by the county for specific projects proposed by other public agencies or private individuals.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Associate Planner: Bachelor’s degree in Planning or four years of progressively responsible job experience with a municipal or private land use planning organization may be substituted for the above required BA degree or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job. 

Principal Planner: Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field and five years planning experience; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

Licenses, Certificates, and Other Requirements:

  • Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

  • Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques used in urban and regional land use planning.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to land use planning.
  • Knowledge of geography, demographic, and development pattern of Benton County and its surroundings.

Ability to:

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
  • Ability to conduct oneself in a manner that is ethical, trustworthy, and professional; demonstrates transparency with honest, responsive communication; behaves in a manner that supports the needs of the County, the citizens and co-workers; and conducts oneself in manner that supports the vision and goals of the County taking pride in being engaged in the community.
  • Ability to research, analyze, and interpret data collected in the field and changes in planning related law.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, photographs, and legal descriptions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing at all levels of government and in front of large groups.
  • Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, materials, and maps.
  • Ability to exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills to explain policies and procedures and to work with other employees, department heads and agencies using courtesy, tact and good judgement.