Salary Range: $95,000 – $105,000 DOQ
Position Status: Open Until Filled
First Review: August 1, 2022

Job Description:

The Community Development Director, under the direction, supervision and authority of the City Administrator, is responsible for the management of the Planning and Community Development department which includes current and long-range planning, development review, environmental (SEPA) review, and economic development.  The Director serves as a resource to the City Administrator, City Council, Planning Commission, businesses, developers, other governmental agencies and the general public.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position is responsible to supervise and evaluate the performance of the Building Official and Permit Tech.

Essential Functions:

The following essential duties and responsibilities may be performed.  These examples are representative and may not include all specific tasks necessary for success in this position.

Duties:

  • Enforce the City’s development regulations, zoning codes, site-plan reviews, and related local, state, and Federal laws related to land use.
  • Answer questions with comprehensive knowledge of applicable statutes, procedures, and permits.
  • Represent the City of Ephrata in arenas requiring expertise in land-use, development codes, procedures, and planning.
  • Attend and assist the City Council and Planning Commission with recommendations and information related to land-use, development codes, procedures, and planning.
  • Gather and analyze a variety of data including, but not limited to, land-use, development codes, procedures, planning, and mapping.
  • Management of the City’s Geographic Information System interface.
  • Maintain the City of Ephrata flood-plain management plan and coordinate with FEMA.
  • Maintain accurate records and checklists for land-use, development codes, procedures, and planning.
  • Negotiates right of ways and easements for the city dedication or securing deeds and easements.
  • Work with property owners interested in annexation.
  • Work with property owners on easement and right of way vacations.
  • Generate, manipulate, and publish C.A.D.-based maps.
  • Administer the City of Ephrata Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
  • Review all City ordinances related to land-use, development, procedures, and planning codes and make recommendations for changes as necessary and needed.
  • Mutually support Emergency Services, Finance, and Operational divisions.
  • Provide guidance to Building and Public Works Departments.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be able to exercise independent judgment within established procedures.
  • Ability to apply policies and procedures.
  • Effectively communicate clearly, tactfully, and courteously.
  • Must have strong organizational skills with strict attention to detail and process.
  • Must be able to maintain accurate records and files.
  • Must be able to use database, calendar, word-processing, and other organizational office computer software effectively.
  • Must have a working knowledge of and ability to operate Auto CAD and GIS.
  • Must be able to evaluate and understand people.
  • Skilled in public speaking with proficiency in English.
  • Must be able to evaluate, analyze and review plans, applications, public statutes, city code and standards, contracts, and maps.
  • Ability to rapidly gather diverse information, formulate conclusions, and clearly communicate them.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Primarily in an office environment with early morning and evening meetings. Occasional field work will be necessary.

Physical Demands:

  • Manual dexterity, arm, and upper body range of motion sufficient for use of a keyboard, mouse, and telephone 7-8 hours per day.
  • Speech and hearing sufficient for in-person and telephone communication 7-8 hours per day.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Ability to sit at a desk 7-8 hours per day.
  • While performing the duties of this job, an employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear, in person, in meetings, and by telephone or computer.
  • Use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is frequently required to walk and stand and is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Regular lift or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Works under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet.
  • Driving:
    • Driving for this position would typically be less than 5 hours a month. If driving on city business, must meet and follow all driving requirements.

Note:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications:

Minimum Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, environmental studies, or closely related field.
  • Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working with planning processes related to urban growth, comprehensive plans and community development.
  • Experience in a supervisory or management role in municipal planning.
  • An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Preferred:

  • Advanced Degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, environmental studies or closely related field.
  • Extensive experience in planning and community development in all related fields.
  • Seven (7) years of progressively responsible senior management experience.

Residency in Ephrata is strongly preferred. 

How to Apply:

To apply, submit Resume and Application to: 

City of Ephrata
Attn: Leslie Trachsler
121 Alder St. SW
Ephrata, WA 98823