Department: Community Development
Reports to: Community Development Director
Salary Range: $7,244/month to $10,649/month, Starting Salary: DOQ, DOE
Pay Grade: 9 -Full-Time; FLSA Exempt; Benefits Apply

Learn more about this position and apply today at Walla Walla County’s website.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director, this position plans, organizes, and manages day-to-day functions of the planning and code compliance sections, and serves as the Director’s most senior advisor. Responsible to provide efficient, effective, impartial, and timely planning services county-wide. Supports Director in overall administration and operation of the Community Development Department. This is an administrative and professional planning position, providing policy guidance and recommendations to the Director, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and the Board of County Commissioners in the development, modification, and implementation of comprehensive plans, development regulations, and environmental review and planning. Work involves contact with federal and state agencies, County and city departments, advisory committees, public officials, land development professionals, and the general public.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises and evaluates the planning and code compliance employees.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Acts as, or on behalf of, the Director in their absence.
  • Provides complex technical and administrative planning support to the Director.
  • Reviews and processes the land use applications and plans for compliance with state and local
    regulations including permit review and process, staff report preparation, administration of review,
    public hearing processes, and appeals.
  • Reviews and approves a variety of administrative planning and code enforcement decisions as
    assigned by the Director.
  • Assists Department staff as needed to ensure timely and accurate performance of work.
  • Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures for Department.
  • Supports the Director in supervising department staff, either directly or indirectly.
  • Prepares and presents reports on department activities.
  • Assists in the recruitment, employment, evaluation, and release of staff and contract personnel.
  • Responds to and resolves difficult, sensitive customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, public officials, other
    professionals, the media, and the general public.
  • Interprets and applies laws and development regulations as may be required.
  • Analyzes, recommends, and implements policies, procedures, standards, and ordinances to promote
    efficient and effective operation of assigned functions.

Example of Duties:

  • Assist in hiring consultants and managing contracts for a variety of professional services.
  • Prepare or assist with departmental reports and presentations, assists in Department budget.
  • Evaluate planning-related legislation and applicability to Department projects.
  • Act as a liaison with other County departments, local agencies, and state agencies for planning
  • and code compliance topics.
  • Researches and prepares a variety of written documents.
  • Oversee or manage projects through to completion and/or implementation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Tools & Equipment Used:

Various types of materials and equipment are used: local, county, state, and federal codes, digital and paper records, building and area maps, statistical and legal documents and information, construction documents and specifications, professional literature, architectural, mass communications, audiovisual aids, graphics, telecommunications, computer, permit tracking software, and GIS.

Working Environment/Physical Abilities:

The working environment includes activities in multiple department office venues and also attendance at night meetings. Physical abilities required for this position are ones typically related to office operations and conducting site reviews. Occasional travel is required and contact with citizens that may become hostile at times.

Knowledge & Abilities:

Considerable knowledge and experience with the principles, practices, and techniques of
Washington State planning and planning law, land use concepts.

  • Knowledge of code enforcement principles and procedures.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and administrative principles.
  • Ability to motivate and lead employees, delegate effectively and encourage decision-making;
    anticipate, respond to, and manage change.
  • Strong ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, including the editing,
    oversight or preparation of technical reports, and the presentation of information to
    government entities, committees, decision-makers, and the general public.
  • Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
  • Ability to understand and manage high-profile, sensitive, or controversial political situations.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work with multiple priorities and challenging timelines.
  • Knowledge of and proficiency with computer software programs, GIS, website design and
    management, particularly word processing & data management.
  • Ability to oversees or manage projects through to completion and/or implementation.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree, in public administration, urban or regional planning, or related field is required; and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a local planning organization, preferably within Washington State, utilizing land use controls and comprehensive plans; two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience; and substantial exposure to the Washington State Growth Management Act.

Licenses & Other Requirements:

Must have a valid Drivers’ License. Must successfully pass a background check and a driving record check. AICP certification is desired.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer:

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, origin, age, political affiliation, disability status or any other non-merit factor. Women,
disabled persons, members of ethnic minority and other under-represented groups are
encouraged to apply.

Applications:

  • FILING OF APPLICATION: Applications must be completed in accordance with the directions on the front of the announcement. Applicants are responsible for the truth of all statements. Misrepresentations, incomplete or inaccurate entries may be the cause for application rejection, removal from the employment list or discharge from County service. A background investigation will be conducted along with reference and former employer checks, driving record, and criminal history if applicable to requirements of the job. Applications must be received or postmarked by the last date for filing applications.
  • CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Applicants are responsible for notifying the hiring department of any change of address or telephone number.
  • NOTIFICATION: Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by mail as soon as feasible following the final selection decision.

Employment:

Eligibility List: Walla Walla County reserves the right to establish an eligibility list to fill any vacancies that may occur in the posted position for a period up to twelve (12) months.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice. Walla Walla County is committed to a drug, alcohol, and smoke free environment.

*** THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT ***