Salary: $7,353.00 – $10,676.00 Monthly
Location: Bellingham, WA 98226
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: D654*389 0823
Department: Planning & Development Services
Opening Date: 08/16/2023
Closing Date: Continuous

Learn more about this position and apply today at Whatcom County Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services (PDS) is looking for a Natural Resources Division Manager who is a forward-thinking leader who likes to delve into complex development and natural resource management issues and find innovative solutions.   This individual will manage the natural resource planning and permitting review process while implementing provisions of state and federal mandated requirements including the Growth Management Act (GMA), Shoreline Management Act (SMA) and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The ideal candidate is a collaborative, creative problem solver who possesses strong technical and interpersonal skills. This important position provides strategic oversight and leadership to the Natural Resources Division. The successful candidate will report to the Director and work with the leadership team to maintain the highest level of customer service to the public and other agencies.

Essential Duties:

  • Ensuring timely, accurate and complete information on natural resource permitting review, work products and programs.
  • Managing critical area and watershed/stormwater permit review approval processes consistent with all developmental and natural resource regulations, including implementation of decisions and instructions resulting from hearings, appeals processes and actions of the County Council.
  • Providing policy and technical guidance to staff, departments, commissions, elected officials, and the public to ensure compliance with natural resource related statutory requirements and regulations.
  • Providing staff supervision, training and mentoring on implementation of policies, procedures and new or revised regulations.
  • Responding to concerns and issues and determines appropriate resolutions to maintain positive internal and external customer relations.
  • Establishing the procedures and recommends administrative policy for efficient and effective operation of the permit review process to produce productive exchange of information involving natural resource approvals and reports; and providing general information to the customers and public.

** This position will remain open until filled. Apply early for first consideration!  First application review date scheduled for September 18, 2023. Recruitment will be suspended once the position has been filled. **

The Ideal Candidate:

Must have excellent project management and communication skills in addition to advanced experience and knowledge in the areas of Planning and Natural Resources. In addition, the successful candidate will need to effectively interact with diverse groups of residents, customers and key stakeholders in a consistent, transparent and diplomatic manner. The ideal candidate will need to be comfortable engaging and communicating with key stakeholders and customers by being accessible and approachable, working in an environment which often deals with diverse and competing interests. The ideal candidate will be solution driven, possess emotional intelligence and demonstrate proven conflict resolutions skills.

At its sole discretion Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.