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Department: Community Development
Reports to: Mayor and City Administrator Effective date: 01/19/2022
Review Date: Open Until Filled
Salary Range: $8,560.00/DOE

Visit City of Pacific’s website to apply today.

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General Purpose:

Under general policy direction from the City Administrator and Mayor, plans, organizes, directs and integrates the City’s community development programs and services; and performs related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

An incumbent in this class is a department head with responsibility for policy development, program planning, budget management, administration, grant management, parks development, and operational direction of the Planning and Community Development Department functions. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing department objectives and goals within guidelines established by the City Council.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the Planning and Community Development Department; with the Associate Planner and staff, develops, implements and monitors long-term plans, goals and objectives focused on achieving the City’s mission and Council priorities; directs the development of and monitors performance against the annual department budget and the City’s Capital Improvement Plan budget; manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.
• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the performance of the Associate Planner and permit technician; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; makes decisions on compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with the City’s personnel rules and policies.
• Provides leadership to develop and retain highly competent, public service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training and day-to-day management practices that support the City’s mission and values.
• Represents the City and the department in Design Review Board, Planning Commission, Park Board, Hearing Examiner and City Council meetings; informs and advises these groups, as well as the City Administrator and Mayor, on local and regional community development, environmental and infrastructure planning issues
• Ensures the timely preparation of complete and accurate staff work for presentation to citizen committees, commissions and the City Council; performs research and analysis for presentations on special projects and community/planning issues.
• Community Development Manager interprets the department’s codes, regulations, plans, policies and functions for elected and appointed boards, citizens, the business community and the public.
• Coordinates and manages the City’s contract with the County Building Department.
• Assembles the necessary City and external consulting and volunteer resources to resolve a broad range of issues in current planning, advance planning, special local/regional planning projects, capital improvement projects and code enforcement programs.
• Oversees the preparation of new City ordinances and the amendment of existing ordinances, the municipal code and the Community Plan; ensures conformance to City plans and regulations through code enforcement strategies; provides for appropriate protection of the City of Pacific’s natural resources and the preservation of the community’s unique character.
• Manages multiple capital improvement projects; coordinates CIP project activities with other City departments, retained engineers, and outside agencies and utilities.
• Monitors national and state-wide developments in planning, economic and community development matters; evaluates their impact on City programs and operations; implements departmental process improvement where warranted; represents the City in regional conferences and other forums.
• Work with staff and the City Engineer to ensure an accurate, timely, efficient and transparent process for the entire grant life cycle, from proposal to close. This entails pre-award management, tracking payments, reviewing or producing relevant reports, monitoring and post-award management.
• Review and approve grant award packets prior to notification of the award.
• Serve as the resident expert on grant compliance and interpretation of OMB Circulars and all applicable regulations, policies and procedures. Interpret applicable regulations and translate into operational policies as required.
• Provide on-going training to program and finance staff as it relates to grant administration and organizational policies.
• Plans and develops Park projects and future growth.
• Extensive working knowledge and experience with the Washington State Growth Management Act, Local Project Review Act, Shoreline Management Act and State Environmental Policy Act, including the preparation and adoption of periodic updates and minor amendments
• Enforce development codes by working collaboratively with the City’s Code Enforcement Officer
• Flood Plain Administrator
• Skilled in both virtual and in-person meeting facilitation
• Oversee departmental consultants
• Attend City Council Planning Commission and Park Board meetings

Desired Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

Theory, principles, practices and techniques of community development planning, building inspection, code enforcement, economic development, grant management and related community development services; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing the administration of planning and community development; SEPA and NEPA regulations of community housing; principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing and the maintenance of public records; organization and functions of an elected City
Council and appointed boards and commissions; the Brown Act and other laws and regulations governing the conduct of public meetings; the City’s personnel rules and policies, principles and practices of management and supervision.

Ability to:

Plan, direct and integrate broad, comprehensive planning and community development programs and services; analyze complex planning and community development issues and problems, evaluate alternative solutions and develop sound conclusions, recommendations and courses of action; present proposals and recommendations clearly and logically in public meetings; understand, interpret, explain and apply local, state and federal law and regulations governing land
use planning and community development; evaluate management practices and adopt effective courses of action; develop clear, concise and comprehensive technical reports, correspondence and other written materials; exercise sound, expert independent judgment within general policy guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Council, Planning Commission, DRB, other commissions and boards, officials, staff, private and community organizations, developers and others encountered in the course of the work.

Training and Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in public or business administration, city or community development, regional planning, law, or a closely related field; and at least five years of progressively responsible management and administrative experience in municipal planning and community development, at least two of which were at a managerial level; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses, Certificates; Special Requirements: A valid Washington driver’s license.

Physical and Mental Demands:

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to
adjust focus.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with officials and the public.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works under typical office conditions; the noise level is usually quiet.

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Salary: $99,918.00 – $142,740.00 Annually
Location: Sequim, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Dept. of Community Development
Job Number: 22-00001
Closing: Continuous
Status: Open Until Filled
First Review: February 25, 2022

Learn more about this position on City of Sequim’s Government Jobs page and apply today.

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Job Summary:

The Director of Community & Economic Development manages, directs, and supervises the activities of the Department. This position supervises the areas of growth planning, development services, building services and code compliance. The Director serves as technical adviser to the City Council and Planning Commission, performs policy-level and technical services, and facilitates public involvement in a broad range of community development activities. As Economic Development Director, this person will work closely with other community entities with missions to build economic development in and around Sequim. 

This is a highly responsible position involving the administration of all long-range and current planning activities for the City. The DCD Director is responsible for ensuring the City’s compliance with all pertinent federal and state legislation including the State Growth Management Act and State Environmental Policy Act and for updating and implementing plans and land use regulations as necessary. The individual serving in this position will work closely with the Comprehensive Plan, Sequim Municipal Code, Shoreline Master Program, and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and has frequent contact with the general public and the development community.

Essential Duties and Responibilities:

This position exercises independent judgment in recommending departmental procedures, plans and goals in accordance with professional standards, municipal ordinances and City policy, which may be presented to the Mayor and City Council for review as requested by the City Manager.

1. Serves as staff adviser to and attends meetings of the Planning Commission, City Council, civic groups and other related committees and public agencies on matters related to the community’s physical, social, and economic growth and development.
2. Represents the Planning Commission before the City Council.
3. Selects, trains and supervises department personnel, facilitating performance evaluations and holding staff accountable to designated duties.
4. Directs and performs research and analysis to prepare technical planning reports; makes recommendations and assists in development and presentation of new municipal planning policies, ordinances and revisions to existing ordinances.
5. Confers with and advises property owners, developers, surveyors, and consultants concerning planning and land use regulations, project reviews, permitting and related coding.
6. Directs the development of policies, projects, and work programs to include items such as the City’s Comprehensive Plan, local response to state and federal planning mandates, and the goals and policies of the City Council.
7. Participates with regional and state planning agencies in developing regional policies affecting Sequim’s community development priorities.
8. Oversees the continued development of mapping and data acquisition activities to ensure continuing progress
9. Prepares and monitors department operating budget.
10. Participates as a member of the City’s senior management team.
11. Promotes positive public relations regarding city-wide initiatives and issues.
12. Initiates improvements to departmental procedures, development codes, and techniques to gain community involvement in planning activities.
13. Responsible for the planning, design, implementation, and management of Economic Development programs and initiatives; business analysis; commercial and industrial real estate analysis; policy development; community planning and process facilitation; as well as budget development and oversight.
14. Assumes responsibilities of Building Official and Fire Marshal or otherwise delegates to staff.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures in the preparation of technical staff reports concerning a variety of advanced municipal planning, zoning, urban development and other related matters.
2. Knowledge of municipal government structure, operation and jurisdiction, and City department rules, regulations and policies.
3. Knowledge of trends in local government planning, zoning, code enforcement, and related matters.
4. Knowledge of department budget preparation and control.
5. Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and training, with the ability to plan, direct and supervise the operations of the Department; including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a working environment conducive to positive morale, individual style, personal discipline, quality, creativity and teamwork.
6. The ability to provide leadership, counsel, motivation and constructive performance reviews to department personnel at all levels, securing their respective commitments to the department’s goals.
7. The ability to direct the collection and analysis of economic, social, and physical data relative to the interpretation of planning issues, and prepare technical staff reports and make recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
8. The ability to exercise sound and ethical judgment in the decision-making processes required of the position.
9. The ability to work positively and effectively with elected officials, City staff, developers and other citizens on complex planning policy issues in order to meet compliance requirements relative to planning policies, procedures, codes and ordinances; and to effectively coordinate with regional, state and federal agencies on multi-jurisdictional issues.
10. Demonstrated skill in public speaking to deliver effective, clear and persuasive oral presentations related to growth and development policy matters.
11.  Strong writing skills to communicate effectively on high-level policy or technical matters affecting City interests.
12. The ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action, including skill in resolving conflicts and gaining cooperation among competing interest groups.
13. The ability to handle confidential information and material with the highest degree of professional responsibility and exercise appropriate judgment and initiative in carrying out operations within a general set of rules, regulations, and legal prescriptions.
14. The ability to work independently and with little direction and meet schedules and timelines.
15. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; and
16. Intermediate to advanced skill in computer applications pertaining to the municipal planning field.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, or a closely related field and five years of progressively responsible related experience as a professional planner with supervisory experience in a public agency is required.
• A Master’s Degree in the above field(s) and current certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are strongly desired.  
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Supplemental Information:

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting, as well as at events and meetings throughout the community.
• Some evening and/or weekend work for meetings, presentations, and out of town travel and overnight seminars/meetings may be required.
• The employee may be required to sit at a workstation for extended periods of time, frequently using a computer and/or the phone.
• This individual must have the ability to hear at a normal level; verbally communicate in person and by telephone; stand, walk, and drive as needed throughout day; and occasionally lift and carry parcels weighing up 25 pounds.

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Salary: $75,826.90-$85,393.41 Annually
Closing: Open Until Filled

Learn more about this position and apply today at City of Liberty Lake’s website.

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About the Position:

The City of Liberty Lake is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic employee to serve our City as a Senior Planner. The Senior Planner performs professional work in the fields of current planning, long-range planning, environmental analysis, and geographic information systems. The position requires specialized knowledge within the field of professional planning and requires in-depth knowledge in the specific areas of land use planning and long-range comprehensive planning. The position may supervise, provide direction, and/or review the work of professional and technical staff and consultants.

Responsibities & Duties:

Note: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Interpret information, answer questions, and provide information to property owners, investors, real estate developers, and other interested parties pertaining to zoning, subdivision code, environmental codes, land use applications and permitting processes, the comprehensive plan and other planning and development related information.
• Respond to telephone calls, process mail and e-mails, answer routine matters, and refer others to the appropriate person for response.
• Prepare research and reports for the Director of Planning & Engineering, City Commissions, and City Council.
• May provide staff support to Planning Commission.
• Reviews land use applications and site plans for compliance with local codes, standards, and policies, and state regulations, as applicable.
• Leads and coordinates assigned land use application through review and adoption stages, developing and presenting staff reports, and additional data analyses, as may be required.
• Coordinates the process for review and approval of land use matters, permits, variances, and other related procedures. Coordinates hearing examiner cases for permits by reviewing and routing application requests and informing interested parties about the public hearing and final actions.
• Prepares legal notices and site notices on pending actions.
• Writes and produces brief descriptions or summaries of proposals, issue or request; including facts, applicable requirements and analysis of proposal related to criteria, standards, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Conducts a wide variety of planning studies requiring data collection, analysis and preparation of clearly written reports and recommendations on land use issues.
• Coordinates SEPA documents with appropriate agencies and serves as the Department SEPA coordinator.
• Attends Planning Commission, City Council and other public meetings and open houses, and may make oral presentation of proposals facilitate discussions, prepare minutes and other meeting materials.
• Assists in preparing revisions to the Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan and other regulatory and policy documents, including collection of data.
• Attends city, federal, state, and local planning meetings relative to planning assignments to review and coordinate development and planning activities.
• Performs field inspections and other related duties as needed.
• Coordinate GIS system by compiling, assembling and analyzing ArcView GIS data. Maintain existing GIS databases and prepare GIS documents required to support current and long-range projects.
• Performs other duties as required by Director of Planning, Engineering & Building Services.

Required Expertise & Skills:

• Ability to apply and interpret development codes & standards, zoning regulations, building codes, and environmental policies and regulations.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret maps.
• Must be able to analyze and diagnose problems, as well as research and interpret code. Must be skilled in problem solving.
• A key value of the city is customer service. This position requires considerable knowledge, ability and skill in the principles and practices of excellent customer service as practiced in both the private and public sectors. It requires the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; the ability to handle stressful situations; the ability to greet and respond to customers in a friendly, pleasant and professional manner using appropriate inflection, grammar and syntax; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other agencies and the general public; the ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor in difficult and stressful situations; and the ability to diplomatically deal with difficult people. A willingness to expend extra effort to help the public find answers or information relative to their inquiry or complaint is expected.

Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of professional land use and/or long-range planning experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Community Development, or similar field. A Master’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Community Development or similar field may substitute for up to one (1) year of required experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

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Position Title: Assistant Planner
Department: Public Services
Location: Yelm City Hall
Salary Range: $58,032 – $70,015 (2021)

General Purpose:

Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work in the current and/or long-range planning programs of the city related to the implementation of land use and related municipal plans and policies.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of the Planning & Building Manager.

Supervision Exercised:

None.  May lead support staff, part-time or temporary employees or volunteers, as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responabilities:

• Assists in the development of short and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provides technical and professional advice; makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.  Provides information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, community group and interested persons.
• Reviews development and related land use permit applications for compliance with established plans, regulations, and development standards. Solicits input from appropriate staff, schedules hearings and actions, monitors through the approval process, enforces compliance with regulations; prepares reports and related data as required.
• Reviews business license applications for compliance with land use, sign and related regulations.
• Provides technical assistance for long range planning projects.
• Provides staff support to the Planning Commission as needed and assigned.  Prepares planning reports and supporting data, including recommendations on various land use proposals.
• Evaluates environmental information and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Assists city staff in the enforcement of local regulations and in interpreting city codes and master plans.
• Assists in designs for parks, streetscapes, landscapes and other municipal projects.  Updates a variety of maps.  Prepares graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications or meetings.
• Serves when assigned as a member of a planning task force composed of City, County or State groups.
• Assists in maintaining databases of information for planning purposes.
• Responds to local citizens inquiring about local planning and land use regulations and policies.

Peripheral Duties:

• Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned.
• Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
• Assists other staff members as needed.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land-use planning, urban planning, public administration or a closely related field.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to accomplish the duties of the position.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of land use laws and comprehensive planning including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement; extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications
• Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public; ability to establish effective working relationships.

Special Requirements:

Valid Washington State driver’s license, or ability to obtain one.

Physical Demands:

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.

Work is performed mostly in office settings.  Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand or sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.  The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.

Application Procedure:

Please submit the application, letter of interest, resume and proof of certifications to Karen Bennett at karenb@yelmwa.gov.

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