Blog

22 Aug
0

Housing Planner (COM 3) (WA State Department of Commerce)

At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.

The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, public entities, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of local governments and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides access to state and federal resources through grants and loans to plan, develop and build needed infrastructure and capital facility projects across the state. Efforts are made to make financial resources more accessible to applicants and recipients, and to prioritize the most critical projects and needs; LGD resources create jobs and grow business by initiating new opportunities for economic development. The division also supports communities with research and project management expertise, including technical assistance on a variety of
subjects including, but not limited to, capital project development, infrastructure project funding strategies, local studies, and implementation of the growth management act (GMA). LGD is responsible for helping Washington grow sustainably by supporting local governments with planning and implementation of the GMA, encouraging smart growth
and protecting our communities. LGD strives to develop strong partnerships, vibrant communities, and sustainable infrastructure.

The Growth Management Services program (GMS) leads the implementation of the Growth Management Act (GMA).  The program provides technical and financial assistance to local governments to assist in the implementation of the GMA. The program also serves as the central coordinator of state agency implementation of the GMA.

Position Objective: This position provides technical assistance to jurisdictions within Washington state to implement housing laws and grants. This position will work with other members of the housing team to manage housing contracts, train growth management staff to address housing, provide comments on comprehensive plan and regulatory changes related to housing for the periodic update, and work with consultants to develop support materials for local government as they conduct housing work.

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20 Aug
0

Shoreland, Wetland, Aquatic Resource Specialist Environmental Specialist 4, Two Positions (Spokane County)

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill two Shoreland, Wetland, Aquatic Resource Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) positions. These positions will be located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

As a Wetlands/Shorelands Permit Specialist, you will serve as a senior section environmental specialist with responsibility for implementation of the Shoreline Management Act (SMA of 1971 (Chapter 90.58 RCW)) and its rules and state adopted Shoreline Master Programs. Your responsibilities will include negotiating technical and legal details on major shoreline and wetland proposals with local, state, and federal entities on project actions that may have inter-related environmental impacts. You will also serve as a senior environmental specialist on matters pertaining to wetlands, federal and state wetland guidance, and anti-degradation policies contained within (Chapter RCW 90.48) and coordinate the state level permitting response to federal permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, issuing permits under Section 401 of the Act.


 Agency Mission: The mission of the Department of Ecology is to protect, preserve and enhance Washington’s environment for current and future generations.

 
Program Mission: The mission of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program is to create community conservation partnerships to protect and restore our shorelands, wetlands, and floodplains.
Tele-work options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to a 90% tele-work schedule. Applicants with questions about position location options, tele-work, and flexible or compressed schedules are encouraged to reach out to the contact person listed below in “other information.” Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

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20 Aug
0

Shoreland, Wetland, Aquatic Resource Specialist Environmental Specialist 4, In-Training (Spokane County)

The Shorelands & Environmental Assistance (SEA) program within the Department of Ecology is looking to fill a Shoreland, Wetland, Aquatic Resource Specialist (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) position. This position will be located in our Eastern Regional Office (ERO) in Spokane, WA. Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

As a Wetlands/Shorelands Permit Specialist, you will serve as a senior section environmental specialist with responsibility for implementation of the Shoreline Management Act (SMA of 1971 (Chapter 90.58 RCW)) and its rules and state adopted Shoreline Master Programs. Your responsibilities will include negotiating technical and legal details on major shoreline and wetland proposals with local, state, and federal entities on project actions that may have inter-related environmental impacts. You will also serve as a senior environmental specialist on matters pertaining to wetlands, federal and state wetland guidance, and anti-degradation policies contained within (Chapter RCW 90.48) and coordinate the state level permitting response to federal permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, issuing permits under Section 401 of the Act.


 Note: This position offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress through the Environmental Specialist field and achieve the goal class of an Environmental Specialist 4. Candidates will be considered at the Environmental Specialist 3 and Environmental Specialist 4 levels, depending on their qualifications. For salary levels for each, please see the qualifications section. 

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20 Aug
0

Division Manager, Planning & Development (City of Tacoma)

**This position is open until filled. Applications received by September 3, 2024, will receive first consideration. **


The City of Tacoma has an opportunity for a proven professional with great communication and leadership skills to manage the Land Use Division of the Planning and Development Services Department.

The Planning and Development Services Department partners with the community to build a livable, sustainable and safe City by providing strategic, timely, predictable, cost effective planning and development services with a culture focused on community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.

As a key member of the Planning and Development Services Department, the successful candidate will help guide community growth and development in a manner that protects environmental resources, enhances quality of life, promotes distinctive neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown, and involves citizens in the decisions that affect them.

Under the direction of the Planning and Development Services Director, the Land Use Division Manager provides leadership and direction to approximately 14 full-time employees. This division is responsible for the current planning function of our permitting system, including platting, boundary line adjustments, conditional use permits, critical area permitting, and other discretionary permitting services. This position is responsible for the execution of a biennial operating budget of $3.6 million dollars.

This division is comprised of land use, environmental, and plan review professionals who work with internal and external customers to implement the City’s policies and regulations through both discretionary and ministerial permitting.

We are a customer focused organization who works closely with development professionals to implement strategies that guide growth and development to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

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12 Aug
0

Associate Planner – Natural Resources and Grants (City of Port Angeles)

Job Details

Category: Community & Economic Development

Salary Range: Position is represented by AFSCME Local 1619. $75,863.84 – $90,602.72 ($36.473 – $43.559 per hour)

Benefits include: Deferred Compensation plan matching Paid holidays and accrued vacation, sick leave, and floating holidays Medical insurance with employer contribution to Health Savings Account Dental & Vision insurance Employee Assistance Program Life insurance – employer-paid premiums for $50,000 plan Long term disability Wellness Program Washington State Retirement System (PERS)

Closing: August 28, 2024 5:00 PM

The candidate will focus on natural resource management and policies, ecological reviews and policies, evaluating wetland delineations, wetland and stream reports, geotechnical reports, other critical area reports, site plans, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions. Emphasis will be placed on the review of consultant reports, rating forms, impact analysis, compensatory mitigation proposals, and site plans. This position will serve as the reviewer and advisor of all Archeological Reports, providing a recommendation to the Community and Economic Development (CED) Manager on the pathway for any archeological reviews, findings, or consultations with Tribes, the Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation (DAHP), and other relevant agencies. This position works directly with the public, staff from various departments, State and Tribal natural resource regulatory agencies, local governments, and advisory committees. This position works to administer and review development permits in compliance with the City of Port Angeles Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Management Plan. This position will also lead any environmental, natural resource, shoreline, and critical area policy, code creation, updates, or changes.  Under the general direction of the planning supervisor, performs environmental professional planning work, including current and long-range work related to environmentally sensitive areas, critical areas, shorelines, natural resources land use, and environmental reviews, and provides staff assistance at public hearings and meetings. 

This candidate will serve as the lead grant administrator for CED. The primary job functions will include seeking, applying, managing applications, interacting with the council for grant-related actions, and working interdepartmentally to create a solid application for grants. The grant administrator will manage all grants once approved, tracking, funding, finding matches when required, and creating/completing deliverables to receive funding.

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30 Jul
0

Senior Planner (City of Tacoma)

*** SPECIAL NOTE***  

**This is a project position expected to end December 31, 2026, unless extended. ** 

Applications received by August 8, 2024, will receive first consideration

Are you a highly motivated person who is passionate about working with diverse community members to solve complex problems and building great communities? The City of Tacoma’s Planning & Development Services Department is looking for an experienced planner to join our team as a Senior Planner. This is the second level in the Planner Series, within the Current Planning section of the Department.

Position Profile:The Senior Planner serves as a key member of the land use permitting team and works on a variety of complex permitting projects.

Senior Planners independently perform and lead professional level planning and assist in the formulation of departmental goals and objectives, interpret code and prepare reports and recommendations, and may supervise or lead professional or other staff members. Responsibilities include resolving complex planning and permitting issues that have broad potential impact and may involve competing interests, multiple clients, conflicting rules or practices, a range of possible solutions, or other elements that contribute to complexity.

This Planner will be a member of the City’s current planning team and will be involved in day-to-day implementation of the City’s land use and other development codes. The work includes general customer service, inter-departmental service, and in-depth management of land use and development permits. 

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29 Jul
0

Senior Planner (City of Richland)

GENERAL SUMMARY
 
Performs intermediate skilled technical work interpreting, monitoring, and administering local, State, and Federal regulations pertaining to planning, environmental and land-use related issues, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Planning Manager (supervisor).

Click here to view the complete job description to include essential functions and working conditions.
 
CORE VALUES

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Richland’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City. The values of TeamworkIntegrity, and Excellence promote and maintain a high level of morale and productivity, and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across all functions.
Applications will be reviewed weekly.

Minimum Qualifications

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid driver’s license.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree with coursework in urban or regional planning, public administration, or related field and three (3) years of experience in current or long-range planning, design work, project management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information

Selection will be based on overall qualifications and panel interview process. Final candidate selected will be subject to a comprehensive background/reference check commensurate to the position. 

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29 Jul
0

Community Development Director (City of Chelan)

The City of Chelan is looking for an energetic and talented individual for its next Community Development Director. Located three hours east of Seattle, Chelan is a resort community of 4,470 situated at the southern end of 50-mile-long Lake Chelan—arguably the most popular freshwater lake in Washington. Chelan is known for its small-town charm, tight-knit community, stunning lakeside setting, thriving wine industry, and for four-season outdoor recreation amid the natural beauty of Chelan County. 

THE CITY OF CHELAN 

The City of Chelan operates under the Mayor-Council form of government, serving a population of 4,470 across 7 square miles with a 2024 budget of $25.1 million and a team of 67 FTEs. The City is in excellent financial position based on a strong and growing economy stimulated by tourism, agriculture, development and very positive retail/commercial activity. 

THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 

Reporting to the City Administrator, the Community Development Director is fully responsible for leading and managing the Planning and Building Department. This includes overseeing a range of services and activities such as short-term and long-term planning, building inspections, adherence to codes, examining plans, processing permits, and engaging with the community. The Department operates with a 2024 budget of $1.2 million and a team of 9 FTEs including the Director, Building Official, Assistant / Associate Planner, Community Development Officer, Building Inspector/Plan Reviewer, Permit Coordinator, and Permit Technician. 

WHY APPLY 

The Director serves as a key member of the City’s senior leadership team and advisor to the Mayor and City Administrator on all matters related to short and long-range planning, development, and code compliance. This is a phenomenal career opportunity for an individual ready to serve in this key leadership role. 

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29 Jul
0

Assistant Planner/Associate Planner (City of Sequim)

Join the dynamic Community Development team at the City of Sequim, where your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of our vibrant community. We are seeking a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for community-driven urban development.  We are recruiting for an Assistant Planner or an Associate Planner, depending on final candidate qualification level.

Under general direction, this position is responsible for providing a variety of professional planning functions related to both long range and current planning.  The Assistant Planner/Associate Planner must be oriented toward community service, be sensitive to the public process and able to uphold the professional ethics inherent to the field of planning. This position, with staff assistance, works with various advisory committees including the Planning Commission, community organizations and other civic groups, and makes presentations to the City Council periodically. The Assistant Planner/Associate Planner is expected to be present during normal business hours, and some evening or weekend work may be required for meetings, presentations, community events and other opportunities to engage citizens in planning activities.

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23 Jul
0

Senior Planner (City of Richland)

General Summary

TARGET HIRING RANGE $6,916 TO $8,299 MONTHLY (DOQ) 

GENERAL SUMMARY
 
Performs intermediate skilled technical work interpreting, monitoring, and administering local, State, and Federal regulations pertaining to planning, environmental and land-use related issues, and related work as apparent or assigned.  Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Planning Manager (supervisor).

Click here to view the complete job description to include essential functions and working conditions.
 
CORE VALUES

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Richland’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City. The values of TeamworkIntegrity, and Excellence promote and maintain a high level of morale and productivity, and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across all functions.


First review of applications will begin on August 12th.

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