Department: Community Department
Salary: $7,977 – $9,025
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
First Review: January 24, 2023

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

Job Description:

This is a working manager position that is responsible for the daily operation and supervision of the Planning Division. The Planning Manager performs professional formulation, coordination, and
implementation of long range, current, and special planning activities; provides staff support to boards
and commissions, City Council, other departments/divisions, and the general public; oversees the permit
review process and implements quality controls for the Planning Division; and assists in the
administrative duties for the Division.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

All of the following are to be performed while adhering to City of Ellensburg operational policies, safety
rules, and procedures. This position requires regular and consistent attendance to accomplish the
following essential functions:

Administrative:

  • Assist the Community Development Director in administrative duties for the Planning Division; may serve as Director in his/her absence
  • Assist Director in providing and/or delegating staff support for the following City Commissions: Planning, Landmarks & Design, Affordable Housing, and Environmental
  • Work closely with other department managers and staff in adhering to planning and permitting code requirements and responding to customer inquiries and concerns
  • Assist with the preparation of the budget for the Planning Division

Supervisory:

  • Directly supervises the Planners and the Planning Technician; additional supervisory responsibilities may be added
  • Participate in the interview process; make hiring recommendations; onboard and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; provide coaching and regular feedback, prepare/deliver performance evaluations; provide commendations and recommend/deliver discipline when necessary
  • Address complaints and resolve problems
  • Ensure cross-departmental cooperation for excellent internal and external customer service
  • Supervisory responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the organization’s policies, union contracts, and applicable laws

Current Planning:

  • Perform project management oversight for the review of major land use applications and development plans and ensure compliance with City codes and plans, and state and federal regulations; develop recommendations for development permit applications
  • Perform project management oversight of land use review and processing of various land development and zoning applications including, but not limited to pre-applications, short plats, long plats, boundary line adjustments, site development permits, design review, conditional uses, variances, rezones, and master site plans, etc.
  • Perform project management oversight of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), critical areas, and floodplain review and processing
  • Administer and interpret local ordinances and the City’s land use development codes
  • Make recommendations to Planning Commission, Affordable Housing, other commissions, and City Council regarding planning-related matters
  • Process annexation requests and related tasks
  • Respond to inquiries from applicants and members of the public on a variety of development related topics and projects

Long-Range Planning:

  • Perform lead role and/or project management for development of Comprehensive Plan amendments, including annual docket updates and periodic review, in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA)
  • Coordinate with Director and planning staff to ensure continuous monitoring of issues such as land use and development activity, vacant land and development capacity, and assessing the City’s progress in pursuing the goals of the Comprehensive Plan
  • Provide oversight in regular review of Land Development Code to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and other identified needs; perform lead role and/or project management for the preparation, review, and adoption of planning-related ordinances and amendments
  • Assist in oversight of the City’s affordable housing program, including support of Affordable Housing Commission, and preparing research, analysis, documentation, and monitoring as necessary to support program implementation
  • Assist in development and implementation of growth management, land use, affordable housing, economic development, or other plans and codes to meet the City’s needs, including any inter-governmental agreements and requirements
  • Attend public meetings; prepare and present staff analysis special studies and reports, and provide technical and professional advice to management staff, boards and commissions, and the City Council on planning policy and related issues
  • Coordinate and build relationships with other City department staff; and lead interdepartmental teams as necessary to achieve intended work program outcomes. Coordinate and build relationships with other agencies and the public
  • Prepare and write grant applications relating to planning

Other Duties May Be Assigned:

This is a representative sample–not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university in Planning, Geography, or a field related to the essential duties and responsibilities of this position
  • Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience
  • One (1) year in a lead role for a long-range planning project
  • One (1) year in a supervisory role
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Language Skills:

  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
  • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
  • Ability to present information to City management, public groups, and/or boards and commissions in a clear, concise manner appropriate to the audience

Mathematical Skills:

  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
  • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures and ability to supervise and lead others.
  • Thorough knowledge of Washington State land use and zoning laws, including GMA, SEPA, critical area, and comprehensive plans, including formation, process of adoption, interpretation, processing, and enforcement; extensive knowledge of modern urban planning principles and practices; understanding of land use concepts and impact of sociological, demographic, economic, environmental, and other factors influencing land use and development.
  • Knowledge of project management principles and methods; good working knowledge of legal requirements related to regional planning.
  • Experience with GIS software, drafting and designing; skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.
  • Ability to assume independent responsibility for the review and processing of major current and long-range planning projects; systematically gather, organize, and analyze data; review and process a variety of land development applications; write reports clearly and convey technical information to lay persons; to plan work, think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions.
  • Ability to demonstrate well developed, clear, and concise communications (verbal and written), and interpersonal relation skills leading to collaborative and successful programs and policies. Must be able to establish and maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships.

Special Requirements:

  • Valid State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one; must maintain an insurable driving record.

Tools & Equipment Used:

  • Personal computer, tablets, smartphones, and other modern technology
  • Microsoft Office 365 and other required programs/apps including permit tracking software, GIS
  • Motor vehicle
  • Calculator
  • Phone
  • Copy and fax machine

Preferred Qualifications:

  • ARCVIEW GIS experience
  • Bilingual English/Spanish
  • AICP Certification

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be in a stationary position
when performing office work and position self at different levels to access office equipment and
supplies. On occasion the employee may be required to work outside and move about on uneven
terrain and under adverse weather conditions. The employee is frequently required to communicate
accurate information with members of the public, co-workers, and other agencies. The employee is
frequently required to use aforementioned tools and equipment.

The employee must occasionally move and/or transport up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities
required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

All safety policies and procedures must be followed, including the use of PPE when necessary.

Work Environmemt:

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 will work with public and employees, some of
whom may be irate, upset, or disturbed. Frequent extension of workday to meet deadlines.

Employee may occasionally work in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and wind.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and
requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

  • Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security
  • Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance
  • VEBA
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Exempt Leave
  • Employee Choice Days

Filing of an Application:

A COMPLETED ORIGINAL CITY OF ELLENSBURG APPLICATION FORM IS REQUIRED. A RESUME SUBMITTED IN LIEU OF THE COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. Application forms may be filed online at www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us, or paper applications may be obtained from the 1
st floor foyer or the Human Resources Department, located at 501 North Anderson Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926. All applications will be reviewed and those applicants who most satisfactorily meet the requirements will be tested and/or interviewed. Reference checks will be made prior to an offer of employment. Appointment will be made as soon thereafter as possible.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986, ALL NEW EMPLOYEES WILL BE ADVISED OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS TO VERIFY IDENTITY AND WORK AUTHORIZATION, WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS OF DATE OF HIRE. THIS IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY OF ELLENSBURG.

The City of Ellensburg is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or any other non-merit factor. We will provide reasonable accommodation to disabled applicants, if requested and the Human Resources Department is notified at least two (2) days prior to the need.