Salary: $5,936.00 – $6,055.00 Monthly
Location: Kennewick, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Planning
Job Number: 2022-00082
Closing: Continuous

Learn more about this position and apply today at Benton County’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

The Principal Planner participates in advanced level professional planning and supervisory work, coordinates the planning and implementation of assigned land use control programs; administers local, state, and federal land use ordinances, processes land use applications for zoning changes and permits, and performs duties of current and long-range planning. This is an advanced lead level planning position at Benton County.

Duties:

  • Assists the Planning Manager with day-to-day administration of planning activities; participates in hiring new planning staff.
  • Manages, prepares, and evaluates complex planning projects.
  • Coordinates with planners and technical staff on work assignments, procedures, and studies.
  • Provides direction and support to other County departments, the development community, and the public regarding development requirements and land use projects.
  • Represents the County at various meetings and presents projects to the Hearings Examiner, Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners as needed.
  • Reviews, develops, and updates the County Comprehensive Plan and County Codes to ensure updates meet County goals and follow state and federal regulations.
  • Interprets land use ordinances and recommends appropriate applications and actions to resolve problems and proposals.
  • Performs site review and field investigations to analyze applications, proposals, or complaints and takes photos for presentations.
  • Coordinates and promotes department’s work with other County divisions, local, regional, and state planning agencies, and organizations by providing technical assistance, knowledge of projects and procedures, communicating goals and objectives, and working to resolve issues.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field and five years planning experience

OR

  • Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements:

  • Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques used in urban and regional land use planning.
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to land use planning.
  • Knowledge of geography, demographic, and development pattern of Benton County and its surroundings.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
  • Ability to conduct oneself in a manner that is ethical, trustworthy, and professional; demonstrates transparency with honest, responsive communication; behaves in a manner that supports the needs of the County, the citizens and co-workers; and conducts oneself in manner that supports the vision and goals of the County taking pride in being engaged in the community.
  • Ability to research, analyze, and interpret data collected in the field and changes in planning related law.
  • Ability to read and interpret maps, photographs, and legal descriptions.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing at all levels of government and in front of large groups.
  • Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, materials, and maps.
  • Ability to exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills to explain policies and procedures and to work with other employees, department heads and agencies using courtesy, tact and good judgement.