Salary: $77,701.00 – $101,692.00 Annually
Location: Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 2023-14174
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Division: Local Government and Infrastructure Division
Opening Date: 11/27/2023
Closing Date: 12/11/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Learn more about this position and apply today at Washington State Department of Commerce’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

In this role, you would lead a team of planners who provide technical and financial assistance to cities and counties in Western Washington. The Growth Management Program is responsible for assisting local governments with the implementation of Washington’s landmark Growth Management Act. This team is responsible for building strong relationships with cities counties, tribes, state agency partners and stakeholders in western Washington. The team is working directly to help local governments meet challenges such as meeting our growing housing needs and addressing the challenges of climate change.

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) collaborates with local governments, non-profit organizations, and various partners to enhance the capacity of all types of local government and community-based organizations in funding and developing essential services for their residents. The division takes a leading role in matters of local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives, contributing to job creation and retention. Additionally, we offer grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to support local governments in addressing community development needs, enhancing infrastructure, and exploring economic development opportunities.

Position Objective:

This role involves overseeing the provision of technical assistance to Washington’s local governments for implementing the Growth Management Act (GMA). The position is responsible for supervising direct assistance to local governments in Western Washington. It also includes the development of policies and recommendations with statewide relevance through administrative rules and technical assistance documents. Furthermore, this position is an integral part of the unit leadership team.

This position reports directly to the Managing Director for Growth Management Services, overseeing six Commerce Specialist 3 positions and managing the Western Washington regional team of the unit. The role is well-versed in all aspects of the program and maintains internal and external relationships that enable independent decision-making on a day-to-day basis.

Duties:

  • The policy decisions made by this position have a substantial impact on all cities and counties across the state as they undertake the adoption and execution of their comprehensive plans and development regulations, in addition to influencing the functions of other state agencies related to growth management.
  • Through the establishment of administrative rules, the creation of written guidance materials, and the provision of daily consultations as part of direct assistance, this position offers cities and counties expert advice on the legal, economic, environmental, and social consequences of their local planning and policy choices.
  • Serving as a supervisor, manager of the unit’s Western regional team, and a member of the unit leadership team, this role is responsible for ensuring the correct implementation of agency policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for formulating policy guidance and strategies aimed at implementing the Growth Management Act (GMA) and associated planning statutes, as well as promoting best practices for land use and development patterns.
  • Interprets statutes, decisions rendered by the Growth Management Hearings Boards and courts, and provides this policy advice to local government staff, appointed and elected officials, and the general public.
  • Focuses on key issues, including compact urban growth, rural land usage, the placement of industrial and commercial zones, affordable housing, transportation solutions, siting of essential public facilities (airports, group homes, prisons, schools), open spaces, green belts, and environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., floodplains, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitats, geologically sensitive regions, and areas affecting aquifer quality).
  • Also addresses concerns related to forest, agriculture, and mineral resources, along with capital facilities planning aimed at accommodating long-term transportation, water, sewer, storm water, school, park, and other facility needs to meet public health, safety, and welfare requirements.
  • Involves regulatory reform efforts that strive to balance environmental, economic, and social needs while integrating environmental and growth management laws.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning (Professional level experience in urban and/or regional planning may substitute year for year for degree.) A master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.

AND

Five years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning.

AND

Two years of supervisory experience successfully supervising, mentoring and coaching professional staff which includes hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action. (Supervisory experience may have been gained concurrently).

Knowledge of the Washington State Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Act, Regulatory Reform Act, Planning Enabling Act and other related laws; local land use planning practice; local and state governance; capital improvement planning, financing and project management; sustainable development principles; conflict resolution techniques; management principles and practices; state and federal grants administration; state legislative processes; information systems management; and state budgeting processes. Planners with experience outside the state of Washington may still qualify.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

  • A complete and detailed online application
  • A Cover letter (enter online)
  • At least three (3) professional references (enter online)

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Elly Price at Elly.Price@Commerce.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information:

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
 
 Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.