Salary: $94,856.90 – $126,677.97 Annually
Location: Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Administration
Job Number: 2022-0010

Learn more about this position and apply today at the City of Shelton’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

The City of Shelton is located just 25 minutes northwest of Olympia on the shores of Oakland Bay.  As the Mason County seat Shelton is a full-service city providing a wide range of municipal services for a growing community of more than 10,000 residents. The community is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Shelton is a gateway to the spectacular Olympic Peninsula where residents and visitors alike enjoy the numerous outdoor sports and recreational opportunities. Shelton is proud of its unique character and small-town feel.  Be a part of a dynamic, collaborative and team-oriented culture of committed professionals with a passion for public service who are deeply aligned with our city’s values and mission. 

The Community and Economic Development Director position is responsible for the planning and economic development activities in the city.  Areas of responsibility include administration of the City’s long range and current planning functions, updating and implementing the City’s comprehensive plan and long-range projects, zoning and development review activities, economic development, and zoning.  Shelton has a bright future and great opportunities for the next Community & Economic Development Director to shape our future growth with projects such as a community-wide multi-modal trail system and a full review of the current development code. 

The City of Shelton offers a full benefit package to include Medical/Dental/Vision, LTD, Life Insurance, Vacation, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Washington PERS retirement, EAP, Optional 457 Deferred Compensation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assume full management responsibility to plan, direct and supervise all Community and Economic Development departmental services, personnel and activities.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of Community and Economic Development departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each service area in alignment with the City’s vision and goals.
  • With professional integrity, establish and maintain appropriate and effective communication and work relationships with the City Manager, City Council, other City departments, as well as the general public, local, state and federal agencies.
  • Establish, within city policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures allocating resources accordingly.
  • Initiates, develops and directs efforts in the following areas:  periodic comprehensive plan updates, ordinance and resolution preparation, preparation of program and project plans.
  • Supervises the day-to-day zoning, subdivision, environmental and all other land use permit activities.
  • Develops and/or reviews departmental reports and presentations.
  • Responsible for short and long-range decisions in comprehensive and current land use planning and code administration. Coordinates and responsible for master plans, capital improvement plans, and other planning documents.
  • Demonstrate efficient fiscal responsibility and cost consciousness while coordinating and participating in the development and administration of the Community and Economic Development Department budget assuring authorized budgetary procedures are followed.  Forecast funds required for operations, staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
  • Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, Community and Economic Development work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures, meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
  • Keep abreast of current Community and Economic Development at the county, state and national level, new administrative techniques, and current related issues through continued education and professional organization.
  • Participate in labor negotiations, contract administration, grievance processes, and other labor relations issues as necessary.
  • Negotiate and administer professional service contracts and agreements.  Research, write and secure grants and loans when opportunities arise.
  • Select, train, motivate and evaluate departmental personnel; provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement mentoring and disciplinary policy and procedure as necessary.
  • Maintain and enforce City and departmental rules and regulations.  Ensure quality control over departmental activities and written work products. Recommend and administer policy and procedure.

The duties listed above 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 position.

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • The ideal candidate is an outstanding leader with excellent management skills and a demonstrated track record of achievement.
  • Knowledge of urban planning and economic development principles is necessary.
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning or closely related field is required.  
  • Five (5) years of progressive professional level practice in Planning or municipal management with at least two (2) years as a Senior Planner, Manager or Director is desired.
  • Knowledge of the State planning statutes, including SEPA, subdivisions, and development of comprehensive plan and development regulations is required.

Please attach a cover letter and resume.

Work Environment:

The work environment conditions 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. Work is typically performed in an office environment.