Salary: $4,188.00 – $5,494.00 Monthly
Location: Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Department: Dept. of Commerce
Job Number: 2022-08895
Closing: 7/19/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

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

Job Description:

At the Department of Commerce, we are creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provide grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.

The Growth Management Services (GMS) unit provides financial and technical assistance to local governments as the plan under the Growth Management Act (GMA). Staff include a Western and Easter Washington technical assistance teams, as well as specific teams related to housing and climate change.  The seven-person housing team is looking for someone to help provide assistance and manage contracts related to housing including the infrastructure program to connect to affordable housing, housing action plans, middle housing grants, and transit-oriented development grants.  The team also has contracts related to projecting housing needs, racially disparate impacts in housing, accessory dwelling units, and the multifamily tax exemption program.

This Commerce Specialist 2 will provide assistance to team members, and to cities and counties on growth management planning and housing. This position uses expertise in the principles, practices and techniques of land use and environmental laws and rules including the Growth Management Act (GMA) and the State Environmental Policy Act. This position will also analyze proposed legislation related to GMA implementation, update and grants.

This posting may be used to fill other vacant positions within 60 days once position is filled.

Duties:

Managing Grants, Loans and Contracts

  • Assist in developing, negotiating and monitoring financial packages for local governments, including scope of work and budget for GMS Housing grants.
  • Track and monitor the administration and implementation of GMS housing grants. Follow up to monitor progress related to housing grant implementation and provide additional technical assistance as needed.
  • Review deliverables to ensure work is commensurate with funds and when deliverables are submitted, that they are adequate.
  • Enter contracts and pay invoices within our Contract Management System (CMS).
  • Identify and post examples on the EZ web site for housing. https://www.ezview.wa.gov/site/alias__1976/37657/housing_action_plans.aspx 

Provide assistance to jurisdictions in Washington state with emphasis in housing development and affordability

  • Review and comment on proposed comprehensive plan and development regulation updates as they relate to housing affordability, housing density along high transit corridors and housing for all economic segments.
  • Conduct research, technical assistance and stakeholder outreach using available data from a variety of sources including regional councils, local governments and the Municipal Research Services Center (MRSC).
  • Update GMS housing web page.  https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/growth-management/growth-management-topics/planning-for-housing/

Other Duties:

  • Assist in preparation of legislative information for hearings.
  • Review assigned legislative bills

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree and college-level course work in land use planning or equivalent education/experience.

AND

  • Two years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development with a focus in policy research.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with Growth Management Act, state and federal grants and contracts.

Supplemental Information:

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

Work From Anywhere:

This position may be located anywhere within Washington state though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule. However, it is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing. You will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to a duty station for work activities, if needed.

Important Notice:

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14(Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your first day of employment.  Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment.  Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly at jimmie.wimberly@commerce.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation. 

Additional Information:

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.