Salary: $72,078.00 – $102,969.00 Annually
Location: Sequim, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Dept. of Community Development
Job Number: 23-00005
Closing: Continuous – Open Until Filled
First Review: March 22, 2023
Learn more about this position at City of Sequim’s Government Jobs page.
Job Summary:
In the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Peninsula, Sequim’s unique location offers spectacular coastal and mountain scenery and activities for people of all ages and interests. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Sequim is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking in local parks, wandering fragrant lavender fields, beachcombing on the coast, or biking the Olympic Discovery Trail. Even on rainy days, visitors and locals alike enjoy the vibrant local arts and food scene, which includes live theater & music, galleries, farm-fresh produce, Dungeness crab, hand-crafted coffee roasters and innovative restaurants. Sequim is the ideal springboard to explore the breathtaking Olympic National Park and nearby Victoria, Canada. For a day or a lifetime, there are endless opportunities for discovery in Sequim.
Position Information:
Under general supervision of the Community Development Director, performs a variety of professional and complex administrative, technical and supervisory duties for current and/or long-range planning projects of the City, which require analysis of complex issues, program administration and coordination with internal and external departments and agencies, working with the general public and providing responsible staff support. Supports the development review process, code compliance, comprehensive planning, code development and amendments, mandated state deadlines, and reporting.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides supervision of planning division including resolution of personnel issues in coordination with the Director, assigns work to staff, ensures appropriate training is provided, and consults the Director on planning-related matters as necessary.
- Oversees and participates in current planning activities such as compliance review of land use and other development permit applications consistent with local, state and federal legal requirements.
- Manages the review or preparation of plans for developments; zoning variance and building permit applications; master plan proposals, modifications and related infrastructure plans; drawings and specifications for compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan; zoning code provisions; appropriate urban design and environmental practices; land use and other relevant laws and regulations.
- Oversees the review and analysis of State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) for the City.
- Participates in the development of Comprehensive Plan updates; interprets and applies the Comprehensive Plan policies, as well as land use ordinances and related environmental laws.
- Provides technical and professional advice within bounds of position; makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, council, civic groups and the general public. May also serve as liaison and perform necessary functions in support of the Planning Commission.
- Responds to local citizens inquiring about local planning and zoning regulations and ordinances.
- Provides information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, community groups and interested persons.
- Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports for decisions-making purposes, and coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies, as needed.
- Interprets, applies, and communicates technical, statistical, and legal codes, policies and ordinances including zoning, land use, and environmental regulations to customers.
- Provides recommendations to the development and implementation of planning standards, policies, strategies, projects and priorities.
- Performs project management over assigned projects to ensure contract compliance and adherence to applicable policies, ordinances, state, or federal regulations.
- Oversees and/or performs the analysis and preparation of reports regarding effects of proposed development, annexations, zone changes, and new construction.
- Oversees all public involvement activities for assigned projects; develops and schedules public review process and public meetings, hearings and workshops; represents the City at meetings.
- Assists with the preparation and administration of departmental budgets.
- Assists with the effective development and utilization of technology to improve departmental systems and processes.
- Provides staff assistance to the Department Director, and serves as a member of various staff committees, as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
- Zoning laws and comprehensive plans, including their formation, process of adoption, implementation and enforcement; planning programs and process; and knowledge of GIS applications is highly desirable.
- Comprehensive planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques related to land use, environmental impact, building inspection and code enforcement.
- Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and enforcement procedures.
- Modern office procedures and planning-specific technology.
- Modern principles and practices of management and supervision.
- City government functions, policies, rules and regulations.
Skill & Ability to:
- Apply, interpret and explain complex legal and administrative information.
- Direct and coordinate assigned staff and work activities.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees and the general public.
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, rules and regulations.
- Plan, organize and oversee assigned work programs, including monitoring work schedules, legal requirements & progress reviews.
- Develop and recommend policies, procedures and budgets to meet division objectives and overall goals of the department.
- Work independently on multiple tasks, cope with interruptions and meet deadlines.
- Prioritize tasks and coordinate efforts.
- Work as a team player.
- Perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers and other City personnel, contractors, and the general public.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or urban design
- Master’s degree in related field preferred.
- At least 5-7 years of experience in planning and research related to land use and environmental issues, and at least one year of supervisory experience. Alternatively, at least ten years in a community development type capacity with a degree in a related field such as environmental studies, geography or architecture, is required.
- Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is strongly desired.
- A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered.
- A valid Washington State driver’s license is required (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
Supplemental Information:
Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting, as well as at events and meetings throughout the community. Some evening and/or weekend work for meetings, presentations, and out of town travel and overnight seminars/meetings may be required. The employee may be required to sit at a work station for extended periods of time, frequently using a computer and/or the phone. This individual must have the ability to hear at a normal level; verbally communicate in person and by telephone; stand, walk, and drive as needed throughout day; and occasionally lift and carry parcels weighing up 25 pounds.
