Full-Time Principal Planner (Project/Program Manager IV)
Job Description
SUMMARY
The Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position of Principal Planner (Project/Program Manager IV). This role will serve as a technical subject matter expert on the administration and application of King County’s land use related development permit regulations. The Principal Planner is responsible for a variety of programs and activities mandated or delegated by state and local regulations. This position requires substantial skills in the areas of application project management, customer relations, collaboration, leadership, and the training of technical review staff. This person will exercise considerable judgment, independence, and initiative in making recommendations to the Department of Local Services – Permitting Division leadership.
About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director’s Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.
To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits.
Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.
JOB DUTIES
Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.
To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to:
- Assure that permits or approvals administered by the Permitting Division meet applicable King County codes for land use, clearing, grading, drainage, critical areas, zoning, state and county environmental procedures and the permit processing procedures of King County Code Title 20.
- Supervise and lead other planning staff, assign duties and reviews, and support the team of planners in performing their duties.
- Provide technical oversight and guidance to Permitting staff in the administration of land use, zoning, environmental, and related development regulations.
- Supervise and monitor the work of Planner’s in their performance and review of various land use and development permits.
- Serve as project manager for the review of complex permitting submittals and coordinate the reviews of other disciplines.
- Coordinate the reviews of a multi-disciplinary team of reviewers to assure timely and accurate reviews and communications with the applicants.
- Interpret county codes and policies in cases of questions or ambiguities. Serve, and potentially co-chair, on the Permitting’s Regulatory Review Committee (RRC).
- Develop and implement programs and procedures and be able to analyze and adapt programs as needed to meet Permitting’s business needs.
- Assure compliance with a wide variety of land use policies and development codes is documented. These may include Comprehensive Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, drainage, shoreline, critical area, stormwater, road standards, accessibility, building and fire, WAC, RCW and SEPA codes.
- Perform reviews and communicates with applicants on code requirements and solutions related to demonstrating compliance with applicable codes and permitting requirements.
- Exercise considerable independent judgement on professional planning and policy matters.
- Serve as a representative regarding planning and permitting issues with elected officials, agency representatives, developers, consultants, and citizens.
- Coordinate the screening of newly submitted proposals to assure compliance with applicable codes and permitting requirements.
- Prepare production reports for the group.
- Review, comment, and assist with drafting proposed legislation and policy.
- Provide technical expertise in the review of proposed revisions to codes and standards and assists King County in defending against claims stemming from permitted activities.
- Manage and participate in technical and policy committees, potentially serving on Inter- branch Team (king County multi-department coordinating teams)
- Collaborate with other departments, agencies as needed to review, develop, and coordinate modifications to existing programs.
- Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service and honor commitments made to customers and others.
- Other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Advanced knowledge and experience in land use, environmental and construction permitting processes.
- Experience reviewing and drafting legislation.
- Advanced knowledge and experience in the interpretation and application of development regulations such as zoning, urban design, critical area, shoreline.
- Knowledge of supervisory techniques and principles.
- Knowledge and experience with the coordination and understanding of related professional disciplines such as engineering, ecological, geological, surface water, traffic, critical area, building and fire.
- Experience in making presentations to legislative bodies, jurisdictional partners, and the public.
- Demonstrated skill in researching and making recommendations, conclusions, and decisions.
- Advanced skill in using common desktop workflow tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Power Point, Project, Visio, Word, Access and permitting processing software.
- Proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving, resolving conflicts, and bringing others to consensus.
- Skill in analyzing and interpreting technical data.
- Demonstrated competence in applying project management principles and practices.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including training and presentations.
- Skill in providing customer service and training.
- Skill in handling multiple competing priorities and producing quality detailed work within tight timeframes.
- Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Desired Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in planning or a related field. American Institute of Certified Planners accreditation.
- Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates and functions and familiarity with the regional and local policy issues and challenges that affect King County.
- Served as a designated State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Official, Shoreline Administrator or similar role.
- Certification through the American Institute of Certified planners (AICP)
- Knowledge and experience in code enforcement processes, federal, state and local permitting processes and other applicable state and local development regulations.
Requirements:
- Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
How to Apply
Principal Planner (Project/Program Manager IV)
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.62 total views, 0 today