What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Planner position at Snohomish County Planning and Development Services?
Salary : $91,909.56 - $111,765.12 Annually
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 2024-02116
Department : Planning and Development
Division : Planning and Dev Svcs Permitting
Opening Date : 09 / 23 / 2024
Closing Date : Continuous
Description
The next review of applications will occur the week of December 9, 2024.
The mission of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by promoting protection of natural resources and facilitating the development of safe, sustainable and resilient communities.
PDS is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed, solution-oriented individual to perform advanced-level professional planning work within the Permitting Division of PDS. This position will be responsible for the project management, review and administration of the most complex and highest-level land use development applications submitted to the county. These include subdivisions, binding site plans, multifamily, townhomes, industrial / commercial, aerospace, conditional use permits, and other ministerial, discretionary, and quasi-judicial permits most of which will require environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Applicants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative environment, coordinating reviews and responding to inquires with applicants, architects, engineers, attorneys, other county staff and the general public. This position is responsible for assisting the supervisor with training and mentoring fellow team members and providing an example of engagement and excellence.
A successful candidate will have knowledge of the following : federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to land use planning and permitting; principles and practices of planning, organizing and supervision; principles of workplace and process design / redesign; and the ability to plan, lead, and coordinate complex land use permit reviews. Candidates are expected to : work well across a group of teams effectively delivering excellent customer service, establish and maintain effective working relationships; and promote continuous improvement practices.
Not sure you meet the minimum qualifications? Apply and let us decide. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage everyone to apply.
Benefits
Snohomish County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family and will be invested in your success and growth. We are proud to offer an outstanding benefit package to employees and their dependents. We offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, pension opportunities, and employer paid ORCA cards. Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package :
- County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
- benefits : The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plans with low deductibles. The county's contribution to this benefit is significant.
- Flexible work schedules for some positions.
- Career development training.
- Sick leave : You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
- Vacation Leave : You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
- Holiday Pay : The County observes 11 paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
- Benefits : The County offers a wide range of benefits including medical and dental, vision, life insurance, Long Term Disability, deferred compensation and more.
- If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
- Pay Increases : Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) : County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
Teleworking Options
The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is available.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop; and when working remotely, must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.
Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, , is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.
Snohomish County - The Future We Choose - video
Job Duties
BASIC FUNCTION
To act as a project manager on assigned planning functions. Provide leadership, experience, project and program management and technical expertise in various specialized current or long range planning fields. Provide county and department level policy interpretations relating to countywide or regional programs.
STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Minimum Qualifications
A Masters degree in urban planning, environmental studies, geography or related field; AND, three (3) years of experience in planning work related to the specific requirements of the position including two (2) years of supervisory experience; OR any equivalent combination of training and / or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Must pass job related tests.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid Washington State Driver's License may be required.
Additional Information
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of :
Ability to :
SUPERVISION
The Employees report to the Planning Manager or administrative superior as assigned. The work is performed with a high degree of independence and is reviewed through conferences, periodic reports and results obtained. The employees supervise professional level and technical staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in the usual office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the county for the purpose of attending meetings and making site visits. The employee is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.
Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.
Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.
County Benefits
Voluntary Benefits
Healthcare Premiums
Note : Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County's to learn more.
Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate / support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review / selection process.
A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" may not be considered.
Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application / work history and by your references?
Do you have a degree in urban planning, environmental studies, geography or related field?
Do you have any current city / county planning experience?
If you do not have a Master's degree in urban planning, environmental studies, geography or a related field and at least 3 years of experience in city / county current planning, please describe your education, knowledge, experience, and training that gives you the required knowledge and abilities for the Prinicpal Planner position.
I am proficient in the use of : (check all that apply)
Which of the following best describes your experience reading building and development plans and applying state and local laws and development / land use regulations.
The main role for this position is to act as project manager and lead reviewer for the most complex development applications for projects such as planned residential developments, mineral excavation operations, industrial parks, aerospace, large apartment or townhome developments, and commercial development. Describe your experience and involvement in reviewing and coordinating different types of land use and development permit applications, preparing staff recommendations and making presentations to decision making bodies. (30 pts.)
The principal planner may serve in a lead role and help the supervisor oversee the work of professional, technical, and support staff.Describe your experience mentoring others. How do you help motivate, mentor and hold staff accountable for results when not officially in charge? (10 pts.)
PDS has a culture of Continuous Improvement. Describe your experience developing or improving processes and procedures and the resulting outcomes. (10 pts.)
Describe your experience using electronic permit tracking software systems, plan review software, and / or GIS programs. (5 pts.)
Required Question
Salary : $91,910 - $111,765
