What are the responsibilities and job description for the Local Permit Review Program Manager position at State of Washington?
Salary : $67,716.00 - $91,068.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type : Full Time - Permanent
Job Number : 2025-00783
Department : Dept. of Commerce
Division : Local Government and Infrastructure Division
Opening Date : 02 / 07 / 2025
Closing Date : 2 / 21 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
Description
Local Permit Review Program Manager
At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.
We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.
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.
Position Objective : This position, located in the Growth Management Services (GMS) Unit within the Local Government Division (LGD), provides advanced professional level program administration, technical assistance and contract management activities for the statewide Local Permit Review program to provide statewide technical assistance to local governments on project development permit requirements, and to strengthen accountability to project applicants and the public. This position serves as the state's technical expert for the statewide Local Permit Review program providing technical expertise on the state's implementation of the guidance and grant program for jurisdictions that wish to provide additional efficiencies and coordination in building permit review of residential development. The position is responsible for establishing procedures to implement the annual reporting of the Local Permit Review program, also referred to as SB 5290 (2023), codified under Chapter 36.70B RCW; developing and publishing an annual report, which includes the performance report data for each county and city subject to the requirements; and managing the local government permit grant programs under RCW 36.70B.240-241.. This position functions as a statewide expert level technical specialist and state authority on the local permit review process.
Duties
Local Permit Review expert and program manager in compliance with SB 5290 (2023), and
codified under Chapter 36.70B RCW.
Tasks include :
- Establish statewide policies for oversight and management of Washington State's Local Permit
Review Program, and statewide policies, procedures and documents to implement the
allocation of grants to eligible applicants in compliance with state regulations and requirements.
governing the award and management of grants.
government permitting performance report.
including state and federal resource providers and technical experts, nonprofit and state
association organizations, local governments, legal counsel, and the Office of the Attorney
General.
statewide Local Permit Review funding allocation.
regulations, requirements for state policy initiatives.
the Growth Management Services Unit Managing Director, the Assistant Director of LGD, other
agency Assistant Directors, Policy leads, and the Director of Commerce.
program.
Permit Review program.
governments, stakeholders, state and federal legislators, public associations, and private
citizens.
collaboration of locally identified community needs.
underwriting, funding recommendations, and award decisions for all Local Permit Review
program funds.
contracts.
and financial management activities.
managing directors of other affected Commerce units and divisions.
permit review projects and programs.
Permit Review program.
stakeholders regarding Local Permit Review issues.
compliance issues and finalize decisions on the recapturing of State funding for infrastructure
projects benefitting the public.
and program related funding opportunities for stakeholders.
permit files by running or reviewing reports and reviewing grant files.
target reviews and ensure any associated data for the unit is reported accurately and timely.
Contract Management
Tasks include :
and track completion of pre-contracting due diligence by awardee, including :
Contracting Officer (CCO) on contract language and grantee negotiations as needed
to limit agency liability.
supporting direct appropriated projects.
and / or projects, including :
Programs' Database to record, track, and manage various contracting
components and tasks.
program requirements and applicable RCW / WACs.
proper use of funds and program success.
Program Administration
Tasks include :
include but is not limited to :
funding rounds.
resources in word processing and online formats.
written and verbal information sharing (i.e. telephone or online calls, email, letter
correspondence) and creating and delivering presentations both in-person and
through technology (i.e. conference calls, webinars, video recordings).
receiving an award and provide feedback on the reasoning according to applicable
policies and requirements.
organizations by participating in workgroups.
record requests.
Fiscal Management
Tasks include :
allowable expenses.
Management System (CMS) and the unit's Grants Programs Database.
projected contract reimbursements.
requested.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications :
Eight years total of a combination of formal education, beyond high school equivalence (to include relevant college-
level coursework, technical and / or vocational education, and / or certification programs) and professional experience as
described, which could include but is not limited to :
regional planning, public administration or related field.
professional experience in community, trade, or economic development.
professional experience in community, trade, or economic development.
Required Competencies :
personal standards, stays focused under pressure, meets attendance / punctuality requirements
service problems politely and efficiently, always available for customers, follows procedure to solve customer
problems, understands company products and services, maintains pleasant and professional image.
confidentiality, supports company values, and conveys good news and bad.
leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.
sets team standards and responsibilities, provides leadership / motivation.
delivers presentations, shares information and ideas with others, has good listening skills.
relationships across departments, uses allies to build consensus and create results, is appropriately diplomatic,
understands others' roles and perspectives, can sell projects and ideas across the organization.
new programs quickly, use computers to improve productivity.
Preferred / Desired Qualifications :
two years of appointment.
To be considered for this position the following are needed :
For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email : - please reference the job number in your message.
Supplemental Information
Work from Anywhere in Washington State
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 remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
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 email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including : medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits :
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note : If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note : Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and / or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note : Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and / or vocational education, and / or certification programs.) do you have?
How many years of professional experience in community, trade, or economic development that consists of regional planning, public administration or related field do you have?
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N / A in the text box below.)
Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N / A in the text box below.
As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.
Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?
If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N / A.
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.
Required Question
Salary : $67,716 - $91,068
