Serves as a key member of the Department by providing advanced professional level planning duties to support the Director on a variety of projects. Work is performed under general direction from the Planning Director with initiative, discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties based on extensive knowledge of county policies, procedures, operations, and planning methodology. This position oversees the planning and implementation of outreach strategies. Position requires substantial contact with the public.

• Assists the Planning Director with the following:
  • Identifies long-range planning issues and policies, and assists in developing subsequent work program priorities.
  • Undertaking long-range planning projects as assigned.
  • Coordinating, scheduling, and reviewing work assignments for long-range planning projects when acting as technical and policy advisor to assigned staff or consultants.
  • Maintaining a working understanding of new land use legislation, administrative rules and case law.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and provides information to property owners, developers and other interested parties pertaining to long range planning projects.
• Conduct public and community stakeholder outreach;
• Manages and assists with special projects as assigned;
• Prepares, develops and executes public involvement strategies for specific projects and program areas.
• Attends and participates in various meetings, conferences, and workshops and relates the County’s position and/or policy as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Planning Director

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques and related tools/equipment to accomplish the basic function of this position, including any safety and/or legal requirements. This may, but not necessarily, include specialized skills. Thorough knowledge of planning practices and land use codes. Training in or demonstrated knowledge of: basic principles of fish/wildlife biology; environmental impact assessment; ecological systems; Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping; and software applications.
• Ability to:
  • Prepare, revise, and evaluate technical land use reports and plans;
  • Interpret and evaluate site and architectural design plans;
  • Coordinate work assignments and lead planning personnel;
  • Work with community groups and advocate for community involvement;
  • Make oral presentations of technical information to the public; and
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and representatives from other public agencies, and/or vendors.

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  Skills to:
  • Develop and conduct necessary research methodologies;
  • Analyze conceptual development and implementation of policy/program; and
  • Prepare, provide and facilitate public presentations of a sensitive nature.

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  Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Planning, Geography, Geology or a field directly related to the area(s) of assignment AND four years of increasingly responsible professional experience (including related internships), demonstrating knowledge and experience in one or more areas within the Planning field related to the area of assignment, including Environmental Planning (SEPA, Critical Areas/Shorelines and Natural Resources), Current Planning (Subdivision and Zoning), and Comprehensive Long Range Planning. A Masters’ Degree may substitute for one year of experience OR any equivalent combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Valid state driver's license in state of residence