Development Planner II – Shoreline

Job Description

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is seeking to fill a the position of Planner II as a Development Planner with a Shoreline focus.

This position will assist in the development and implementation of the Shoreline Management Program, with a focus on customer service and the review of land use applications and development permits. Duties range from routine to complex, requiring incumbents to take initiative, make judgment calls and decisions based on codes and policies, for the projects/processes for which they are assigned. Conflict resolution, effective communication, and complex writing skills are essential for this position.

For more information please review the job descriptions online:  Planner II

Initial Area of Assignment:  Shoreline Management

Supervisor: Assistant Director

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM

The Ideal candidate will possess:

• Verifiable experience working in land use planning an permitting.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.  The ability to use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts among a large variety of groups, agencies and individuals.
• A proven ability to provide excellent and timely customer service and technical assistance to groups and individuals both inside and outside the department responding to a full range of inquiries regarding to land use planning and permit processes.
• Ability to provide technical review and processing of development permits and ensuring development complies with the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Shoreline Management Plan, development codes, critical area code, policies and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports that evaluate, present findings, offer conclusions, and make recommendations related to applications and planning topics.
• Experience making presentations at public meetings and/or hearings.
• Experience working directly with the public, other County staff, and State and Federal agencies to review a wide range of development applications.
• Experience with management of natural resources, shorelines environments, and associated permitting is preferred.
• The Planning and Development Services Department seeks team member who is passionate about meeting community challenges, preservation of natural resources, innovation and serving the public. The County offers competitive compensation, great benefits and quality of life.  For more information about the Planning and Development Services Department, please visit their website.

Qualifications:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or a related field AND three years of increasingly responsible, paid, professional experience INCLUDING at least 2 years of professional experience in area of assignment with in the last 5 years
  A Master’s degree in a related field can be substituted for up to six months of experience.
• Experience with permit tracking software, presentation software, geographical positioning systems and geographic information systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of ecological systems similar to Whatcom County is preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience working with local and state governments and agencies is preferred.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Supplemental Information
Salary Range:

MCBA Range 180.0
$35.21 – $50.64 per hour DOQ
Hiring rate depends on qualifications. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range (posted above), subject to required approvals. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
For more information about PDS, please see their website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/358/Planning-Development-Services