Development Review Specialist

Job Description

The City of Sequim is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative professional with experience in municipal engineering, permitting, development review, or construction inspection who is ready to play a key role in supporting quality development outcomes for the City. In this role, you will help guide projects from review through coordination and inspection while balancing regulatory compliance, stakeholder interests, and responsive public service.

The Development Review Specialist performs technical and administrative work related to the review, coordination, permitting, and inspection of private development and public right-of-way improvements within the City of Sequim. This position supports the City Engineer through the review of residential, commercial, and subdivision development proposals for compliance with City standards, utility requirements, transportation and right-of-way standards, ADA accessibility requirements, stormwater regulations, and applicable local and state regulations including the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.

The position serves as a key liaison between the Public Works Department, and the Department of Community and Economic Development, developers, consultants, contractors, utility providers, and the public. The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, accountability, professionalism, and the ability to make timely and consistent decisions in a fast-paced regulatory environment where information may at times be incomplete or conflicting.

This position requires a collaborative and customer-focused individual capable of balancing stakeholder interests while maintaining compliance with City standards and policies. The Development Review Specialist must demonstrate integrity, authenticity, resilience, effective communication skills, and the ability to de-escalate conflict while maintaining productive working relationships with both internal and external customers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•  Reviews residential, commercial, short plat, subdivision, site plans, site construction, and other development proposals for compliance with City standards, engineering policies, municipal code requirements, ADA accessibility standards, transportation and right-of-way requirements, utility standards, and stormwater regulations.
• Reviews drainage reports, erosion control plans, utility plans, frontage improvement plans, grading plans, traffic-related improvements, and associated civil engineering documents for compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Coordinates closely with the Department of Community and Economic Development during permit review and development review processes to ensure timely and consistent communication and review coordination.
• Reviews permits associated with work in the public right-of-way and evaluates proposed improvements for compliance with City standards and Municipal Code.
• Assists with development-related inspections including utility installations, frontage improvements, stormwater facilities, sidewalks, ADA ramps, paving, and associated infrastructure and right of way improvements.
• Conducts field visits and inspections to evaluate existing conditions, verify compliance, and coordinate with contractors, developers, consultants, and City staff.
• Provides technical assistance and customer service to the public, contractors, consultants, developers, and City staff regarding permit requirements, development standards, and infrastructure requirements.
• Participates in pre-application meetings, development coordination meetings, and preconstruction conferences.
• Prepares written review comments and conditions, correction notices, stop work orders, inspection documentation, correspondence, and technical reports in a clear, professional, and consistent manner.
• Supports code enforcement related to private development and public right-of-way improvements by identifying potential violations, documenting conditions, coordinating with applicable departments, and assisting with compliance actions in accordance with City standards and code.
• Maintains organized project records and review documentation while supporting timely permit review and efficient project tracking.
• Exercises sound judgment and accountability while managing multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Works collaboratively with City departments and outside agencies to support effective project delivery and development review coordination.
• Assists in resolving conflicts and responding to public concerns in a professional, respectful, and solution-oriented manner.
• Supports continuous improvement of development review procedures, permit tracking processes, and customer service standards.
• Maintains timely and regular attendance to support the work of the team.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of municipal public works infrastructure including stormwater, water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, ADA accessibility requirements, and right-of-way improvements.
• Knowledge of development review practices, construction inspection principles, municipal permitting processes, and applicable engineering standards.
  Familiarity with the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington and low impact development principles.
• Ability to read and interpret civil engineering plans, plats, site plans, utility plans, drainage reports, and technical specifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing with City staff, consultants, contractors, developers, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to establish trust and maintain positive working relationships through honesty, integrity, professionalism, accountability, and authenticity.
• Ability to make quality and timely decisions while balancing customer service expectations, regulatory requirements, and project timelines.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining organization, accuracy, and responsiveness.
• Ability to analyze conflicting or incomplete information and make defensible recommendations or decisions.
• Ability to effectively manage conflict, maintain professionalism under pressure, and de-escalate difficult situations when necessary.
• Ability to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, initiative, and sound judgment in a dynamic work environment.
• Proficiency with common office software and familiarity with engineering-related software including AutoCAD, GIS, permit tracking systems, or related applications is desirable.
• Ability and willingness to engage in ongoing learning about new software and Artificial Intelligence, with an understanding of their potential applications within the workplace to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

 Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Public Works, Engineering Technology, or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal engineering, development review, construction inspection, utility coordination, civil/site development, permitting, or related public works activities; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Experience working with municipal development standards, stormwater regulations, public works permitting, or construction inspection is highly desirable.

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, CESCL certification, or related technical certifications are preferred but not required.

Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license (or ability to obtain one within 30 days) is required.