Land Use Planning Section Manager

Job Type: Regular

Pay Range: $ - $ Salary

Department: Land Use and Transportation

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Manager to provides strategic leadership and oversees development, maintenance and implementation of the County’s land use plans, policies and regulations.

Are you an experienced land use professional who strives to inspire and improve the lives of others? Are you an excellent communicator? Do you have a passion for continuous improvement and change management? If so, this could be an exciting opportunity.

Washington County is unique in that there is a significant urban unincorporated area in addition to extensive farm, forest, and rural residential areas. This role is responsible for leading a team of professional planners and paraprofessionals, overseeing all aspects of land use planning from long‑range to development review in alignment with the Department’s Mission to Serve. Plan. Build. Maintain— for a thriving Washington County.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of land use planning, comprehensive planning, and community development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of development review.
• Knowledge of legal aspects of land use planning.
• Ability to develop and implement planning work programs.
• Ability to develop implementation measures and apply codes.
• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and/or vendors.
• Ability to make oral presentations of technical information to the public and elected officials.
• Ability to work effectively with community groups and advocate for community involvement.

The ideal candidate will possess strong people and project management skills, be skilled in change management and have a continuous improvement mindset.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, community development, economics, environmental studies or a related field AND seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning and development, community design planning or regional transportation planning, city or community planning, or related areas, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, community development, economics, environmental studies or a related field AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning and development, community design planning or regional, transportation planning, city or community planning, or related areas, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

• Must possess a driver’s license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit‑based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work–life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award‑winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.