Planning Manager

JOB SUMMARY

This position works under the direction of the Planning and Community Development (PCD) Director. The Planning Manager is a mid-level supervisory position responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of the Planning division. Performs advanced professional planning work, exercising independent judgment in the direct undertaking of long-range planning, development review, critical area and shoreline regulation, and related research. Work requires a large degree of independent responsibility and a high level of professional performance in planning, reviewing, coordinating and undertaking a variety of complex planning tasks.

Supervises Planning division staff, including evaluation of performance of assigned personnel. Assists the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning division budget.

• Supervises Planning division staff, including evaluation of performance of assigned personnel.
• Represents and serves as the PCD Director in their absence including interim responsibility as the City's SEPA, floodplain and zoning official.
• Interpret, analyze and apply ordinances, zoning regulations and other City, state, and federal regulations and laws relating to planning, zoning, and the environment and development issues.
• Update and amend adopted plans including the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Program in conformance with the needs of the City and the requirements of state law.
• Research, compile, and analyze data and information for staff reports, ordinances, and plan amendments.
• Receives, evaluates, and processes land use and development applications, ensures compliance with permit and code requirements, and ensures permits are processed in compliance with Municipal Code and State rules.
• Prepare written project analyses for review by the Director, City Manager, Citizen Committees, Planning Commission and/or City Council including identification of appropriate land use policies, design issues and environmental requirements; make recommendations for action.
• Coordinates joint activities between City departments.
• Resolve complex problems encountered in performance of work assignments.
• Identify and implement changes to the City's land development related policies, codes or operations including code revisions.
• Assists in the formulation of planning documents and in developing, recommending and implementing new systems, policies and procedures.
• Makes decisions regarding implementation of complex and sometimes conflicting code requirements.
• Prepares and makes public presentations on planning information and activities; staffs and facilitates public meetings with the Planning Commission, citizen advisory committees, and other committees and groups.
• Provides staff support to advisory committees.
• Administers contracts for services according to established guidelines.
• Assists the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning Division budget, monitors expenditures and revenue in division budget throughout the year.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public.
• Assists PCD Director in grant application, management, and compliance.
• General administrative and support activities as required; assists the department as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances applied to land use planning
• comprehensive planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques
• municipal government organizational concepts
• operations, organization, policies and objectives of long-range planning and development review
• principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, coaching, assigning work, evaluating work and progressive discipline
• Geographic Information System (GIS) basics
• planning and environmental concepts and terminology
• budget preparation and control

Ability to:

• independently assess and resolve complex planning and policy issues are essential skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position
• comprehend and interpret land use laws, rules and regulations
• provide leadership to department personnel that includes fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment, motivating employees to achieve high standards, and providing strong and honest communication to promote transparency
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations
• demonstrate public presentation skills
• establish effective, ongoing relationships with public officials, citizen committees, applicants, members of the public and fellow staff
• demonstrate a positive and strong desire to assist the public

Skills in:

• computer and software proficiency, with emphasis in ArcGIS, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft One Drive, Sharepoint, Teams, Word, Power point, and Excel
• research techniques
• interpersonal communication
• user friendly government writing

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in…