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.
• Receive, evaluate, and process land use and development applications, ensure compliance with permit and code requirements, and ensure 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.
• Coordinate 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.
• Assist in the formulation of planning documents and in developing, recommending and implementing new systems, policies and procedures.
• Make decisions regarding implementation of complex and sometimes conflicting code requirements.
• Prepare and make public presentations on planning information and activities; staff and facilitate public meetings with the Planning Commission, citizen advisory committees, and other committees and groups.
• Provide staff support to advisory committees.
• Administer contracts for services according to established guidelines.
• Assist the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning Division budget, monitor expenditures and revenue in division budget throughout the year.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public.
• Assist PCD Director in grant application, management, and compliance.
• General administrative and support activities as required; assist the department as assigned.

• 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.

• Independently assess and resolve complex planning and policy issues.
• 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…