Assistant Planner​/Permit Technician

Job Overview

This position is responsible for professional-level urban planning and assistance with a variety of tasks in day-to-day operations of the Community Development Department. Work involves activities in support of major planning projects, such as preparation of the Comprehensive Plan, general long‑range planning issues, current planning, permit processing, and assisting with SEPA administration. The work also requires well‑developed written and analytical skills in subjects related to planning and permit processing, often in highly sensitive matters that involve direct contact with residents, elected officials, and other community stakeholders.

• Serve as subject matter expert and project manager for permit application receiving, routing, processing, review, and issuance functions.
• Ensure consistency and coordination between professional reviewers and their requirements before project approval.
• Respond to and manage information requests regarding land use processes, building, zoning, and environmental review.
• Provide support to the Community Development Director for Planning Commission and the Economic Development Committee by preparing agendas and meeting minutes.
• Advise staff on public policy issues, planning procedures, and regulatory ordinances.
• Develop and prepare correspondence and reports.
• Practice continuous quality improvement for internal procedures, operations, and data compilation and maintenance.
• Assist in the preparation of census materials, coordination of planning efforts with other jurisdictions, and grant program implementation.
• Read and interpret construction plans to determine compliance with requirements, and calculate and verify permit valuations, fees, and invoices.
• Work semi‑independently in a rapidly‑paced, multiple‑task work environment.
• Effectively interact with all customers both external and internal, practicing active listening to defuse tense or conflict‑oriented situations.
• Operate personal or desktop computer, tablet, and mobile phone using software suites such as MS Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, Arc Map, and other application‑based software including web publishing software. Excel experience is a plus.

• Basic knowledge of local planning, building, zoning, land use and development codes, and municipal government procedures.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, standards, policies and techniques in municipal land use planning.
• Knowledge of construction terminology, technology, methods and building materials.
• Experience with geographic information systems (GIS) programs.
• Familiarity with applicable state legislation including the Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Program, and state building codes.
• Research methods and the ability to compile and analyze original data in spreadsheet form, as well as general administrative practices, filing, and recordkeeping.

• Effectively communicate in speaking and in writing.
• Effectively manage workload and day using prioritization and time management.
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service for both external and internal customers.
• Apply creativity to examine solutions to problems.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field; or any combination of education and experience that would provide the desired abilities, knowledge and skills required to perform the job including relevant coursework in business, construction management, public administration or related field AND a minimum of one year’s permit technician experience or equivalent experience in local government administration.