Long Range Planning Series

Long Range Planning

Long range planning is a highly visible program and a core function of the Planning and Community Development Department. The number and level of positions in long range planning is determined through the budgetary process. The series includes mid-level to entry level planning professionals. Placement or promotion of individual employees within the series of positions is at the discretion of the County, based on their educational training, related professional experience, and demonstrated competency in performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

Employees are responsible for implementation of the Planning Enabling Act and the Growth Management Act in Island County. Major duties include processing and scheduling the Annual Review Docket, coordination of periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan, development of implementing development regulations, and fostering public outreach for all long range planning efforts. Supporting the development review team or review of land use applications may be included in duties.

This position includes GIS support of these activities. Employees in these positions must be able to work effectively with the community of development professionals, the general public, appointed and elected officials, and coworkers. Position may be hired as an Assistant, Associate, Senior, or Principal Planner dependent upon qualifications.

The complexity of duties and responsibilities within long range planning increases with each position in this classification:

Assistant Planners are expected to perform assigned duties and responsibilities and demonstrate the ability to rapidly become familiar with and apply all state and local code requirements governing the long range planning work program.

Associate Planners are expected to perform assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision. Associate Planners are expected to expand their knowledge of application state and local regulatory processes and to handle increasingly complex and controversial matters.

Senior Planners are expected to independently ensure that the duties and responsibilities of long range planning are carried out in a timely manner and within established budgetary constraints. Senior Planners coordinate the work of Associate and Assistant Planners and ensure its timely completion.

Principal Planners provide leadership to the County and department in the development of policies, procedures and strategy and guide and direct the work of other Planners.

• Review and analyze comprehensive planning issues, including interpretation of the Growth Management Act, SEPA, Island County Code, and other relevant regulations.
• Evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposals through the administration of the State Environmental Policy Act and local environmental codes. Assist in the review and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and related studies for specific projects.
• Prepare detailed staff reports and present same orally before the public at Planning Commission and Board of Island County Commissioners hearings.
• Represent the County at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups, perform public presentations.
• Assist in the drafting of zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments related to land use. Assist other planners and technical staff on resolving code comprehensive plan policies or conflicting provisions.
• Monitor projects for timely performance and budget or resource constraints. Conduct site visits as necessary.
• Work with other senior level staff and the Deputy Director on long range planning projects including GMA Comprehensive Plan development and upkeep.
• Work with senior level staff and the Deputy Director to develop and expand the County GIS System. Develop GIS graphic illustrations, reports, and presentations.
• Supporting the development review team and/or review of land use applications, including Historic Preservation applications.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

• Considerable knowledge of comprehensive planning and zoning principles and practices, historic preservation, and environmental and land use laws;…