Planner III

DEPARTMENT:

Economic Planning & Development

STATUS:

Regular Full Time / Exempt Salaried

WAGE GRADE:

H

• Competitive salary DOE, COLA and merit increase as approved.
• Basic Employee Life and Accidental Death and Disability - Equal to one year's salary.
• Employer Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability.
• 401(k) and up to 4% Employer Contribution Match.
• Paid Leave:
  Annual, Sick, Bereavement, Cultural, Jury Duty.
• Holidays:
  Approximately 22 holidays and administrative closures annually.

The Planner III supports the effective operation of the Nooksack Indian Tribe Planning Department through land use research, community planning, project review, field work, mapping, technical analysis, and coordination with Tribal departments, community members, and outside agencies. This position prepares clear reports and recommendations on planning-related topics, supports land development and environmental review, and helps ensure planning projects are completed in a timely, organized, and compliant manner.

The Planner III is expected to maintain positive and respectful working relationships, support a healthy and service-oriented workplace, and work collaboratively with the EDP Director, Planning Manager, Tribal staff, Tribal Council, community members, and partner agencies while respecting Tribal culture, community priorities, lead Planning Committee meetings and the Tribe’s long-term planning needs.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Land Use Planning, Community Development, or a related field; or
• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and four years of directly related responsibilities; or
• Eight years of directly related experience in the area of responsibility.
• Two years of experience working with Native Americans or a Native American organization is preferred.
• Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. A driving abstract may be required at time of hire.

• Internal and External Coordination:
  
  Maintain cooperative relationships with internal and external agencies, including but not limited to Whatcom County and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and maintain positive working relationships with departments across the Tribe.
• Policy and Planning Analysis:
  In collaboration with the Planning Manager, analyze, monitor, and address issues and policies that impact the Tribe and provide guidance to Tribal Council as appropriate.
• Project Review and Permitting:
  Assist in the review of project plans and advise staff on permitting, zoning, federal and state regulations, and transportation requirements, assist with permitting policy updates.
• Project Compliance and Completion:
  Ensure assigned projects are effectively completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Project Management:
  Support planning projects through effective coordination, organization, tracking, communication, this will include writing RFPs or RFQs, ATOs, Aiding with Interagency reports and follow-through to help ensure work is completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Transportation Duties:
  In collaboration with the Planning Manager, this position may assign Planning Technician transportation duties.
• Tribal Lands Database:
  Develop and maintain the Tribal lands database.
• Building and Housing Design Support:
  Assist in the architectural design for Tribal buildings and housing development.
• Mapping and Schematic Drawings:
  Assist in the development of schematic drawings, mapping, and related materials using various software programs.
• Survey & Legal Descriptions:
  
  Must know how…