Senior Planner (Natural Resources) - Planning & Development Services Department

Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate will be appointed at either a Senior Planner or Hydrologist/Senior Planner. Responsible for providing support with emphasis on project management and/or technical specialist in geology, hydrogeology, or wetland science. Takes the lead in the development review process for projects that require the administration and interpretation of zoning, Critical Area Ordinance, Shoreline Master Program, Forest Practice Conversions, and State Environmental Policy Act. Provides technical assistance to the Long Range Planning Division during the development and implementation of new policy. * Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($31.74 - $34.01 per hour) for a Senior Planner, dependent upon qualifications. * Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($34.01 - $36.43 per hour) for an Hydrologist/Senior Planner, dependent upon qualifications. * Per union contract, progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $40.39; $43.27). Senior Planner is range 16 and Hydrologist/Senior Planner is range 17 of salary schedule Planning I (PROTEC). Depending on assignment, duties may include: Coordinates the processing of a wide variety of challenging projects that require multi-disciplinary team review; functions as the primary point of contact on assigned development projects for the applicant, public, staff and/or decision makers; requests the assignment of appropriate multidisciplinary team members for assigned projects from department managers and ensures that appropriate levels and functions of staff are present at project meetings to make decisions; monitors project review timelines, seeks expertise outside the team as necessary, communicates when needed with project proponents/opponents, and serves to resolve procedural issues. Reviews and approves the technical work of consultants, contracting agencies, and other organizations as appropriate. Communicates and interacts with elected officials and administrators of public agencies/departments and executives of private organizations, at the request and on behalf of the Senior Planner/Team Supervisor, Director, or Assistant Director, to analyze, evaluate, resolve and educate others on public policy issues and land use regulations. Responds to public inquiries with information on public policy, comprehensive planning, development codes and land use regulations. Advises, prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the County Commissioners, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, committees, community groups, and private organizations regarding comprehensive planning, regulatory ordinances, and development proposals/projects. May establish and prepare methodologies for data collection, analysis, and studies related to land use, transportation, growth management, community development, environmental impacts, and land use proposals/projects. May conduct data collection and processing to facilitate a consistent and comprehensive information system. Conducts investigation, analysis, and preparation of documents for public policy issues, community planning and development. Subject to quality control review of the Senior Planner/Team Supervisor, Director, and Assistant Director. Has authority to approve/deny current planning projects that have/have not been determined to meet the requirements of the Code. Supervisory: None. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Attends conferences, seminars and other meetings as directed. Provides quality customer service as the visible presence of Skagit County in the eyes of permit applicants supporting the projects, assisting applicants in understanding their legal options as determined by local and state law and codes and expediting project reviews for prompt processing and approval or denial as necessary. May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work. Senior Planner: Bachelor's degree in Urban or regional planning, public policy/administration, environmental studies, natural resources management, geography or related field combined with 10 years professional planning experience. Masters degree in Urban or regional planning, public policy/administration, environmental studies, natural resources management, geography or related field combined with 8years professional planning experience Hydrologist/Senior Planner: Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, soil science, botany, ecology, resource management, or related field and 10 years of professional planning experience; or Master's degree in planning, geology, hydrology, soil science, botany, ecology, resource management, or related field and 8 years professional planning experience; or Bachelor's degree in planning, geology, hydrology, soil science, botany, ecology, resource management, or related field and AICP certification, or Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), or AICP Certified Environmental Planner Requires knowledge of: * Broad basis in public policy formation and analysis, governmental processes, and public and private sector economics is essential, and * Knowledge of planning purpose and functions involved with growth management, development codes, land use, transportation, shoreline and coastal management programs, capital facilities, environmental and community development, and * Conflict management skills, and * Project/consultant management skills, and * Computer operations, applications, and general office equipment skills, or * Fundamental knowledge of geologic, hydrogeological, and planning processes including techniques and skills to conduct and evaluate technical, geologic, and hydrogeological assessments and evaluations, or * Experience and comprehensive training in wetland issues, including experience performing wetland delineations, assessing wetland functions and values, analyzing wetland impacts, and recommending and designing wetland mitigation projects. Requires the ability to: * Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing and to establish and maintain good working relationships with County Commissioners, the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, officials of other jurisdictions, project applicants or proponents, Department employees and other professionals, consultants, citizen groups, the general public and other agencies and departments. * Plan, schedule and review the work and performance of contracted consultants. * Prepare and direct the preparation of reports, departmental materials and correspondence. * Use, understand and interpret statutes, codes and other planning related subjects. * Comprehend and communicate complex policy and legal issues to policymakers and the general public. Licenses and/or Certifications: One or more of the following certifications/licenses are preferred: Washington State Hydrogeologist License, Washington State Professional Geologist, AICP CEP, or PWS. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is typically performed in an office environment. Work requires remaining seated for long periods of time. Some outdoor on-site review may be required. Occasional lifting, crawling, climbing or walking on uneven or steep terrain. High level of analytical ability, calculation of dimensional requirements, analyzing site plan and building measurements, ability to multi-task. Occasionally, night meetings may be required. Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment. Physical hazard may be present during inspection of unsafe job sites. Occasional walking on uneven or steep terrain. Driving hazards to sites and meetings. Possible hazards in the field such as dogs, upset landowners, etc.SELECTION PROCESS: Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1380. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

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