Planner I (Project/Program Manager I)

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the position of Planner I (Project/Program Manager I).
 
Planners work under the supervision of a Product Line Manager to produce or help produce timely, accurate, quality reviews and approvals of land use, development and building permits. Work will include assisting with the Division's implementation of Critical Area and Shoreline regulations, the State Environmental Policy Act, and related environmental policies, development standards and procedures. Working both collaboratively and independently, they apply their current planning experience to review a variety of permit types ranging from single-family projects to complex commercial or infrastructure projects.
 
Planners are responsible for carefully reviewing permit application plans and technical documents; working cooperatively with others in the department and in other agencies; and writing technical permit approval documents and staff reports that are clear, accurate, and defensible. An essential part of the job is to work positively and in a solution-oriented manner with customers, their design/engineering professionals, other members of the public, and co-workers. Some presentations to the public, hearing bodies, and other agencies will be required on a periodic basis.
 To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill and ability to:
 
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.  

• As assigned by the Product Line Manager, review and potentially draft conditions related to land use and building permits according to applicable codes, laws, and policies.
• Assist in authoring accurate and understandable permit language, technical documents, and staff reports that are consistent with applicable codes, laws, and policies; reach out for assistance from supervisor or other professionals as needed.
• Manage individual work time to meet a fluctuating workload and achieve target review times; seek direction from supervisors about project prioritization.
• Support pre-application conferences and assist with customer inquiries.
• Work cooperatively with others in the department or in other agencies to resolve permit- and process-related issues.
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service; work with others in the department, including supervisors, to help applicants find the possible and correct pathway to what the applicant wants to achieve.
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent.
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Implementation and administration of King County's State Shoreline Management Act Shoreline Regulations, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) policies and procedures, and assist staff ecologists with coordination and administration of Critical Area regulations.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, environmental sciences or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of planning process, structure, purpose, and application of zoning codes.
• Excellent project managing skills. Must be able to create and maintain spreadsheets, direct staff time, predict staff workloads, estimate project and permit review timelines, prioritization, and coordination with team members and customers.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, policies, and regulations.
• Clear and effective communication skills: ability to listen, provide feedback, and negotiate outcomes as needed; ability to provide accurate and concise oral presentations and project updates.
• Ability and commitment to work within a Standard Work framework in the department.
• Experience in current planning (development review and permitting).
• Ability to read and interpret plans, policies, and regulations; knowing when to reach out for assistance from supervisor or other professionals.
• Working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Must work well in a fast-paced, results-oriented, team environment with the ability to think quickly and independently. 
• Skill in problem solving with effective solutions.

Our Most Competent Candidate Will Also Have: 

• Experience working in a current planning organization.
• Knowledge of current planning in a rural context.
• Frontline customer service experience.
• Experience serving as a Shoreline Administrator, SEPA Official, and / or similar role.
• Professional current planning experience in the administration of local critical area protection regulations, Shoreline Management regulations and reviews under SEPA.
• Knowledge and understanding of state/local environmental regulations, programs and policies. These include the State Shoreline Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act and Growth Management Act critical area regulations.
• American Institute of Certified Planners accreditation.

NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to traverse construction sites in any weather condition.
• Must be able to use office equipment and software.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely throughout the County.

First Review of Applications November 10, 2021

Interviews  on November 19, 2021

WHO MAY APPLY: This full-time position may be filled as Term Limited Temporary (TLT), and is open to all qualified applicants, or Special Duty assignment for current King County Career Service employees who have passed their probationary period.  Current King County employees must have permission from their supervisor to be eligible for the Special Duty assignment.
 
Pay upon SDA placement: Current employees selected for SDA will be compensated based on the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement or Master Labor Agreement for their base assignment if applicable.
   
This recruitment may be used to fill vacancies for up to 6 months.  Including career service, special duty assignments, STT and TLT opportunities.
 
WORK SCHEDULE: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours and/or on weekends. This full-time position is overtime eligible.
 
FORMS AND MATERIALS: The recruitment for this position is open to all applicants. A completed King County Application is required. We highly recommend that you also provide a cover letter and resume.

SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.  Interviews will be conducted via Teams. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
   
UNION MEMBERSHIP:  PROTEC17

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
   Sonali Sharma
   Human Resources Analyst
   206-477-7282
   sosharma@kingcounty.gov   

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

 

Teleworking Requirement 
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by teleworking; complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities.)  Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
 
 Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
    

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.  
 
 Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. 

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. 
 
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.
 
 King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
 No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
 To Apply
 If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

 

Salary : $70,158 - $88,920