PLANNER 1

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: PLANNER I

Scope of Responsibility: This is an entry-level position in the Planner series. The individual
reports to a Senior Planner or otherwise as may be assigned. Assignments are closely supervised to

assure adherence to policy. All written work is reviewed prior to distribution. Level of responsibility

and freedom to act increase with experience and familiarity with office policy and County regulations.

Individuals assigned to this classification are normally expected to operate from specific as well as

general procedures in work situations, which combine routine, recurring and varied activities. Utilize a

basic knowledge of planning and independent judgment to research and analyze data pertaining to

assignments.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no assigned supervisory responsibility.

Essential Functions: 
Review and approve or deny basic permit applications, checking compliance with local, State, and

Federal requirements, including but not limited to compliance with zoning and setback requirements,

critical areas, floodplain, and shorelines for a variety of locations throughout Okanogan County. 

Provide technical planning information and knowledge for land use issues to the public, boards,

government agencies, and staff. Technical information is provided verbally and with written reports,

memos, letters, maps, and other media as needed. Includes answering a variety of questions

regarding land use/land division options to a wide range of individuals by written correspondence,

telephone, and in person. 

Receive complaints from citizens or government agencies concerning violations of county

regulations and ordinances. May require physical inspection of the site to determine the extent and

severity of the alleged violation. Frequently involves researching county documents and state laws

for directives to assist in formulation of a plan to bring compliance and writing of correspondence to

the violator and/or other concerned parties. 

Manage the processing and approval of a variety of land use actions, including, but not limited to,

Site Analysis, Variances, Conditional Use Permits, Open Space, Boundary Line Adjustments,

Exempt Segregation applications, and working with the applicant from the initial stages of

application, through completion and approval or denial of the project. Process often involves

compliance with legal noticing requirements, preparation of staff reports, and presentation to the

Regional Planning Commission or County Board of Adjustment. Often includes fieldwork and



Provide environmental review for a wide range of proposed developments through analysis of State

Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Checklists, and related documents (such as Environmental Impact

Statements). 

May be assigned to provide oversight administration and/or maintenance of the County Addressing

database and Master Street Address Guide (MSAG). Coordination and collection of addressing data

may be incorporated into county-wide address database. May be assigned to provide addressing

information to other County departments, emergency service providers, municipalities, utility

companies, and other database clients. This position may serve as contact for County addressing

issues and projects. 

May review development proposals, on-site plans, building plans, parcel maps and subdivision
proposals for compliance with appropriate regulations; prepare reports and recommendations. 

Compile information and provide information for special studies and planning reports. Assist in the
research and development of comprehensive plan elements. 

Check development plans for issuance of building permits and; process permit applications. 

Review and process requests to adjust or divide properties. 

Confer with and advise other departments and agencies, consultants, architects, builders, attorneys,
contractors, engineers, citizen task forces and the general public regarding County development
policies, standards and processes. 

Help plan and participate in meetings with individuals and groups in order to initiate the decision
making process. May facilitate pre-application meetings with potential clients/applicants. 

Receive inquiries from County departments, and other citizens, provide necessary information or
refer to appropriate person or agency when unable to handle personally. 

Research related land use and zoning ordinances as applicable and directed. As assigned, conduct
on-site inspection to assure appropriate compliance. 

Take complaints on potential County code violations, review codes, perform inspections, write
violation letters and recommend legal actions when needed.

Other Duties: 
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 
Two-year technical degree in applicable field of study, or

o Two years of progressively responsible applicable work experience, or

o A combination of applicable education and experience. 

Ability to satisfactorily pass a comprehensive, in-depth background investigation which shows no

criminal activity which could directly impact the ability to perform the job. 

Requires a valid Washington State Drivers License. 

Requires knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the

full scope of responsibilities as illustrated by examples in the above description of duties.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Four-year degree in Planning, Geography, computer science or related field. 

Experience working in a government agency or working directly with the public.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
Knowledge of land use codes, ordinances and regulations. 

Knowledge of basic principles of land use planning and permitting. 

Knowledge of researching methods using a variety of information and data sources. 

Knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment. 

Skills in providing effective customer service. 

Skills in communicating favorable and adverse decisions/results in clear and concise terms. 

Skills in professional and technical writing. 

Skills in public presentations. 

Skills in operating word processing and database computer applications. 

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing sufficient to conduct or participate in

hearings on typical valuation issues. 

Ability to read, explain, understand, communication and interpret technical information. 

Ability to work cooperatively with others as a member of a service orientated team. 

Ability to coordinate systems, process, and procedures. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of others

encountered in the course of the work. 

Ability to use MS Excel, MS Word and ArcView GIS. 

Ability to appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Physical Demands:
This position requires the ability to perform those activities to complete the essential functions of the

job. The majority of work is performed in a public service orientated permit center or office setting.

Regular site visits for investigative, information gathering purposes may be required. Site investigation

may require exposure to weather, working on rough terrain, in wetlands, and being in the proximity to

heavy equipment. Travel to meetings and conferences may be required. May require evening travel and

meetings. The duties require sitting, standing, walking on all types of terrain, maintaining balance,

climbing stairs and inclines, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting;

requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, ability to grip with fingers and hands; to lift and carry up to 25

pounds. Requires working alone, ability to operate a passenger vehicle; to hear voice conversations;

Acknowledgements:
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of

this job, 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

THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT.

Employee Signature Date

Supervisor Signature Date

Department Head Signature Date

Effective Date: 03/13/2014 EEO Code: 3 Department:

Planning & Development

Dates Amended: 03/13/2014 Union: None Division: n/a

FLSA Exempt: No Grade: 18 Pos #: PLN005PL1-003