Planning Manager
Planning Manager
The incumbent will organize and supervise the activities of professional, technical and/or administrative team members in the area of current and long-range planning. The incumbent is part of a collaborative work team and responsive to inquiries from the public, other departmental staff, developers, contractors and elected officials. The incumbent will supervise, direct, evaluate, and oversee the activities of assigned employees.
Work is characterized by supervisory duties as well as professional-level, analytical, and technical planning duties associated with the implementation and administration of city codes, ordinances, policies, and procedures in the areas of current planning and long-range planning. The incumbent ensures compliance with various city and state ordinances, regulations, and policies related to land development; applies research and analytical skills; prepares and presents staff reports for public hearings and meetings; informs the public, other agencies, developers, and others of various city and state land use and development code requirements and policies. The incumbent is expected to perform and administer the most complex professional planning work requiring a substantial level of professional training and experience.
Work is performed under limited supervision. The director sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and director work together to develop the deadlines, projects, staff expectations and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others and interprets policies in terms of established objectives in coordination with the director. Incumbent keeps director informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.
- Performs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the city's policies and procedures and applicable laws. Responsibilities include: planning, scheduling, coordinating, assisting with, directing and evaluating work in progress and upon completion; appraising performance and safety procedures; training employees to improve their skill and effectiveness; addressing complaints and resolving problems; reviewing/scheduling employee leave; assisting in interviews; making hiring recommendations, and recommending promotion and disciplinary actions to the department director. Delegates responsibility and appropriate authority to assigned staff.
- Oversees and participates in long range planning activities such as Comprehensive Plan, subarea and/or master planning, Shoreline Master Program, SEPA reviews, zoning and subdivision ordinances and specific community development projects.
- Oversees and participates in current planning activities such as compliance review of land use and other development permit applications consistent with local, state and federal legal requirements.
- Oversees the review or preparation of plans for developments, zoning variance and building permit applications, master plan proposals and modifications, and related infrastructure plans, drawings and specifications for compliance with the city's Comprehensive Plan, zoning code provisions, appropriate urban design and environmental practices, land use and other relevant laws and regulations.
- Oversees the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statements and environmental checklists pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA); oversees development of appropriate mitigation measures and provides local SEPA official with recommendation concerning environmental threshold determinations.
- Oversees/participates in/ the development of Comprehensive Plan updates; interprets and applies the Comprehensive Plan policies, as well as land use ordinances and related environmental laws.
- Interprets, applies and communicates technical, statistical and legal codes, policies and ordinances, including zoning, land use, and environmental regulations to customers.
- Provides recommendations to the development and implementation of planning standards, policies, strategies and priorities.
- Assists with the preparation of the budget, monitors the budget for expenditures and authorizes purchases in accordance with city policy.
- Recommends planning priorities, projects and requirements.
- Performs project management over assigned projects to ensure contract compliance and adherence to applicable policies, ordinances, state or federal regulations.
- Oversees and/or performs the analysis and preparation of reports regarding effects of proposed development, annexations, zone changes, and new construction.
- Oversees all public involvement activities for assigned projects; develops and schedules public review process and public meetings, hearings and workshops; represents the city at meetings.
- Develops and negotiates consultant contracts for assigned projects; monitors and evaluates performance of consultants.
- Perform the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
- Provide coverage for daily operations for the Planning and Community Development Director when that position is absent.
Evening or variable hours to attend meetings will be required.
- Principles, practices, methods, current trends, and standards of urban planning, shoreline master plans, land use policies and zoning regulations.
- Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to urban planning and other assigned areas.
- Governmental and legal procedures related to planning, zoning and land use.
- Public records act, specifically the creation, storage, maintenance and response to public records in the state of Washington.
- Structure, organization and interrelationships of city departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
- Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public relations, public speaking and professional business letter writing.
- Project management techniques and principles.
- Research methods and report preparation and presentation.
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as: word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
- Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
- Supervisory and training principles, methods, best management practices and techniques.
- Maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance during scheduled hours.
- Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team.
- Supervise others in a manner conducive to efficient and effective work performance and positive morale.
- Organize work for maximum efficiency.
- Meet timelines and deadlines.
- Utilize personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the public.
- Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.
- Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact, patience and diplomacy.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers.
- Effectively delegate tasks and workload assignments.
- Valid State of Washington Driver's License; and a driving record which meets the city's requirements
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
- Master's degree in a related field, preferred
- Completion of position-relevant background check