Senior Planner

About the Position

The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.

• Under general direction, serves as senior or lead Planner in performing a variety of more highly complex senior level professional planning responsibilities and tasks for the City;
• serves as staff liaison to boards and commissions; provides information to the public regarding general and complex land and construction issues;

coordinates GIS / mapping activities; conducts various planning reviews as assigned; and provides work direction and leads Planners and support staff on assigned projects.

About the Department

The Development Services Department is responsible for land use and building permit review and approvals; long-range city and regional planning;

building inspection; coordination of development review processes, design standards, and enforcement of the community development code.

We are committed to equity and inclusivity as a foundational element of our work and in creating a positive work environment.

About the City

The City of Edmonds is a beautiful community on the Puget Sound waterfront with a population of 43,370 and is the gateway to the Olympic peninsula via the state ferry system.

Edmonds provides a full range of services, including contracted fire services, police services a municipal court, a community pool, a regional performing arts facility, public works and utilities, a regional wastewater treatment facility, along with community events and services through our Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department.

Six department directors report directly to the Mayor and oversee approximately 279 full time-equivalent employees.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.

Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Serves as senior or lead Planner in performing the more complex planning responsibilities and tasks for the City and provides work direction and lead to Planners and support staff on assigned projects.
• Serves as staff liaison to boards and commissions such as the Planning Board, Architectural Design Board and / or Hearing Examiner.
• Prepares associated detailed reports, public notices, verifies zoning code compliance and conducts various planning reviews as assigned.
• Coordinates code requirements with other divisions and departments, provide staff support at public hearings, make public presentations, conduct site inspections and perform other related duties.
• Provides information to the public regarding general and complex land and construction issues, coordinates GIS / mapping activities, prepares and updates maps, graphics and public information materials and develops and maintains GIS mapping and database records.
• Provides technical assistance in the processing of planning permits for current applications and in the development of short and long-range plans for the City of Edmonds.
• Evaluates and analyzes plans to estimate projected population and employment growth.
• Coordinates code requirements with other divisions and departments and public notices, prepares for and conducts presentations regarding project proposals and code amendments and conducts site inspections for compliance.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reviews related to assigned activities.
• Reviews and makes recommendations to City codes or policy changes as appropriate and based on experience with daily operations and planning.
• Interprets, communicates. exchanges information, and coordinates activities with governmental agencies and other cities regarding projects affecting the City and surrounding area and to resolve issues or concerns.
• Supervises, coaches, trains and motivates staff as assigned and coordinates and / or provides staff training as assigned.

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's Degree in Urban, Regional, or Municipal Planning, Geography, or related field and five years of experience performing planning duties including leading projects and staff, policy and code review, analysis, and evaluation, and preparation of detailed reports and presentations that includes two years of staff supervisory responsibility;

preferably in a municipal planning environment

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which allows the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered.

Required Licenses or Certifications :

• A valid Driver's License at time of hire and a driving record that is acceptable to the City’s insurance requirements. Out of state candidates must obtain their WA State Driver's License within 30 days after moving to WA
• A criminal background check is required following a verbal offer of employment. Criminal history is not an automatic employment disqualifier.

Results are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Environment :

Environment :

• Indoor / Outdoor / Office environment.
• Driving a vehicle to work.

Physical Abilities :

• Hearing, speaking or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person and by phone.
• Read and understand a variety of materials.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Walking or otherwise moving and ascending / descending stairs during site visits.

Hazards :

• Chemicals, fumes or gases associated with utilities systems and projects.
• Contact with angry and / or dissatisfied customers.

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