Critical Areas Planner

Salary: See Position Description

Location : Coupeville Campus, WA

Job Type: Full Time Regular

Job Number: 2024-053

Department: Planning & Community Development

Opening Date: 05/29/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

• Employees in this position are responsible for implementation of Island County Code requirements under the Critical Areas Ordinance for development sites in Island County.
• Employees in this position will review existing development approval documents and site plans, conduct site investigations, and evaluate whether development activities and sites are in compliance with the Critical Areas requirements of Island County Code.
• Employees in this position must be able to work effectively with the community of development professionals, the general public, appointed and elected officials, and coworkers.

Hourly Pay Information for this Job Series:

Assistant Planner, grade C-11: $27.32
Associate Planner, grade C-12: $29.81
Senior Planner, grade C-13: $32.28

Position is open until filled.
Job Duties

The complexity of duties and responsibilities of the critical areas planner increases with position in this classification:

Assistant Planners are expected to perform assigned duties and demonstrate the ability to rapidly become familiar with and apply all state and local code requirements governing critical area planning matters.

Associate Planners are expected to perform assigned duties with minimal supervision. Associate Planners are expected to expand their knowledge and application of state and local regulatory processes and to handle increasingly complex and controversial matters.

Senior Planners are expected to independently ensure that the duties and responsibilities of critical area planning are carried out in a timely manner and within established budgetary constraints. Senior Planners may coordinate the work of Associate and Assistant Planners and ensure its timely completion.

General Duties:

• Review and analyze existing development approval documents to include interpretation of complex codes, laws, and other relevant regulations.
• Perform on-site critical areas assessments, particularly with regard to wetlands, streams, water bodies, and the marine shoreline to determine whether proposed development sites or activities comply with Critical Area code requirements. Prepare and review site investigation reports, identify actions necessary for compliance, and in conjunction with the Code Enforcement Officer, initiate enforcement actions to achieve compliance.
• Prepare detailed staff reports and presentations to the public at Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and Board of Island County Commissioners hearings.
• Coordinate activities with, and represent the County at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups. Community meetings may be held outside of normal working hours.
• Provide technical expertise in the development and review of Best Available Science for compliance plans related to critical areas regulations. Assist other planners and technical staff on resolving conflicts or problems by consultation on on-site inspections.
• Monitor projects for performance and compliance with permit conditions. Initiate enforcement actions for project compliance with critical areas requirements.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive scientific background and/or specific training related to critical areas including the ability to perform wetland delineations as well as an ability to review and compile recommendations of the best available science.
• Considerable knowledge of planning and zoning principles and practices; and environmental and land use laws, specifically the Washington State Growth Management Act and SEPA.
• Knowledge of coastal biological and geologic processes and wetland environments.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, and regular attendance in training for current scientific practices are essential elements of this position.
• Ability to exercise objective and sound independent professional judgment when dealing with individuals and groups with conflicting or competing interests.
• Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation of reports. Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, and relate to various personality styles in a professional manner.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete work and meet required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
• Understand the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, such as in cases involving potential litigation.
• Word processing and computer skills related to tasks.
• Ability to conduct site inspections and investigations in areas of steep slopes, uneven terrain, wetland areas, etc. where considerable physical exertion may be necessary.

Education, Experience & Certifications

Assistant Planner:
A Bachelor degree with major course work in natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, or related environmental studies AND related experience (including internships) in critical area regulations or planning in either the private sector serving, or directly for, a public agency.

Associate Planner:
A Bachelor degree with major course work in natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, or related environmental studies AND three years of related professional experience in critical area regulations or planning in either the private sector serving, or directly for, a public agency; or

A Master degree with major course work in natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, or related environmental studies AND one year of related professional experience in critical area regulations or planning in either the private sector serving, or directly for, a public agency.

Associate planners must demonstrate sound judgment, exercise independent and appropriate decision making skills, and are expected to carry a larger and often more complex case load than Assistant Planners. Associate planners may assist in training of other staff in critical area issues.

Senior Planner:
A Bachelors degree with major course work in natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, or related environmental studies AND five years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning; or,

A Masters degree with major course work in natural sciences, environmental planning, geography, or related environmental studies AND three years of related professional experience in critical area regulations or planning in either the private sector serving, or directly for, a public agency.

Senior planners must demonstrate sound judgment, exercise independent and appropriate decision making skills, and are expected to carry a larger and often more complex case load than Associate Planners. Senior planners will be key participants in training of staff in critical area issues.

• Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain a license.
• Applicants may be considered who demonstrate an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the work, at the sole discretion of the County.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).
Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).
Vision: Vision coverage is included in one Medical plan and another option is available at employee expense.
Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).
Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.
11 paid holidays each year
Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave
Flexible Spending Account (optional)
Wellness programs
Employee assistance program
Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)

Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief
Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

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