Principal Planner

The Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is seeking a highly skilled Principal Planner to serve as a technical subject matter expert on the administration and application of King County's land use related development permit regulations. This role will be responsible for a variety of programs and activities mandated or delegated by state and local regulations.

• Assure that permits or approvals administered by the Permitting Division meet applicable King County codes for land use, clearing, grading, drainage, critical areas, zoning, state and county environmental procedures and the permit processing procedures of King County Code Title 20.
• Supervise and lead other planning staff, assign duties and reviews, and support the team of planners in performing their duties.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to Permitting staff in the administration of land use, zoning, environmental, and related development regulations.
• Supervise and monitor the work of Planner's in their performance and review of various land use and development permits.
• Serve as project manager for the review of complex permitting submittals and coordinate the reviews of other disciplines.
• Coordinate the reviews of a multi-disciplinary team of reviewers to assure timely and accurate reviews and communications with the applicants.
• Interpret county codes and policies in cases of questions or ambiguities. Serve, and potentially co-chair, on the Permitting's Regulatory Review Committee (RRC).
• Develop and implement programs and procedures and be able to analyze and adapt programs as needed to meet Permitting's business needs.
• Assure compliance with a wide variety of land use policies and development codes is documented. These may include Comprehensive Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, drainage, shoreline, critical area, stormwater, road standards, accessibility, building and fire, WAC, RCW and SEPA codes.
• Perform reviews and communicates with applicants on code requirements and solutions related to demonstrating compliance with applicable codes and permitting requirements.
• Exercise considerable independent judgement on professional planning and policy matters.
• Serve as a representative regarding planning and permitting issues with elected officials, agency representatives, developers, consultants, and citizens.
• Coordinate the screening of newly submitted proposals to assure compliance with applicable codes and permitting requirements.
• Prepare production reports for the group.
• Review, comment, and assist with drafting proposed legislation and policy.
• Provide technical expertise in the review of proposed revisions to codes and standards and assists King County in defending against claims stemming from permitted activities.
• Manage and participate in technical and policy committees, potentially serving on Inter- branch Team (king County multi-department coordinating teams).
• Collaborate with other departments, agencies as needed to review, develop, and coordinate modifications to existing programs.
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service and honor commitments made to customers and others.

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in land use, environmental and construction permitting processes.
• Experience reviewing and drafting legislation.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in the interpretation and application of development regulations such as zoning, urban design, critical area, shoreline,
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques and principles.
• Knowledge and experience with the coordination and understanding of related professional disciplines such as engineering, ecological, geological, surface water, traffic, critical area, building and fire.
• Experience in making presentations to legislative bodies, jurisdictional partners, and the public.
• Demonstrated skill in researching and making recommendations, conclusions, and decisions.
• Advanced skill in using common desktop workflow tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Power Point, Project, Visio, Word, Access and permitting processing software.
• Proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving, resolving conflicts, and bringing others to consensus.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting technical data.
• Demonstrated competence in applying project management principles and practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including training and presentations.
• Skill in providing customer service and training.
• Skill in handling multiple competing priorities and producing quality detailed work within tight timeframes.
• Skill in working effectively and cooperatively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.