Senior Planner (Project/Program Manager III)

SUMMARY

The Department of Local Services, Permitting Division is hiring a Senior Planner (Project/Program Manager III). Senior Planners work under the supervision of a Product Line Manager or the Principal Planner to produce or help produce timely, accurate, quality reviews and approvals of land use, development and building permits. Working in a collaborative manner, Senior Planners work with a higher degree of independence. They apply their years of current planning experience to review a variety of permit types ranging from single-family projects to complex commercial or infrastructure projects, but may work more often on complex, high profile, and/or time-sensitive projects.

Senior Planners are responsible for carefully reviewing permit application plans and technical documents; working cooperatively with others in the department and in other agencies; and writing technical permit approval documents and staff reports that are clear, accurate, and defensible.

Senior Planners may assist in developing code amendments; participate occasionally in long-range planning assignments; and, as directed, may be a technical resource for and provide workflow guidance to other planners. An essential part of the job is to work positively and, in a solution-oriented manner with customers, their design/engineering professionals, other members of the public, and co-workers. Some presentations to the public, hearing bodies, and other agencies will be required on a periodic basis.

About the Department of Local Services:
King County is the local service provider for the roughly one quarter-million people who live in the unincorporated areas of the county; collectively, these communities would be the second largest city in the state. The Department of Local Services includes a Director's Office, and the Road Services and Permitting Divisions. Together, this department provides a single executive point of accountability for delivering local services to all unincorporated areas.

To learn more about the Permitting Division please visit our website at King County Permits.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering equity, racial and social justice in every aspect of our work.  Our commitment to “True North” values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose.  Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

JOB DUTIES

Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. 

• As assigned by the Product Line Manager or Principal Planner, review and potentially impose conditions upon land use and building permits according to applicable codes, laws, and policies.
• Project manage the processing of applications. This may include making review assignments, coordinating with other reviewers, scheduling deadlines and assuring public noticing.
• Author accurate and understandable permit language, technical documents, and staff reports that are consistent with applicable codes, laws, and policies.
• Manage individual work time to meet a fluctuating workload and achieve target review times. Serve as a technical resource for other planners in the department.
• As directed, assist in managing the workflow of other planners in the department, and help establish Standard Work practices for permit types.
• Develop or assist in developing code and plan amendments that bring greater relevance or improve departmental processes or systems; support ad hoc long-range planning assignments.
• Support pre-application conferences and assist with customer inquiries.
• Work cooperatively with others in the department or in other agencies to resolve permit- and process-related issues.
• Exhibit and support a culture of superior customer service; to the extent possible, help applicants find the correct pathway to what the applicant wants to achieve.
• Communicate on the job in ways that reflect well upon King County, the County Executive, the department, and the incumbent.
• Scrupulously honor commitments made to customers and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in current planning and permitting.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, policies, and regulations; knowing when to reach out for assistance from supervisor or other professionals.
• Demonstrable experience with long-range planning assignments. Demonstrable supervisory experience of current planning professionals.
• Clear and effective communication skills: ability to listen, provide feedback, and negotiate outcomes as needed; ability to provide accurate and concise oral presentations.
• Ability to help establish and commitment to work within a Standard Work framework in the department.
• 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.
• Skill in problem solving with effective solutions. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in planning or a related field.
• Demonstrable track record of success with complex, high-profile, and/or time-sensitive projects.
• Professional current planning and permitting experience.
• Experience in making presentations to Hearing Examiners, legislative bodies, and the public. Frontline customer service experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners accreditation. 

Requirements: 

• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle throughout the county.
• Must be able to traverse construction sites in any weather condition.

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