Senior Planner - City of Moses Lake

Job Description

This position is open until filled.

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs a variety of professional planning duties supporting the functions of the Community Development Department.  This position is responsible for the evaluation and processing of current planning projects; participation in the long-range planning programs; researching, preparing, and presenting reports and recommendations for the City at public hearings and meetings related to land use applications, environmental impact reviews, code amendments, and comprehensive plan amendments. The Senior Planner informs the public, land developers, and others of various laws, codes, regulation requirements and other planning documents such as the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all the following duties, which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to the classification:

• Provide technical information and interpretations orally and in writing to land developers and the public concerning land use applications, City policies and regulations, zoning, subdivision, site plan review, environmental and other relevant land use related regulations and procedures. 
• Research, analyze, and prepare reports on current planning issues, environmental, and process actions for presentation to the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, or City Council.
• Organize and perform research and preparation of written findings and recommendations for land use applications, code, or policy development.
• Review assigned current projects for compliance with adopted local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations.
• Review and process development applications including commercial and residential development, subdivision applications, development within shorelines, and development within critical areas.
• Coordinate application review process for land use matters, permits, variances and other related procedures with City staff, affected agencies, residents, and developers regarding technical requirements, deficiencies, and solutions.
• Compile data and provide assistance and written recommendations to applicants.
• Distribute assigned projects to City departments, public agencies, and private enterprises.
• Conduct field investigations to verify comprehensive plan and zoning code relevancy and status of potential environmental issues such as wetlands, steep slopes, and shoreline areas.
• Review and process State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) applications. 
• Prepare legal notices and site notices for applications.
• Compose, edit, and prepare a variety of written materials including reports, discussion papers, graphics, recommendations, and other materials.
• Respond to questions from the public, applicants, and developers regarding the City’s development review process and assist applicants in the completion of application materials. 
• Coordinate city map updates with the GIS department.
• Participate on assigned committees; attend associated meetings; and provide necessary support and information.
• Provide staff support to Planning Commission.
• Attend Planning Commission, City Council, and other public meetings and open houses, and may make oral presentation of proposals to facilitate discussions; prepare minutes and other meeting materials.
• Assist in preparing revisions to the Zoning Code, Comprehensive Plan, and other regulatory and policy documents, including collection of data.
• Review and recommend amendments to City codes or policies. 
• Coordinates hearing examiner cases for permits by reviewing and routing application requests and informing interested parties about the public hearing and final actions.
• Assist Code Enforcement Officer, as necessary, in the performance of his/her duties.
• Perform research tasks as assigned.
• Prepare standard legal documents associated with development permits and minor administrative development applications.
• Work with other members of the department in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques related to land use, environmental impact, economic development, transportation, design review, zoning, etc.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances including the Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, the Shoreline Management Act and other state laws and land use statues related to urban planning.
• Knowledge of planning information sources including demographic data, economic data, environmental factors, land development trends, and legal requirements.
• Knowledge of current literature, trends, and developments in the planning field.
• Knowledge of use of research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures to define and resolve issues.
• Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to planning issues.
• Knowledge of research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data.
• Knowledge of effective technical writing skills, including correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of public relations and ability to apply interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Skill in working with various stakeholders to achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
• Skill in effective written communication, including formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
• Skill in oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly and concisely to the public, elected officials, and stakeholders with tact and confidence.
• Skill in creative problem-solving to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Skill in computer and equipment operations necessary to the functions of the position, including the use of a variety of software programs such as Windows, MS Office, and GIS viewing products.
• Ability to easily adapt to a change in priorities. 
• Ability to work on several projects simultaneously, and to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to evaluate environmental information and recommend mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping the big-picture goals in mind.
• Ability to read and understand maps, architectural plans, and ability to use architect’s and engineer’s scales and perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to perform site visits on varied terrain and conditions is required.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain honest and ethical behavior. 
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with peers and management. 
• Ability to be a team player and help the organization meet its objectives and take initiative to meet department and City goals.
• Ability to be respectful and courteous and effectively communicate with customers and other City employees, and positively represent the City.   

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Planning Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The Planning Manager spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and accuracy of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Moses Lake Municipal Code, the Growth Management Act, SEPA, the Shoreline Management Act, applicable RCW and WAC regulations, and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied planning duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide senior planning support for a variety of City functions. Success in this position contributes to the positive growth and development of the City.

CONTACTS

• The Senior Planner has significant daily contact with the public, elected/appointed officials, and a variety of staff members of external agencies and City departments.
• Contacts are primarily for information sharing and problem resolution.
• Some contacts may be confrontational, requiring the Senior Planner to explain, defend, and support City policies, ordinances, and procedures in a professional, concise, and respectful manner.
• Senior Planners also have daily contact with other City staff to share information, coordinate work, and resolve problems.
• Contacts with elected and appointed officials often take place in public forums or venues.
• The Senior Planner may be the primary contact between advisory boards and City staff.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office setting but also includes intermittent work outdoors, occasionally in extreme hot/cold or inclement weather and driving conditions. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
• Extensive use of computer terminal and keyboard. 
• Moderate to high requirement for hand coordination, visual ability, and cognitive abilities. Must tolerate moderate noise levels and interruptions in an open office environment. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• Lead project teams as assigned.
• May assist in the training of less experienced staff members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, geography, architecture, engineering, natural resources, government administration or a closely related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides sufficient knowledge to competently perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in public planning, public works, or a natural resources agency involved in planning, permitting, and regulatory practices.
• American Institute of Certified Planners certification is preferred.  
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Previous experience in municipal government sector. 
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other. 

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads. 

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice.  Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Company Description

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Benefits

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package.  Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage.  In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered.  Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System.  Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City will also be offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.