Job Information
Yakima Valley Conference of Governments LAND USE PLANNER in YAKIMA, Washington
ABOUT THE LAND USE PLANNER POSITION Under general supervision, performs planning duties in the development, administration, and support of current planning and long-range planning in various communities throughout Yakima County.
The successful applicant will have outstanding written and oral communication skills, and complete projects and tasks on time. The position supports and monitors local agencies' needs and priorities in the Yakima Valley. The Planner will work multiple tasks at any given time and must be able to manage their time and work to meet deadlines.
The Planner will develop technical reports and planning documents to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for member jurisdictions. Besides technical reports, this role facilitates related meetings and committees in support of our member jurisdictions' needs and goals.
The successful applicant is required to have their own transportation and be able to travel frequently around the region and/or throughout the state, including night meetings, events, trainings, and related coordination meetings, conferences, and workshops.
*Primary Responsibilities *The Planner will report to the Program Manager and performs the assigned job duties under general supervision as follows:
- Assists municipalities in identification of comprehensive planning needs and requirements and prepares a variety of comprehensive plan amendments to address community needs.
- Processes land development applications including environmental review, development review, and preparation and presentation of staff reports and recommendations.
- Analyzes land development trends and develops land use regulations (zoning, subdivision, and environmental review requirements) for member jurisdictions using established research and public processes.
- Research availability of grants for public facilities and programs. Administers grants in compliance with state and federal laws and guidelines.
- Various administrative duties including tracking and reporting monthly time expenditures and descriptions of tasks billed to contracts.
- May represent YVCOG by serving on local, state, and federal committees concerned with the development and implementation of new or improved services, programs, and policies.
- Develops and maintains good relations with members and state/federal agencies for furthering of programs and projects.
- Responsible to keep projects on track, identifying and defining project requirements.
- Coordinate project schedules and deadlines, ensuring that all involved tasks are on track to meet deadlines and deliverables.
- Collaborate with staff planning and work modifications, request training and professional development, coaching, offer creative and technical direction, and monitor workflow.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of program and project delivery methods and procedures and identify and implement opportunities for improvement.
- Gather and provide public records if requested.
- Attend member council and planning commission meetings (in the evening) when necessary.
- Educate planning commissions and member staff regarding local and state laws and policies.
- This list of job responsibilities is not all inclusive
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: • A Bachelor's degree in planning, urban development, transportation, environmental studies, or public administration; (equivalent experience may substitute for education on a one-one basis) • Prefer one (1) year of work experience in planning, research and analysis related to land use, and/or transportation. • Prefer experience working under the Washington State Growth Management Act. • Must be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver's licens