JOB SUMMARY

This position works under the direction of the Planning and Community Development (PCD) Director. The Planning Manager is a mid-level supervisory position responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of the Planning division. Performs advanced professional planning work, exercising independent judgment in the direct undertaking of long-range planning, development review, critical area and shoreline regulation, and related research. Work requires a large degree of independent responsibility and a high level of professional performance in planning, reviewing, coordinating and undertaking a variety of complex planning tasks. Supervises Planning division staff, including evaluation of performance of assigned personnel. Assists the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning division budget.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises Planning division staff, including evaluation of performance of assigned personnel.
• Represents and serves as the PCD Director in their absence including interim responsibility as the City's SEPA, floodplain and zoning official.
• Interpret, analyze and apply ordinances, zoning regulations and other City, state, and federal regulations and laws relating to planning, zoning, and the environment and development issues.
• Update and amend adopted plans including the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Program in conformance with the needs of the City and the requirements of state law.
• Research, compile, and analyze data and information for staff reports, ordinances, and plan amendments.
• Receives, evaluates, and processes land use and development applications, ensures compliance with permit and code requirements, and ensures permits are processed in compliance with Municipal Code and State rules.
• Prepare written project analyses for review by the Director, City Manager, Citizen Committees, Planning Commission and/or City Council including identification of appropriate land use policies, design issues and environmental requirements; make recommendations for action.
• Coordinates joint activities between City departments.
• Resolve complex problems encountered in performance of work assignments.
• Identify and implement changes to the City's land development related policies, codes or operations including code revisions.
• Assists in the formulation of planning documents and in developing, recommending and implementing new systems, policies and procedures.
• Makes decisions regarding implementation of complex and sometimes conflicting code requirements.
• Prepares and makes public presentations on planning information and activities; staffs and facilitates public meetings with the Planning Commission, citizen advisory committees, and other committees and groups.
• Provides staff support to advisory committees.
• Administers contracts for services according to established guidelines.
• Assists the PCD Director in preparation and administration of the Planning Division budget, monitors expenditures and revenue in division budget throughout the year.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public.
• Assists PCD Director in grant application, management, and compliance.
• General administrative and support activities as required; assists the department as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances applied to land use planning
• comprehensive planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques
• municipal government organizational concepts
• operations, organization, policies and objectives of long-range planning and development review
• principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, training, coaching, assigning work, evaluating work and progressive discipline
• Geographic Information System (GIS) basics
• planning and environmental concepts and terminology
• budget preparation and control

Ability to:

• independently assess and resolve complex planning and policy issues are essential skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position
• comprehend and interpret land use laws, rules and regulations
• provide leadership to department personnel that includes fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment, motivating employees to achieve high standards, and providing strong and honest communication to promote transparency
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations
• demonstrate public presentation skills
• establish effective, ongoing relationships with public officials, citizen committees, applicants, members of the public and fellow staff
• demonstrate a positive and strong desire to assist the public

Skills in:

• computer and software proficiency, with emphasis in ArcGIS, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft One Drive, Sharepoint, Teams, Word, Powerpoint, and Excel
• research techniques
• interpersonal communication
• user friendly government writing

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in planning, public administration, geography or related field. Five years' work experience in land use planning, including supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Preferred

• AICP certification

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are performed primarily in an office environment with sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment and personal computer. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet to moderately noisy. May be required to deal with upset customers. This position typically requires movement around the office, reaching, pushing, grasping, finger dexterity, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Limited telework may be approved within the City's policy.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS

• Punctual and consistent attendance.
• Possess a Washington Driver's License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
• Dress and grooming appropriate to the position.
• Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.

BENEFITS

• WA State PERS retirement and optional 457 Deferred Comp
• Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account
• Life, AD&D, long-term disability, and long-term care insurance
• Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
• Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
• 12 paid holidays plus two floating holidays
• Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
• Up to four weeks jury duty pay during service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.