Employer: City of Tumwater
Job Type: Land Use Planner
Job Number: 2021-00007
Division: Community Development
Salary: $7,124 - $8,679 Monthly
Location: Tumwater, WA
Opening Date: 04/12/2021
Closing Date: 05/04/2021

Job Description:

Performs advanced administrative analyses and assignments in support of various Community Development Department projects, programs, and other activities including, but not limited to: coordination of development application submittals, reviews, inspections, and approval processes; development process streamlining and customer service enhancement; intra- and interdepartmental development liaison to facilitate effective and efficient processing of development applications; development and administration of the automated permit processing system and related data bases; investigation and resolution of service related complaints from customers and the general public; and serves as a supervisor for the development review/planner(s) and the permit planning technicians.

Job Duties:

1. Performs advanced administrative assignments and management analyses associated with streamlining department processes.
2. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
3. Monitors the status of projects from conception to preliminary and final reviews, through plan reviews and permit issuance, and through project inspection, closeout, and final occupancy.
4. Attends City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Parks Board meetings and other boards and commissions as required; acts as professional advisor on planning and permitting related matters. Keeps informed of changes in the state law that affect development review planning.
5. Coordinates with City administration, other departments, and private firms in development, support and administration of automated permit processing system and related data bases.
6. Oversees the DRC committee and meetings to ensure optimal levels of customer service and to facilitate innovative approaches to addressing individual customer needs.
7. Serves as liaison for the Permitting Division with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
8. Prepares related periodic and special reports, statistical summaries and analyses, correspondence, customer information documents, and public presentation materials.
9. Conducts meetings and negotiations between development application review staff and applicants, property owners, developers, engineers, architects, or other design professionals to resolve processing impasses by investigating alternative means of compliance.
10. Supervises assigned personnel by assigning work and effectively recommending hiring, discipline, training, promotion, and performance evaluation.
11. Keeps informed of changes in the state law that affect development review planning.

Experience/Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills:

Extensive knowledge of techniques and methods of planning; processing land development applications and administering permit processes involving current zoning, building, and engineering plan review and inspection activities. Working knowledge of customer service, problem solving, and organizational development methodologies; of terminology and concepts of land development, zoning subdivision, environmental, building codes, and civil engineering disciplines; and of automated systems associated with the land development and permit processes. Ability to convey technical information. Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations relating to land use.Ability to deal with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, developers, elected officials, the media and the public. Ability to communicate complex subjects effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to effectively lead, motivate and manage assigned employees.

How to Apply:

Apply Today!

Supplemental Information:

Contacts: The Permit Manager has daily contact with assigned staff for supervision, work assignments, work coordination, and information-sharing/gathering. Contact with the public to provide/receive information and explain City policies and procedures. There is also extensive contacts with engineers, architects, developers, contractors, and consultants for the purpose of information-sharing and enforcement. The Permit Manager also attends formal and informal meetings with elected officials, committees or boards, developers and the public to provide project status information and respond to questions and/or concerns. Contacts may occasionally be confrontational in nature, requiring the exercise of discretion while clearly stating the City's position.

Supervision: Supervision is provided by the department director through regular meetings to discuss progress; through review of development application processing effectiveness and efficiency, and levels of customer satisfaction; and through qualitative review of analyses, findings, reports, and other assignments associated with the positions.

Accountability: The Permit Manager is accountable for the effective operation of the City’s permit counter, for the successful completion of assigned projects and programs, and for meeting established performance measures. This position is given substantial autonomy and accountability for permit flow in the department and cross-departmentally.

Working Conditions: Primarily works in an office setting. Some limited site inspections and field review are periodically required.

Physical Requirements: Work is often performed in an office and field setting. Specific physical requirements and typical working conditions for this position are on file in the Administrative Services Department.