Principal Planner (Project/Program Manager IV)

In order to hire and maintain a quality workforce that reflects the diversity of the community and works well within our True North values-based organization, the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services (DLS) is accepting applications for the career-service position of Principal Planner (Project/Program Manager IV).

The person in this role will serve as a technical subject matter expert on the administration and application of King County’s land use related development permit regulations. This position is responsible for a variety of programs and activities mandated or delegated by state and local regulations. This position requires substantial skills in the areas of application project management, customer relations, collaboration, leadership, and the training of technical review staff. This person will exercise considerable judgment, independence, and initiative in making recommendations to the Department of Local Services – Permitting Division leadership.

JOB DUTIES:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must at a minimum, demonstrate knowledge, skill, and abi lity to:

Applying equity 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.

• Assure that permits or approvals administered by the Permitting Division meet applicable King County codes for land use, clearing, grading, drainage, critical areas, zoning, state and county environmental procedures and the permit processing procedures of King County
Code Title 20.

• Provide technical oversight and guidance to Permitting staff in the administration of land use, zoning, environmental, and related development regulations
• Supervise and monitor the work of Planner’s in the review of various land use and development permits.
• Serve as project manager for the review of complex permitting submittals and coordinate the reviews of other disciplines.
• Coordinate the reviews of a multi-disciplinary team of reviewers to assure timely and accurate reviews and communications with the applicants.
• Interpret county codes and policies in cases of questions or ambiguities. Serve, and potentially co-chair, on the Permitting’s Regulatory Review Committee (RRC)
• Develop and implement programs and procedures and be able to analyze and adapt programs as needed to meet Permitting’s business needs.
• Assure compliance with a wide variety of land use policies and development codes is documented. These may include Comprehensive Plan, land use, zoning, subdivision, drainage, shoreline, critical area, stormwater, road standards, accessibility, building and fire, WAC, RCW and SEPA codes.
• Perform reviews and communicates with applicants on code requirements and solutions related to demonstrating compliance with applicable codes and permitting requirements.
• Exercise considerable independent judgement on professional planning and policy matters.
• Serve as a representative regarding planning and permitting issues with elected officials, agency representatives, developers, consultants, and citizens.
• Coordinate the screening of newly submitted proposals to assure compliance with applicable codes and permitting requirements.
• Prepare production reports for the group.
• Review, comment, and assist with drafting proposed legislation and policy.
• Oversee the review, conditioning, approval, and inspection of private development proposals that involve public right of way and private roads improved to minimum County standards.
• Provide technical expertise in the review of proposed revisions to codes and standards and assists King County in defending against claims stemming from permitted activities.
• Manage and participate in technical and policy committees, potentially serving on Inter- branch Team (king County multi-department coordinating teams)