HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Manager
City of Port Townsend Job Description
Planning Manager
Classification title: Planning Manager Working title: Planning Manager
Department: Development Services Union: No
FLSA status: Exempt Wage Classification: Non-Bargaining
Hours: Full Time Effective date: 11-1-17
Reports to: Development Services Director Civil Service: No
JOB SUMMARY
This position works under the direction of the Development Services 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 Development Services 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 Development Services Director and serves as the City’s SEPA
official in his/her absence
• 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 the Comprehensive Plan 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
Comprehensive 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
Planning Manager 11-1-17
• Makes decisions regarding implementation of complex and sometimes conflicting code
requirements
• Prepare and make public presentations on planning information and activities; staff and facilitate
public meetings with the planning commission, citizen advisory committees, and other committees
and groups.
• Administer contracts for services according to established guidelines.
• Assists the Development Services Director in preparation and administration of the Planning
Division budget, monitor expenditures and revenue in division budget throughout the year.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general
public.
• 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 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
• research techniques
• interpersonal communication
Planning Manager 11-1-17
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.
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 Drivers 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
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.
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee
occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any
other job related duties requested by their supervisors.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee
and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.