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Kittitas County
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: PLANNING DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT: PLANNING DEPARTMENT

APPOINTMENT: This is a full time, administrative/professional exempt position

The Planning Director reports to the Board of County Commissioners and maintains close working relationships with Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, administrative and other personnel, outside agencies, and the general public. This position oversees and supervises all aspects of the Planning Department. The Planning Director works under the guidance of State and Federal regulation, and County policies and procedures.

This position is responsible for developing a long range planning program with goals, objectives, and implementation measures for the County. This position is also responsible for the administration and enforcement of zoning, subdivision, floodplain, shoreline management codes, State Environmental Policy Act, etc. Other responsibilities include the supervision of other members of the Planning Department.

• Organize public information and participation system.
• Collect and evaluate land use, housing, population, employment, and natural resources data.
• Determine long range planning issues and policies, and develop alternatives.
• Prepare and deliver oral and written presentations at public hearings, and meetings.
• Prepare information/reports for Planning Commission and other boards with summary of issues and alternatives.

• Evaluate zoning, subdivision, and shoreline proposals for code compliance, conformance to comprehensive plan, and development regulations.
• Evaluate environmental assessments/determinations for all non-exempt projects.
• Organize public hearings development proposals.
• Prepare staff summaries and recommendations on development proposals.
• Enforce code violations with the assistance of Prosecuting Attorney.
• Interpret and advise the public on development activities.
• Prepare and Publish legal notices, and notify adjacent property owners, affected agencies, etc. in accordance with State and local regulations.

• Determine appropriate course of action regarding public relations, department policies, and evolving issues that relate to the Planning Department.
• Direct staff in implementation of policies, procedures, and distribution of work responsibilities.
• Analyze and prepare annual department budgets.
• Evaluate performance of staff on an annual basis.
• Interview and hire new employees.

Performs other duties as required to assist the County in accomplishing its mission. Is a steward of Kittitas County assets and resources setting a good standard for environmental, social and economic responsibility.

(1) Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Geography, or closely related field or demonstrated equivalent in formal education and experience.

2. Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in a Planning-related position.
3. Demonstrated expertise in communications and interpersonal skills.

1. Master’s degree in Planning, Geography, or Business Administration.

This position requires a person with reasonably good health because of the common necessity to work more than normal office hours, particularly during emergencies. Most work will be accomplished in an office environment but will include field visits to remote, offices, work sites, projects and inspections including hiking in field terrain and in all weather.

Hours of work are as necessary to accomplish the responsibilities in leading the Department. They will often be longer than normal office hours, will often include evenings, weekends and holidays and regular attendance is a high pre-requisite to maintaining the position.