Planner I Or II DOQ

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!

Whatcom County is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and public service.  The County offers competitive compensation, great benefits, and an amazing quality of life. The focus of this position may will shift over time based on the skills of the person selected and the needs of the Department.   Responsibilities may range from development and building application review to comprehensive plan updates and development regulation amendments to managing technical advisory board(s).

The ideal candidate will have natural resource or environmental experience that may include the evaluation of wetland delineations, wetland and stream reports, site plans, maps, surveys, and other documents to determine their accuracy in describing existing field conditions. Emphasis will be placed on review of consultant reports, rating forms, impact analysis, compensatory mitigation proposals, and site plans.  This position is expected to include work in both an office setting, as well as, field work.

Duties range from routine to complex, requiring incumbents to take initiative, make judgment calls and decisions, based on policies and direction for the projects/processes for which they are assigned.  Public outreach, conflict resolution, effective communication, and exceptional writing skills are essential for this position.  This position may be filled as a Planner I or II depending on qualifications.

For more information, please review the following:  

Planner I job description

Planner II job description

Planning and Development Services Website

PLANNER I:  Requires a Bachelor's degree in Planning, or a related field, AND one year of increasingly responsible, paid, professional experience.

PLANNER II:  Requires a Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field AND three years of increasingly responsible, paid, professional experience INCLUDING at least 2 years of professional experience in area of assignment with in the last 5 years.

• A Master's degree in a related field can be substituted for up to six months of experience.

• Experience with permit tracking software, presentation software, geographical positioning systems and geographic information systems is preferred.

• Knowledge of ecological systems similar to Whatcom County is preferred.

• Knowledge of and experience working with local and state governments and agencies is preferred.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Verifiable experience working on planning projects such as comprehensive or subarea plan development, updates, or amendments; local code amendments; or other legislative development processes and/or processing and review of regulatory documents such as wetland delineations, identification of Critical Area species and habitats, identification and knowledge of Pacific Northwest Native Plants.

• Organizational skills including competent time management, proficient data management and organization, and demonstrated capacity to work in and coordinate planning committees.

• Ability to develop and/or provide technical review of policies, code, and comprehensive plan amendments.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.  The ability to manage and use interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts among a large variety of groups, agencies and individuals. 

• A proven ability to provide excellent and timely customer service and technical assistance to groups and individuals both inside and outside the department responding to a full range of inquiries.

• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports that evaluate, present findings, offer conclusions, and make recommendations related to land use and development applications and planning topics.

• Experience making presentations at public meetings and/or hearings.

• Skilles for working directly with the public, other County staff, appointed and elected officials and State and Federal agencies.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Salary Range:

• Planner I:     MCBA - Range 160.0

Anticipated Hiring Range:  $30.62 -  $33.06 per hour

• Planner II:    MCBA - Range 180.0 

Anticipated Hiring Range:  $33.27- $35.88 per hour

See link for full Salary Range. Hiring rate depends on qualifications.  Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range (posted above), subject to required approvals. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). 

For more information about the Planning and Development Services Department, please see their website.