Senior Planner

Summary Do you love planning, community outreach, equity, transportation, and turning visions into a reality? The Lynnwood Development and Business Services (DBS) has an opening in the Community Planning Division.
This position would join the growing community planning team advancing Lynnwood’s vision for a vibrant, interconnected city.
The next few years for this division includes updating the Comprehensive Plan, adopting a Regional Growth Center Subarea Plan, implementation of a Unified Development Code, planning for light rail service, and continued development of the City Center.
Lynnwood continues the momentum as the economic hub of South Snohomish County through the achievement of the community-inspired vision for a City Center.
Lynnwood is a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government.
The Senior Planner participates in advanced professional planning work.
Responsibilities include analyzing and preparing recommendations on land use, environmental, and urban planning issues, responding to land use inquiries, implementing plans and policies, and serving as a resource to the City Council, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner and other City boards and committees.
Responsibilities include performing planning assignments involving a high level of responsibility and judgment and to provide advice and guidance to Department staff and the public.
Staff in this role function as project managers over department projects and programs.
Essential Functions Includes, but is not limited to, such essential functions as listed below: Analyze demographic, land use and other data relevant to urban planning.
Prepare statistical data, reports and recommendations for use and consideration by the Development and Business Services Director, Community Planning Manager, Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council.
Develop integrated land use, housing, and community development plans, policies, and regulations.
Create implementation strategies, design standards, and regulations.
Prepare subarea plans, comprehensive plan updates, and other policy documents.
Manage, evaluate, and prepare staff reports, presentations, and/or decision determinations for conditional use permits, rezones, project design review, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, subdivisions, annexations, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and other land use proposals.
Develop and draft land use regulations, policies, resolutions, and ordinances for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council.
Answer questions and provide information on land use related questions for residents, property owners, business operators, developers, and other individuals.
Manage and prepare all public notification materials and referrals for the public, other technical experts, and external agencies.
Collect comments, field inquiries about projects, and coordinate responses.
Make presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, Hearing Examiner, and to other bodies and at other public activities.
Develop, lead, and assist with public engagement efforts in an equitable manner, including workshops and presentations.
Review building or site development proposals for conformance with planning policies and zoning code requirements.
Supervise or work with advisory committees on special projects or as a liaison as assigned.
Coordinate and promote department's work with other City departments, local, regional, and state planning agencies, and organizations.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of internal and external customers, including City staff, elected officials, representatives of other governmental agencies, and the public.
Represents the City in regional planning efforts.
Delete.
Prepare development and preparation of SEPA environmental review documents for City project and nonproject actions.
Review private development proposals for environmental impacts and prepare State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determinations.
Work on annexation proposals including preparation of documentation, community outreach and presentations to various bodies.
Review and comment on development proposals and SEPA determinations from other agencies and jurisdictions to determine impacts on the City.
Manage consultant preparation of planning and environmental studies.
Includes project management, grant management, and budget tracking.
Interpret land use ordinances and recommend appropriate applications and actions to resolve problems and proposals.
Perform site review and field investigations to analyze applications, proposals, and take photos for presentations.
Guide junior level staff or direct work-team activities to achieve desired vision and outcomes.
Identify, design, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, decrease permit review times, and improve customer service.
Process, manage, or negotiate appeals, interlocal agreements, development agreements, and other documents.
Maintain regular attendance.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in urban planning or closely related field and at least five years relevant professional planning experience, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience.
Master's Degree is preferred.
Ability to obtain a Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
Possession of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.
Job Location and Equipment Utilized: Work is performed in an office environment, both on-site and off-site, or occasionally out-of-doors to conduct inspections.
Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment including personal computers with associated software and peripherals.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of urban planning, land use, housing, economic development, urban design and zoning principles and practices.
Working knowledge of GIS systems and capabilities.
Knowledge of planning, zoning, environmental, annexation, and other land use laws and pertinent judicial decisions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing at all levels of government, with other organizations, and with the public.
Ability to exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the Department using data, courtesy, and collaborative communication styles.
Ability to coordinate the work of others and provide general advice and guidance to junior Department staff.
Ability to effectively prioritize and resolve problems leading to the successful resolution of controversial issues and carry out multiple priorities simultaneously in a timely and high-quality manner.
Ability to manage projects and work with consultants.
Ability to analyze problems and make recommendations.
Ability to facilitate meetings, develop and implement robust public engagement strategies, and apply equity principals to outreach efforts.
Ability to understand legal descriptions and other technical terminology.
Ability to read and understand development plans.
Ability to prepare maps and graphics.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers.
Physical Demands: Ability to read and review documents and plans and to conduct inspections.
Ability to communicate, exchange information and make presentations.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
Ability to operate a vehicle to conduct inspections or use alternate mode of transportation to participate in off-site meetings and activities.
Ability to operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information This position is represented by Local 3035, Council 2, Washington State Council of County and City Employees AFSCME / AFL-CIO.