Planner, Senior - Everett, United States - Snohomish County Planning and Development Services

Description

Salary : $83, $101,832.48 Annually

Location : Everett, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2024-CNR6316R-FEB

Department: Dept of Conservation & Nat Resources

Division: Surface Water Mgmt

Opening Date: 02/08/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

This job posting will remain open until the position has been filled.

Snohomish County Surface Water Management (SWM), a Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is hiring one Planner, Senior to join our team.

SWM is seeking a highly motivated candidate for one Planner, Senior position to be the County's Community Rating System (CRS) Coordinator. This position will coordinate and report on the activities of county departments designed to reduce and avoid flood damage that address Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements as a CRS community. The position will develop annual flood information outreach materials for floodplain residents.

The position will also support our new and growing Integrated Floodplain Management Program. The program works with partners to engage the local floodplain community to understand the dynamics of living in a floodplain and help chart a future of resiliency by implementing actions that support fish, farms, and floods.
The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working on floodplain issues
• Understand and interpret complex local, state, and federal floodplain regulations
• Have experience developing community outreach materials
• Have the skills to coordinate FEMA reporting for county departments

If you are dedicated, motivated and team-oriented with professional experience in natural resource planning in the areas of watersheds, floodplains, and habitat protection and restoration, this is your opportunity to make a difference. We are looking for talented applicants with a proven track record of working collaboratively with colleagues, management, stakeholders, and other key partners. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, collaborative decision making and problem resolution. This is a professional level position where the successful candidate shall demonstrate the ability to excel in a team environment and interact effectively with a diverse group of professionals. In addition, this position may lead and/or coordinate the work of other staff, so the preferred candidate will be able to give and review work assignments and work well with other staff within the SWM Division.

For further information on Snohomish County Surface Water Management's programs, please go to Our 2022 Highlights report is available

About Surface Water Management
SWM is a stormwater utility that provides services to unincorporated Snohomish County. These services are funded by service charges paid by property owners in the unincorporated county. SWM is the largest division in Snohomish County's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with an annual budget of $54.6 million.

SWM works in partnership with other local and regional agencies to improve Snohomish County now and for future generations. SWM provides a variety of programs and services for reducing road and property flooding and preserving and improving the health of Snohomish County's water resources and natural systems. We focus on four core areas of service:

• Drainage and road flooding
• Clean water in rivers, streams and lakes;
• Salmon and marine habitat; and
• River flooding

You can find us responding to water-quality problems and complaints, monitoring river levels during flood season, maintaining drainage systems, managing habitat improvement projects and more. For further information on Snohomish County Surface Water Management's programs, please go to Our 2020 Highlights report is available

About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management, the Division of Parks & Recreation, the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture and aims to achieve high-priority environmental sustainability goals. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the web page to learn more. For further information on Snohomish County Surface Water Management's programs, please go to

About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, , is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities, and a thriving economy. is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. When joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We are proud to offer an outstanding package to employees and their dependents. We are invested in your success and growth and offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference providing services for our citizens. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career.

Snohomish County - The Future We Choose
Benefits
Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth. We demonstrate this by offering a generous compensation package to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package. Our benefits include:

• : County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plan with low deductibles. The county's contribution to this benefit is significant.
• Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
• Holiday Pay: The County observes eleven (11) paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
• Other benefits include , , , , , , and more.
• : If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
• Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Career development training.

Teleworking Options
The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is also available.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email:

Job Duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Coordinates and participates in the development and administration of public works plans; identifies information required, chooses data collection methods, collects and analyzes data; formulates and recommends options and solutions; develops plan alternatives; prepares analyses, proposals, cost estimates, and reports; conducts special studies, projects and forecasts; solicits departmental and citizen involvement and input; and prepares recommendations for Planning Commission and County Council review.

2. In coordination with other divisions' staff, work on requests for proposals for professional services, monitors budgets and maintains status reports on capital construction projects.

3. Prepares timelines and scheduling for capital construction projects in coordination with Public Works staff, and contractors.

4. Assumes lead planner role as assigned; coordinates with and directs associate planners and/or technical staff in the preparation of plans and reports; ensures that completed work complies with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and grant requirements.

5. As assigned, supervises, coordinates or conducts planning related projects.

6. Arranges for, sets up and/or participates in public meetings, hearings, and council sessions; acts as departmental representative; prepares or supervises the preparation of graphics, displays, brochures, leaflets and slide/tape shows; prepares oral and written presentations including findings and reports; responds to questions and solicits input as appropriate.

7. Serves as staff representative on various technical advisory committees, commissions and interest groups; coordinates the formation of various groups as necessary; develops agendas and keeps the groups informed about problems, needs, pending changes and various topics of interest; moderates discussions, mediates disputes, and resolves conflicts; arranges for presentations by other staff and agencies; delegates tasks and work assignments; takes minutes; coordinates the development of group policies, documents and reports.

8. Responds to and resolves planning related conflicts and questions from the general public, government and private officials, the media and interest groups regarding zoning, subdivisions, code interpretations, permit processing and departmental policies; researches files and provides information over the phone and in writing.

9. Formulates, prepares and circulates environment impact statements; evaluates and prepares environmental threshold determinations for non exempt proposals; reviews and comments on environmental assessments, threshold determinations and statements prepared by other departments and agencies; provides written and oral interpretations of applicable environmental ordinances and policies as necessary.

10. Prepares and submits various grant proposals; drafts and monitors grant award contracts; coordinates and monitors work completed by grant funded subcontractors; administers non-accounting aspects of minor grants.

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

11. May assist in the preparation of the Annual Construction Plan and six-year Capital Improvement Program.

12. Prepares contracts and monitors the performance of various consultants and interlocal agreements; approves work in progress and on completion; approves billings for services received; prepares status reports as required.

13. Performs related duties as required.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO PROGRAM PLANNING:

14. Conducts transportation modeling/analysis working with modeling software.

15. Develops GIS applications for transportation or planning related projects.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in planning, environmental studies, geography, engineering, or a related field; AND, two (2) years experience in planning work related to the specific requirements of the position; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or related experience that provides the required knowledge, and abilities. Must pass job related tests.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSA valid State of Washington Driver's License is required.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO PROGRAM PLANNING: May be required to develop GIS applications for transportation or planning related projects.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• the principles and practices of planning and design
• capital construction budget management
• research and data collection techniques
• mapping and charting techniques
• current literature trends, regulations and developments in the planning field
• federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to area of assignment
• comprehensive knowledge of public works project management
• computer word processing, spreadsheet and database applications

Ability to:

• gather, evaluate and document technical planning data
• read, interpret and apply legal documents and descriptions
• independently prepare comprehensive plans and studies
• independently organize tasks, delegate responsibility and coordinate a planning team effort under deadlines
• synthesize the research results and use these results as a basis for recommendations;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• make effective group presentations
• provide graphics necessary to assigned projects
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with all levels of county management and staff, representatives of other agencies and the general public
• read, interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing assigned duties
• communicate effectively with people of all ages and from a variety of cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds
• prepare a variety of correspondence, reports, and other written materials and documents;
• negotiate contracts and oversee contractors
• resolve conflicts
• effectively manage multiple projects and related budgets

SUPERVISION
Employees in this class receive administrative direction from an administrative superior. The work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through meetings, periodic status reports and results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in the usual office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the county for the purpose of attending community meetings, and public hearings and making site visits. Employee may be occasionally exposed to manufacturing-type environment and businesses that produce small quantities of chemicals.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these for medical insurance. The County pays the for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County's contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County's to learn more.

01

Following are a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.
A resume may be submitted, but it will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as "see resume" or "see application" will not be considered.

Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment?

• Yes, I have a valid Washington State Driver's License
• No, but I have the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
• No, I do not have the ability to obtain one

03

What is your highest level of education in urban planning, natural resource planning, environmental sciences/studies, civil or environmental engineering, geography, or a related field?

• No degree
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

04

How many years of experience do you have at a senior planner level OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities?

• No experience to less than two (2) years experience
• Two (2) years to less than four (4) years experience
• Four (4) years to less than six (6) years experience
• Six (6) or more years experience

05

The following essay questions will be scored to determine whether or not you advance to the interview stage. You must score at least 70% to qualify for an interview. Candidates with passing scores will be ranked by supplemental score. You will be awarded points for grammar, spelling, and writing ability. The top scoring candidates will be invited to an interview.
Do you understand that the scores on this portion of the supplemental will determine your eligibility and ranking for an interview, and all experience MUST be documented in your employment history?

• Yes
• No

06

Essay Question This position requires an educational background and professional experience working on natural resource efforts in floodplains. Please briefly describe your educational background and in more detail your professional experience working on floodplain issues. Please describe your job title and role in the program or project.

07

Essay Question As a Planner, Senior this position will lead planning efforts in the development of plans, reports, technical memos, briefing documents, grant applications and outreach or presentation materials. Describe your experience developing and producing planning documents, reports, and outreach materials.

08

Essay Question This position serves as the county's Community Rating System (CRS) Coordinator and will coordinate the work of SWM and other county departments responsible for reporting to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on CRS activities. Describe your experience coordinating work assignments, checking progress, reviewing quality of work, and ensuring timely delivery of work products.

Required Question