Current Planning and Economic Development Manager - Lacey, United States - City of Lacey, WA

Description

Salary: $10, $12,866.39 Monthly

Location : Lacey, WA

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number:

Department: Community and Economic Development

Opening Date: 05/15/2024

Closing Date: 5/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

BASIC PURPOSE

Reporting to the Community and Economic Development Director, the Current Planning & Economic Development Manager oversees current planning and economic development. Ensures consistent customer service to the public and the development community through management of the land use permit program, Economic Development Coordinator and special project staff. Advises the Director on land use, building, economic development, and administrative policies and guidance. Supports the Director by providing technical expertise for the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and City Council. Functions as a member of the Department's management team.

May occasionally act as the Community and Economic Development Director.

Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for June 12, 2024.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

Management and Operations

• Oversee and organize the work of the current planning and economic development division, including the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategies, engages essential economic development organizations including to Chambers of Commerce and the Economic Development Council.
• Serves as planning lead on key economic development initiatives and special projects, including multi-department and agency projects and the development of economic stimulus projects.
• Plans, organizes, administers, and evaluates the current planning permitting processes and programs and supervises the current planning and economic development staff. Responsibilities includes scheduling work, making work assignments, establishing and assigning work schedules.
• Monitors day-to-day operations of current planning and economic development staff, provides leadership for key projects; troubleshoots problem areas, and negotiates agreements as needed with developers.
• Attends and participates in professional group and department meetings, maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment and incorporates new developments as appropriate and assigned.
• Investigates and prepares reports on special problems, technical data, and other designated subjects.
• Provides technical assistance to the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and the City Council, intergovernmental committees and staff on public policy issues, planning and permitting procedures, special and comprehensive plans, economic development initiatives and regulatory ordinances.
• Prepares agendas, staff reports, information development, and presentations to explain impact of planning and development in the community.
• Manages data tracking systems and produces monthly reports as assigned to the Director.
• Develops administrative interpretations and resolves conflicts between codes, policies, and regulations.

Leadership, Development, and Coaching

• Promotes positive customer service and productive, quality service delivery in support of the vision, mission, values, goals, and objectives of the Department and the City.
• Manages, promotes, and maintains a diverse, positive, respectful, motivated, collaborative, and productive team.
• Plans, organizes, manages and provides direction on the activities, goals and objectives, and staff of the current planning and economic development team. Responsibilities include approving leave requests, authorizing over-time, making recommendations on hiring, writing performance reviews and providing feedback; coaching, counseling, training, recognition, and as needed, recommending disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Encourages a high degree of communication and feedback between direct supports and other City employees. Leads by example (e.g. maintains high standards of behavior and performance).
• Ensures that the direct reports receive appropriate training and professional development. Fosters and ensures direct reports creates a safe working environment.
• Ensures direct reports maintain their required certifications and facilitates cross training opportunities across the divisions, if possible.

Project Management and Technical Duties

• Develops policies and procedures to ensure effective customer service.
• Provides information to the public regarding land use regulations processes, and planning and permitting issues. Ensures permitting process are streamlined, timely, and predictable.
• Assures timely responses to citizen inquiries, requests for service, and/or complaints.
• Serves as a business project leader; build community consensus for economic and community development projects and initiatives. Identifies resources, develops work programs and budgets related to economic development initiatives.
• Recognizes opportunities for community betterment, economic enhancement and area revitalization, and develop appropriate projects, programs and partnerships to implement them.
• Negotiates with private development partners to form public-private partnerships.
• Originates innovative ideas for development projects; contacts property owners and developers with ideas and concepts for specific properties.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Prepares and presents oral and visual reports to hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of community development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A H.S. Diploma or equivalent AND 10 years of economic, community, or real estate development experience, to include managing large/complex projects OR 10 years of public sector planning with a focus in current planning implementation and project development. Must have a minimum of two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrent.
OR
A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Economics or a related field AND six (6) years of economic, community, or real estate development experience, to include managing large/complex projects OR six (6) years of public sector planning with a focus in current planning implementation and project development. Must have a minimum of two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrent.
OR
A Master's degree in in Urban Planning, Public Administration Business Administration, or Economics or a related field AND five (5) years of economic, community, or real estate development experience, to include managing large/complex projects OR five (5) years of public sector planning with a focus in current planning implementation and project development. Must have a minimum of two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrent.

*May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Supervisory experience in planning, development permitting, or economic development.
• Previous experience related to land use policies and practices at the local government level.
• Previous experience related to Economic Development

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):

• Must pass a thorough City background investigation and successfully complete reference checks.
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier; OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from job, meetings, and related job sites.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Registered member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or able to obtain membership within six (6) months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Community development practices, economic development resources, marketing, and business development.
• Current best practices in the economic development field.
• Planning principles, practices, regulations and techniques as they relate to land-use subdivision, environmental impact, urban design, building design, transportation or related areas, community and economic development, historic preservation, forecasting, local government, and political decision-making processes.
• Principals of real estate development, commercial, residential and industrial.
• Project management, planning activities and relationships to the comprehensive planning process and associated methodologies and techniques.
• Principles and practices of administrative management and supervision.
• Pertinent Revised Codes Washington (RCW), the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), municipal ordinances, development guidelines and public works standards and policies.
• Permitting processes, administration and tracking systems.
• City Policy & Procedures Manuals.

Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff and other City Departments, City Council, Planning Commission, business community, community partners, and community groups.
• Developing policies and procedures, researching solutions, analyzing and organizing complex technical information, and utilizing creative thinking.
• Methods, principles, and practices of effective interpersonal relations, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
• Communicating complex, sensitive, or controversial information on planning policies and procedures diplomatically.
• Troubleshooting and solving complex technical problems and using good judgment in decision making.
• Dealing courteously and effectively with irate, disgruntled, and sometimes hostile individuals requiring the use of conflict management skills.

Ability to:

• Remain current on legislative changes and environmental regulations that affect urban planning, activities and projects in Washington State
• Prepare and administer work programs, budgets and progress reviews.
• Manage and supervise direct reports.
• Interpret, apply and explain City regulations, codes, policies and ordinances.
• Collect, analyze and interpret data on local economic, population and land use trends.
• Resolve complex problems and mediate or facilitate cooperation among conflicting parties which facilitates diverse interest to build consensus.
• Develop and write reports based on an analysis of data and ongoing resident, business, and agency input.
• Model and initiate a quality customer service attitude throughout the Department.
• Portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring appropriate to position.
• Communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner, both orally and in writing, while maintaining composure, tact, patience and courtesy at all times, including under pressure or during controversial meetings.
• Convey the City's services and brand professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Interact with residents, elected officials, development community, business community, community partners, and staff of other agencies in accordance with the City's standards for interpersonal behavior.
• Attend evening and early morning meetings, as required.
• Make clear and effective presentations to the public and elected officials.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and other City Departments, City Council, Planning Commission, the business community, and community partners.
• Pursue continuing education through membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners.

The City of Lacey understands the importance of benefits and offers a competitive and full benefits package for all regular full-time employees.

Generally, represented employees may receive some, or all, of the benefits listed below, based on their union contracts. Those employees should consult their union agreements for specific information about their benefits, which can be found on the City web page

Medical Insurance Benefits:

• Medical - Choice of Regence BlueShield (PPO) or Kaiser Permanente (HMO) plans offered through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Trust.

The employer pays 100% of employee's monthly premiums and 90% of qualified dependent/domestic partner's premiums.

• Vision - VSP with low co-pays
• Dental - Choice of Willamette or Delta Dental plans and orthodontia coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Program that provides resources to employees, their immediate family (including dependent children) and anyone living in the employee's household. The EAP can provide help with matters such as stress/anxiety, parenting, grief, workplace issues, legal services, financial services, and more.

Life Insurance & Long Term Disability & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• Employer paid life insurance plan
• Employer paid long term disability plan
• Employer paid accidental death and dismemberment plan

Leave Benefits:

• Vacation (which increases with years of service)
  • 96 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Non-Supervisory Employees, LPOG Represented Employees
  • 128 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis After Second Year of Employment for LPMA Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees
  • 135 Hours Vacation on Accrual Basis for Non-Represented Supervisor or Management Employees

11 Paid Holidays

Floating Holidays

• 2 Floating Holidays for Non-Represented Employees & LPSMA Represented Employees
• 1 Floating Holiday for LPOG & LPMA Represented Employees

8 Hours Sick Leave on Accrual Basis Per Month

Jury Duty/Military Leave

Bereavement Leave

*All benefits and accruals outlined in collective bargaining agreements can be found here:

Investment and Retirement Programs:

• State retirement pension plan - Includes employer paid contributions to the State of Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• 457 Deferred Compensation (voluntary)- two options MissionSquare and DRS
• Social Security benefit (for Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) covered staff) - Our Employee Benefits include employer paid contributions to Social Security and Employees pay the employee portion of Social Security tax.
• HRA/VEBA plan- A designated monthly amount (a City and/or employee contribution) is paid into a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account. An HRA is a type of health plan savings account for your family's medical care expenses and premiums, which can be accessed during employment with the City or saved and used at separation or retirement.
• 1-2% Benefit - Employer provides contributions between 1-2% (depending on position type) of your monthly salary pre-tax towards two options; 1) applied to insurance premium amount owed for dependent coverage or invested into a 457 deferred compensation account; OR a cash disbursement amount applied to your check monthly but the amount is taxed.

Voluntary Benefits:

• Optional plans for additional life insurance, disability, and accident coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan - employees can contribute pre-tax contributions toward IRS allowed, qualifying medical and/or daycare expenses.

Wellness Program:

• The City has a robust employee Wellness program that offers a variety of resources and activities for employee well-being.

Flexible Working Arrangements:

• In recognition of Commute Trip reduction efforts, the City of Lacey provides flexible and alternative work schedules for many of our workforce positions.
• City Hall is within minutes driving from I-5 Exit 108, and within walking/biking distance from Park and Ride Transit Martin Way Location and the Chehalis Western Trail.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• The City promotes a learning environment and encourages opportunities for employees to continue to grow in their positions and careers. The City offers tuition reimbursement (as outline in City Personnel Policies) for eligible employees.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):

• Employees are also eligible to apply to The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This program is a United States government program that was created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to provide indebted professionals a way out of their federal student loan debt burden by working full-time in public service.

*Note: Regular part-time employees may be eligible for pro-rated benefits (medical/dental/vision) depending on the hours of work assigned to the position. Their spouses and dependents are not eligible for health insurance coverage.

01

INSTRUCTIONS: Please read the following instructions before you proceed in responding to the supplemental questions below. Answers to the supplemental questions will be evaluated by subject matter experts. You must answer each question in its entirety for it to be considered as a complete answer. You must also answer the remainder of these questions as truthfully and as accurately as possible.Please do not refer to your resume or other attached documents, or copy and paste information from your resume or other attached documents, in lieu of answering any questions. Your responses must be typed in the space provided for each question. Your responses may be assessed in subsequent examinations and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from the examination process and possible elimination from future employment opportunities with the City of Lacey. As part of the interview process, you may be invited to come in and perform a work assessment prior to interviews related to the duties of this position. Please note that the work experience section must be completed and a resume AND Letter of Interest must be attached.Please indicate "yes" to show that you have read these instructions and understand that your application may be considered incomplete if any of the above criteria are not met.

• Yes
• No

02

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03

Please select the response below that most closely describes how you meet the required qualifications of this position.

• HS Diploma & ten (10) years of experience.
• BA and & six (6) years of experience.
• MA and five (5) years of experience.

04

Do you have at least two (2) years of experience leading a team or supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

05

What area of work (Economic Development or Current Planning) would you say you have the most opportunity for growth and which area would you consider to be one you have the greatest strength in?

06

What about Economic Development and/or Current Planning is exciting to you and why?

Required Question