This position is open until filled, with first review of applications on Monday, November 6, 2023. 

INTRODUCTION

Are you a visionary urban planner with a passion for shaping the future of our cities and communities? Are you intrigued by the prospect of crafting long-term strategies that will guide our city’s growth and development for years to come? If so, the City of Moses Lake invites you to join our dedicated team as a Long-Range Planner. Moses Lake is a unique community, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, sense of community and a robust economy, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. With our low traffic and short commute times, you are able to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger cities. As a Long-Range Planner, you’ll have the chance to apply your skills and expertise to help shape the development of a community experiencing rapid growth in the industrial sector and the associated need for new housing options. 

As a Long-Range City Planner, you will be at the forefront of developing, implementing, and overseeing long-term planning initiatives. You will work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals, City officials, and community stakeholders to chart the course for our city’s growth and evolution.

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs a variety of professional planning duties supporting the functions of the Community Development Department. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of long-range planning programs; researching, preparing, and presenting reports and recommendations for the City at public hearings and meetings related to critical area and environmental review, code amendments, comprehensive plan and various other plan amendments. The Long Range Planner informs the public, land developers, and others of various laws, codes, regulation requirements and other planning documents such as the Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program and Housing Action Plan, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Depending upon assignment, the Long-Range Planner may perform a combination of some or all the following duties, which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to the classification:

• Provide comprehensive technical and professional planning services to achieve structured and organized growth and development in the City, and in coordination with the County; assure long-range plans are in compliance with City codes, policies, and procedures, County-wide planning policies, and state and federal regulations, as applicable. 
• Perform lead role and project management in analyzing land use, environmental, cultural resources, economic development, housing needs of the city, and in formulating updates to long-range plans, implementation strategies, and associated regulations including annual and periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program, Housing Action Plan, land development regulations, and other related plans. 
• Maintain the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment docket and process amendment requests. Stay abreast of state legislative actions regarding long range planning, mandatory updates, and Case Law for updates to the development code.
• Provide technical support to other departments in the development of related plans, including Parks and Recreation Plan, Wayfinding / Trails Plan, Water System Plan, and other plans.
• Draft and present land use code amendments and policy recommendations and plan proposals to policy makers and the general public; track the implementation of plans once completed and adopted. 
• Perform lead role in processing annexation requests and coordinate with other departments and outside agencies to assess capacity of City services required to serve proposed annexation areas; coordinate with other departments in the required updates to the Capital Facilities Plan.
• Perform lead role in processing rezone requests.
• Process actions for presentation to the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, City Council, or other boards or committees as assigned; prepare minutes and other meeting materials. 
• Compose, edit, and prepare a variety of written materials including reports, discussion papers, graphics, recommendations, and other materials for dissemination to the public; attend public meetings and open houses, and make oral presentation of proposals to facilitate discussions.
• Coordinate with City staff and/or consultants to design, schedule, and advertise an extensive program of innovative and creative public outreach activities aimed at engaging a broad and diverse representation of the community for purposes of gathering community input for amendments and/or updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, Housing Action Plan, Shoreline Master Program, and any other regulatory documents pertaining to long-range growth of the City. 
• Negotiate inter-local agreements and memoranda of understanding with other jurisdictions for planning and plan implementation activities.
• Participate in grant writing process with other City staff, by preparing and writing grant application components related to long range planning products, i.e., demographic data, maps, plats, site plans, narratives, etc.
• Conduct field investigations to verify comprehensive plan and zoning code relevancy and status of potential environmental issues such as wetlands, steep slopes, and shoreline areas.
• Respond to questions from the public, applicants, and developers regarding the City’s long-range planning programs.
• Coordinate city map updates with the GIS department.
• Work with other City staff members, County, State and other outside agencies in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to land use, environmental impact, transportation, etc.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances including the Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, the Shoreline Management Act and other state laws and land use statues related to urban planning.
• Knowledge of specialized area of planning such as community development, economic development, environmental planning, and design review.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning.
• Knowledge of planning information sources including demographic data, economic data, environmental factors, land development trends, and legal requirements.
• Knowledge of current literature, trends, and developments in the planning field.
• Knowledge of use of research and analytical methods, practices, and procedures to define and resolve issues.
• Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to planning issues.
• Knowledge of research methodology as applied to the collection and analysis of planning data.
• Knowledge of correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of effective technical writing techniques.
• Knowledge of public relations and ability to apply interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Skill in working with various stakeholders to achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
• Skill in formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
• Skill in oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly and concisely to the public, elected officials, and stakeholders with tact and confidence.
• Skill in creative problem-solving to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
• Skill in effective written and oral communication.
• Skill in computer and equipment operations necessary to the functions of the position, including the use of a variety of software programs such as Windows, MS Office, and GIS viewing products, permit tracking programs, etc.
• Ability to easily adapt to a change in priorities. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to evaluate environmental information and recommend mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping the big-picture goals in mind.
• Ability to read and understand maps, architectural plans, and ability to use architect’s and engineer’s scales and perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to perform site visits on varied terrain and conditions is required.
• Ability to be respectful, courteous, and friendly to customers, other City employees, and leadership.
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain honest and ethical behavior. 
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with peers and management. 
• Ability to be a team player and help the organization meet its objectives and take initiative to meet department and City goals.
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers and other City employees, and positively represent the City.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Planning Manager assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The Planning Manager spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and accuracy of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Moses Lake Municipal Code, the Growth Management Act, SEPA, the Shoreline Management Act, applicable RCW and WAC regulations, and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. 

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied planning duties. Strict regulations, combined with the unique nature of each case in question, contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to provide senior planning support for a variety of City functions. Success in this position contributes to the positive growth and development of the City.

CONTACTS

• The Long-Range Planner has significant daily contact with the public, elected/appointed officials, and a variety of staff members of external agencies and City departments.
• Contacts are primarily for information sharing and problem resolution.
• Some contacts may be confrontational, requiring the Long-Range Planner to explain, defend, and support City policies, ordinances, and procedures in a professional, concise, and respectful manner.
• Long-Range Planners also have daily contact with other City staff to share information, coordinate work, and resolve problems.
• Contacts with elected and appointed officials often take place in public forums or venues.
• The Long-Range Planner may be the primary contact between advisory boards and City staff.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office setting but also includes intermittent work outdoors, occasionally in extreme hot/cold or inclement weather and driving conditions. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
• Extensive use of computer terminal and keyboard.
• Moderate to high requirement for hand coordination, visual ability, and cognitive abilities. Must tolerate moderate noise levels and interruptions in an open office environment. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• Lead project teams as assigned.
• May assist in the training of less experienced staff members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, geography, architecture, engineering, natural resources, government administration or a closely related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides sufficient knowledge to competently perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in public planning, public works, or a natural resources agency involved in planning, permitting, and regulatory practices.
• A valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Previous experience in municipal government sector. 
• All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other.

The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or to balance workloads. 

Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment.

At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. 

Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. 

Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. 

Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques.

The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered. Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System. Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month.