PLANNING TECHNICIAN

The salary for this position is: $4,669.00 - $6,210.00 monthly.

Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development is seeking a Planning Technician to provide applicants support for a range of professional level planning activities and delivers front-line customer services. Under the guidance of a Senior Planner and in collaboration with other CPED leadership, the Planning Technician provides technical support for a range of professional level planning activities and delivers front-line customer services. The Planning Technician assists applicants with land use permit reviews and approvals, applying strong communication skills and a flexible, solutions-oriented approach. Success in this role requires adaptability, versatility, and the ability to communicate clearly with diverse customers and stakeholders.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordination of land use applications and completeness reviews, interagency and interdepartmental reviews.
• Communication with applicants, stakeholders, property owners, state agencies, county departments and others involved in the review process.
• Provides information regarding environmental review, and other applicable regulations, policies and plans.
• Provides assistance and information to the public at the Building Development Center, in written correspondence, and by phone on an on-going basis.
• Issuing preliminary and final approval on administratively approved land use permits.
• Conduct field inspections to collect pertinent site condition information and check for permit compliance.
• Advise citizens regarding county land use policies and codes.
• Performs other duties assigned.

For a full description of this position, please see the Planning Technician class specification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment –Quiet office setting primarily sitting at the front counter or in a cubicle.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings and to conduct on-site inspections in the field.
Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

The work of a Planning Technician in Development Services has a direct impact on the everyday lives of our residents. We want a candidate who will bring their strong analytical skills, sound judgement and excellent customer services skills to serve the citizens of Thurston County. Community Planning and Economic Development values process improvements and ideas to better serve our citizens, and we are looking for new team members who have a desire to make improvements.

The team members of Community Planning & Economic Development make it a wonderful place to work and effect change. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED works to conserve natural resources, plan for resilient communities, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient and plan for future growth.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values.

HAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays .
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmer’s markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com .

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED and two years of college level coursework in planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies or a closely related area.
• Three years in a planning or a closely related field including the responsibility for reviewing permits requests, plans, or code compliance, and with an emphasis on public contact. Additional experience can substitute for education on a year for year basis.
• Ability to utilize the personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, information retrieval and tracking.
Current Washington State Driver's License.

DESIRED SKILLS :

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Environmental Science, or a closely related area.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and regulations used in land use planning.
• Knowledge of research methods and the ability to compile data.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, maps, and drawings.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply work related codes, ordinances, legal property descriptions, and other regulations.
• Ability to write clear and concise determinations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff from other county departments and the general public.
Knowledge of customer service techniques.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT?
Please contact Alana Bradshaw, Administrative Services Manager at alana.bradshaw@co.thurston.wa.us or by phone at (360) 480-0237.

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for benefits
Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
List of three professional references

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.