Zoning Specialist Jobs

JOB
The mission of the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services (PDS) Department is to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations by promoting protection of natural resources and facilitating the development of safe, sustainable and resilient communities. PDS seeks employees who are self-managing high performers, accountable for their actions, and dedicated to providing superior customer service. Ideal candidates are excited about change and learning, are innovative, organized, exceptionally customer-service oriented, and have a passion for public service.Teleworking Options: After a successful onboarding and training period the work associated with the position can, at present, be performed by a combination of teleworking and onsite work. Duties of this position include assisting the public and customers in person at the customer service counter, and staff in this work unit provide in-office coverage on a rotating basis. Snohomish County has implemented a pilot telework policy. It is anticipated there will be long-term hybrid telework options for many positions including this one. 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 if approved for teleworking 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. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
BASIC FUNCTION To receive, review, and coordinate technical submittals and permit applications for residential construction projects; reviews applications for zoning compliance; provide assistance to customers regarding interpretation of land use and zoning codes; assists customers to resolve permit processing problems and conflicts as they arise.STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Accepts residential permit applications. Reviews for completeness and zoning compliance; Determines requirements for additional reviews and coordinates with internal and external agencies. Authorizes permit issuance when all conditions met and reviews complete. Provides information and guidance regarding zoning, land use, right of way use, development and building issues; explains a variety of permit, land development and construction plan review processes. Advises customers of zoning requirements; explains uses permitted outright within each zone and those allowed conditionally, temporarily or administratively; performs initial assessment of environmentally sensitive areas and explains the SEPA and Critical Areas Regulation. Advises applicants of permit, site or construction plan requirements, and application procedures; reviews a variety of residential permit applications or construction plans to determine if the application/plans contain the required information for submittal; calculates fees. Coordinates all residential permit review requirements; tracks the progress of applications to ensure timely completion. Meets with applicants/consultants to discuss application submittal requirements; reviews submittal materials; receives, forwards and responds to applicant questions; prepares a coordinated list of application requirements for the applicants. Advises management and other appropriate PDS staff members of potential problems and procedures requiring change; recommends new or revised policies and procedures as needed. Ensures the completion of the permit/project review process by tracking deadlines through weekly tracking reports; coordinates data entry, application status report preparation, and data needs assessment for the tracking, processing, approving and issuing of permits or projects; designs, creates and produces special reports that track work loads, time frames, projects and permits. Acts as a procedural and technical resource of the permit review process, current code requirements, recent code changes, and computer tracking/reporting methods for the technical department, other county/agency staff, and private consultants. Develops and revises procedures, application materials and handouts as appropriate relating to the permit process; recommends policy changes as appropriate. Researches and responds to complex technical project questions and project development issues related to Snohomish County codes, plans, policies and administrative determinations of PDS and other departments. Attend professional seminars, training and meetings as required. May perform all the duties of Sr. Permit Technician in addition to related duties as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: work related codes, ordinances, resolutions, legal opinions, guidelines and regulations governing the permit application processdepartmental policies and proceduresGrowth Management ActSnohomish County Comprehensive Plan Ability to: read, interpret and apply work related laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, technical data and related materialsread and interpret legal descriptionsread and interpret a variety of maps, charts, drawings and blueprintsidentify and resolve work related problems and conflictscommunicate effectively both orally and in writingestablish and maintain effective work relationships with management staff, associates, subordinates and the general publicwork effectively under stress and to meet deadlines as requiredwork independently with minimal supervision SUPERVISION Employee works semi - independently and receives direction from a supervisor as assigned. The work is reviewed through meetings and periodic status reports and by evaluation of results obtained. WORKING CONDITIONS The majority of work is performed in the usual office environment. Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.EEO policy and ADA notice