Planning Supervisor

Kirkland is seeking a Planning Supervisor in the Current Planning Division of our Planning and Building Department. The ideal candidate is a practiced leader with excellent communication and mentorship skills, as well as direct experience with both land use analysis and code enforcement practices. Familiarity with the operational and policy issues associated with a dynamic, forward-thinking department is required, along with a commitment to equity and inclusion. The Planning Supervisor provides direct oversight of professional planners engaged in the implementation of land use regulations and policies and code enforcement officers that support public safety and environmental protection. The Department strives to make Kirkland a livable, walkable, sustainable and safe community.

Supervises professional staff of Planners and Code Enforcement Officers; assists in development, preparation, and implementation of policies and procedures related to the efficacy of the City's development services function; and serves as a member of the department's Senior Staff team. Administers land use and environmental review regulations, ensuring regulatory compliance, sound planning, and excellent urban design.

Principal Accountabilities:

Supervises and assigns tasks to Planning and Code Enforcement staff, monitors the timeliness and quality of their work product, conducts interviews and performance appraisals, and provides consultation, direction, and mentorship. Manages large and complex projects, involving oversight of consultants and coordination of staff teams. Applies professional judgment to prepare recommendations on policy and regulatory issues to the Director, Boards and Commissions, the City Council, and outside agencies and hearing bodies. Oversees Planning staff recommendations to the Director, the Design Review Board, and Hearing Examiner.

Essential Functions:

• As member of the Department's management team, assists in preparation and implementation of the work program and budget, and development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Hires, trains, supervises, mentors, evaluates, and disciplines Planners/Code Enforcement Officers and related contract/temporary/intern staff. Assigns tasks and distributes workload, provides staff with technical guidance and interpretation of codes, policies and ordinances.
• Provides direction and support to staff in the performance of their tasks and reviews work products for quality.
• Serves as staff to bodies such as the Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and City Council.
• Represents the Department/City and makes presentations at public meetings.
• Provides information, advice and technical assistance to City staff, neighborhood groups, task forces, committees, developers, media, and other interested parties.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of revisions to land development regulations, codes and ordinances, and policy documents.
• Serves as project manager or lead for special City projects or programs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May act as State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) coordinator.
• Performs research tasks as assigned in a specialized area of study or professional knowledge.
• Serves as Department representative in a variety of interdepartmental committees.
• Represents the Department and City by formulating policy recommendations for regional, interjurisdictional, and interagency activities, and by participating in study committees or task forces.
• Assists on an as-needed basis in the event of an emergency or disaster.

• Thorough knowledge of land use planning, urban design, and development regulations.
• Ability to attract, retain, and motivate a competent and professional staff.
• Working knowledge of union contract provisions as they pertain to Planning staff.
• Ability to read and understand maps, architectural plans, and ability to use architect's and engineer's scales and perform mathematical calculations.
• Advanced analytical, negotiation, customer/public relations and communication skills (both verbal and written) to comprehend, interpret, and explain rules, regulations, legal requirements and policies.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external applicants, contacts, and community members.
• Ability to remain flexible to adapt to changing priorities.
• Personal computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheet, permit tracking/review, and scheduling software.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field, plus 5 years of professional experience including 2 years of supervisory experience. Master's degree in Planning or closely related field is desired.

Why Kirkland?

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment. Requires attendance at meetings or public hearings in City Hall or off site, which may be held before or after normal office hours. Requires sitting for extended periods of time while performing keyboard operations. Site visits to building sites, vacant properties or environmentally sensitive areas, which may involve exposure to rugged terrain and/or outside weather conditions.

Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. First review of applicants will be 15 days after original posting date.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.