Assistant Director (Planning & Development Services)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Mount Vernon, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 1901-0823
Department:Planning & Development Services Department
Opening Date: 08/15/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary
The Assistant Director is responsible for managing the Department in the absence of or as directed by the Director. Directs the daily operations of Long-Range Planning, Current Planning, and Natural Resources Management.
- Salary upon hire is $52.52 to $56.26 per hour (step 1 through 3) depending upon qualifications.
- Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 (top step is $69.89/hr.). The Assistant Director (PDS) is Range 33 of the Non-rep salary schedule.
Essential Functions
Assists the Director in meeting the objectives of the Board of County Commissioners to provide effective, timely and efficient Planning and Development Services.
Performs tasks related to effective operational administration of the Department such as policy implementation, personnel management, financial management, efficient use of resources, legal compliance, and timely execution of duties and roles performed by the Department.
Supports the Director as appropriate and assumes the duties of the Director in his/her absence.
Assists in preparation of Department budget. Monitors and maintains expenditures within budget guidelines.
Manages contracts between the Department and outside entities or consultants.
Provides high level of customer service and represents the County as a spokesperson at various public meetings and events.
Supervisory:
This position directly supervises and manages the Long-Range Planning, Current Planning, and Natural Resources Management teams.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Assists the Director in providing advice to and coordinating with elected and appointed officials and the public on Departmental matters, analyzing and reporting impact of proposed plans and developments on County's capacities and abilities to provide services.
Mentors staff and guides staff professional development.
Works closely with other departments, federal, state, regional and local agencies, and community resources to coordinate project development and Departmental activities.
May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's classification of work.
Minimum Qualifications
B.A. or B.S. degree or higher in planning, natural resources, engineering, public administration, business, or a related field, AND four years of progressively responsible related experience INCLUDING two years of management/supervisory experience showing a demonstrated ability to manage and work with subordinates; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Prior experience in growth management, planning, and/or in the administration of land use and building codes preferred, including experience in successfully managing "service delivery" systems similar to regulatory agency permit processes.
Requires knowledge of:

• Organizational and community dynamics and principles and practices of leadership, management, and supervision.
• Computer operation and a variety of office software including Windows, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, permit tracking software (such as Tyler Energov), and related software systems (GIS, financial/cashiering).
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to areas of assignment.
• Fiscal management including budget preparation, grant administration, service and contract administration, expenditure control, and recordkeeping.

Requires the ability to:

• Strategically plan, prioritize, train, direct, coach, coordinate, organize, and evaluate staffing and services. Administer and change plans, policies and work programs.
• Apply sound judgment and problem-solving techniques to evaluate operations; to make reasoned, timely and consistent decisions, including matters of major policy and complex and administrative or technical problems; and to facilitate the effective resolution of problems, grievances, and complaints.
• Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective teams and a professional relationship and rapport with public officials, representatives of other entities, department heads, co-workers, employees, and the public.
• Listen attentively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including preparing and making public presentations.
• Work with HR to resolve personnel issues that may arise and have experience with progressive discipline and accountability processes.
• Diagnose and resolve systems analysis problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound independent decisions. Manage complex computer interfaces and systems.
• Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective and consistent feedback and evaluation.
• Estimate and analyze costs and effectiveness of programs. Monitor and interpret fiscal and statistical information.
• Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity.

Licenses and/or Certifications:
AICP certification preferred.
Must have a driving record that meets County standards and possess a valid driver's license at time of hire and through employment.
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Travel to various meetings is required. Occasional field visits. May attend meetings or perform duties outside of normal office hours. Must be able to move throughout the facilities and operate a motor vehicle. May occasionally be required to travel by boat, airplane or helicopter and may stand for long periods of time outside in all types of weather. May occasionally be required to work near noisy machinery. Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment and follow established safety policies, practices and procedures.
Hazards:
Those present in a normal office environment.
Possibility of exposure to a variety of environmental and chemical allergens standard to the area of work assignment.
Potential exposure to unfriendly and stressful situations from the public.
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.
Skagit County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: A variety of plans to choose from, including the County's Standard Medical Plan, for which the employee only pays $70 a month for medical and the County pays 100% of the dental and vision premiums for employee and dependents depending on the plan selected. Spouses may be added to the plan for $130 per month.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Retirement: All employees must participate in a Washington State Department of Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan if desired.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic insurance and Long-Term Disability is provided to employee and dependents, with additional insurance available to purchase.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members for help with personal or family problems.