Land Use Planning Section Manager

Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversee development, maintenance and implementation of the County’s land use plans, policies and regulations.  

Are you an experienced land use professional who strives to inspire and improve the lives of others around you? Are you an excellent communicator? Do you have a passion for continuous improvement and change management? If so, this could be an exciting opportunity for you.   

Washington County is unique in that there is a significant urban unincorporated area in addition to extensive farm, forest, and rural residential areas. This role is responsible for leading a team of professional planners and paraprofessionals, overseeing all aspects of land use planning from long-range to development review in alignment with the Department’s Mission to Serve. Plan. Build. Maintain — for a thriving Washington County. 

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 

In addition to the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below, the ideal candidate will possess strong people and project management skills, be skilled in change management and have a continuous improvement mindset.  

This role requires a collaborative partner who can work closely with colleagues in the Building Safety, Development Operations and Transportation Planning sections to support the work of the Planning and Development Services Division. 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of land use planning, comprehensive planning, and community development; 

• Knowledge of principles and practices of development review; 

• Knowledge of legal aspects of land use planning; 

• Ability to develop and implement planning work programs; 

• Ability to develop implementation measures and apply codes; 

• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; 

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and/or vendors;   

• Ability to make oral presentations of technical information to the public and elected officials. 

• Ability to work effectively with community groups and advocate for community involvement. 

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Principal Planner 

About the Department/Division/Section: 

The work of the Department of Land Use &Transportation (LUT) is organized into five divisions: Administrative Services; Capital Project Services; Engineering, Traffic and Survey; Operations and Maintenance; and Planning and Development Services.  

LUT is updating its strategic plan with a focus on the values of service, accountability, collaboration, and belonging. Strategies are aligned with outcomes that will achieve strengthened connections, more support for its people, improved clarity and consistency in our work, and improved service to our community.      

Building Safety, Development Operations, Transportation Planning, and Land Use Planning comprise the four sections of the Planning and Development Services Division (PDS).  The managers of all four sections are part of the PDS leadership team led by the Division Manager and work cooperatively to plan and guide the development of Washington County’s urban areas, while protecting sensitive and rural lands. The Division’s activities range from community visioning and drafting policy frameworks to writing land use regulations and enforcing building codes. PDS is guided by its purpose of creating a safe, livable and economically thriving community.   

The Land Use Planning Section develops and administers the County’s Comprehensive Plan, including the Comprehensive Framework Plan for Urban Areas, the Rural/Natural Resource Plan, Community Plans, Urban Planning Area Agreements, and the Community Development Code. This section is also responsible for regulating land use and development activities, including reviewing land use development applications, coordinating with internal and external partners on infrastructure improvement requirements, conducting code compliance, and responding to general inquiries about development in unincorporated Washington County.  

Minimum Qualifications 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, community development, economics, environmental studies or a related field. AND seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning and development, community design planning or regional transportation planning, city or community planning, or related areas, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity.  OR  

• Master's degree in urban or regional planning, urban studies, geography, architecture, community development, economics, environmental studies or a related field. AND five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning and development, community design planning or regional, transportation planning, city or community planning, or related areas, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity. 

Special Qualifications: 

• Must possess a driver's license valid in the State of Oregon and have an acceptable driving record.