Head of Law (Planning)

Planning Supervisor

City of Moses Lake, 98837, WA United States

This position is open until filled, with a first review date of August 19, 2026.

Salary Range: $100,297.60 - $121,950.40 annually

Experience Level

Mid II (4-8 years)

AICP Level

AICP Level

Specialty

Community or Neighborhood Development

Preferred

Specialty

$100,297.60 - $121,950.40 annually

Essential Functions

Regulatory Administration

Serve as the City’s SEPA Responsible Official, including threshold determinations, review of environmental checklists, issuing environmental decisions, ensuring SEPA compliance, and coordinating with agencies and affected parties.

Manage the contract with the hearing examiner(s). Coordinate and manage hearings; lead the preparation of all reports and materials for hearings. Provide staff support (including agenda preparation, minutes, meeting recordings, logistics, etc.) for Planning Commission meetings.

Administer the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and flood plain regulations, ensuring development proposals within shoreline jurisdiction comply with state regulations, local SMP and flood plain standards, and RCW/WAC requirements.

Oversee daily permitting and land use approvals in accordance with Chapter 15 UDC, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and timely processing of permits.

Interpret and apply municipal codes, zoning regulations, subdivision standards, and related ordinances.

Review, evaluate, and sign off on planning, zoning, and land use applications including site plans, conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, rezones, comprehensive plan amendments, and development agreements.

Division Leadership and Supervision

Provide day to day leadership, direction, and oversight to staff assigned to the current planning function (i.e., planning permits), establishing clear expectations for professionalism, communication, customer service, and accountability.

Exercise independent judgment in planning, coordinating, and prioritizing workflow to ensure reliable and timely permit processing, shoreline reviews, and SEPA determinations, maintaining responsibility for outcomes rather than hourly work time.

Maintain consistent management presence and responsiveness; ensure staff understand work expectations, deadlines, and service levels for permit issuance and land use review functions. Leaders must remain accessible and responsive to operational needs.

Model compliant leadership behavior by monitoring non exempt staff schedules, avoiding unauthorized overtime, ensuring meal/rest break adherence, and approving time worked consistent with FLSA.

Provide coaching, mentoring, and support to assigned staff; regularly evaluate performance, identify development needs, and address performance concerns promptly and appropriately.

Adjust work priorities as emergent issues arise, ensuring continuity of service and compliance with regulatory timelines. The person in this position is expected to meet responsibilities, attend critical meetings, and maintain awareness of staff workload to prevent avoidable overtime for nonexempt employees.

Customer Service and Public Interface

Provide professional assistance to developers, contractors, property owners, and members of the public.

Facilitate pre-application meetings and assist applicants through the permitting process.

Prepare staff reports, findings, and recommendations for the Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and City Council.

Present complex planning topics and policy recommendations to elected officials, committees, and community groups in a clear and accessible manner.

Policy Work

Coordinate with long-range planner(s) on changes in state and local regulations. Give feedback to long-range planner(s) on how well development regulations are working.

Monitor state law changes affecting land use, SEPA, and shoreline management; recommend local updates as needed.

Support strategic planning initiatives, housing and growth strategies, and special studies.

Project and Workflow Management

Track permit timelines, project progress, and deadlines; ensure compliance with statutory and internal review requirements. Strive for continuous improvements in the processing of permits.

Continuously improve customer service for permit applicants, including improving the ease and flow of the permitting portal and permit software.

Resolve conflicts, troubleshoot procedural issues, and provide final quality control for planning decisions.

Manage consultant work on projects as assigned.

Other Duties

Represent the department at internal workgroups, interagency meetings, and regional planning forums.

Perform additional related duties as assigned.

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