Manager-Land Use Planning

Salary range is $93K to $185K with a midpoint of $139K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under administrative direction from the Director, manages, leads, and supervises assigned staff, performs and manages the performance of complex regulatory approval process for all discretionary land use permitting efforts within the Sound Transit service area. Serves as the primary point of contact with multiple local, state, and federal authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) regarding land use, code interpretation and other technical issues for Sound Transit Capital & Service Delivery projects. Manages and develops the discretionary permit approval process, supports collaborative process streamlining efforts, ensures applicable project approvals and permits are in place within the Sound Transit service area

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Manages, directs, develops, and implements the discretionary land use permitting process to streamline project development and third party review processes; directs and manages the discretionary permit process to ensure permit compliance for Sound Transit's Capital Delivery and Service Delivery projects; manages the effective resolution of critical discretionary issues; ensures early engagement and positive good-faith relationships with multiple third parties; analyzes and researches potential project challenges and problems; develops and implements critical discretionary regulatory strategies to ensure project impacts are mitigated and resolved.
• Manages, supervises, and directs the work of assigned discretionary land use permitting staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff and provides constructive, real-time feedback on staff performance in relation to achieving set goals.
• Coaches, trains and motivates discretionary land use permit staff; coordinates staff training; manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects; provides advice and counsel to staff; supports developmental work plans for staff; measures staff performance; and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary, including discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary.
• Manages, directs, leads, and participates in the development and implementation of team goals, objectives, land use permitting and other policies, priorities and budgets for assigned projects, services, and functional area within the Division; and makes recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, training, materials, and supplies.
• Supports and assists projects with planning, development, negotiation, and administration of formal agreements and discretionary permits with third parties, including state and local agencies, utilities, and private property owners, as required for the delivery of Capital & Service Delivery projects; works with Environmental, Environmental Permitting, Transit Oriented Development, Real Estate, Legal and other Sound Transit departments/divisions in collaboration and development of project plans and mitigation efforts; coordinates planning efforts with third parties including reviewing regulatory implications for cities and utilities, addressing questions and concerns due to design issues, code implications, and identified mitigation activities.
• Interfaces with Sound Transit and AHJ staff on discretionary approval strategy.
• Provides support to the department/division and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of committees as requested; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments on matters related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Public Administration, or related field. Five years of experience interpreting and applying knowledge of municipal, state and federal laws and policies governing land use and urban planning; in project planning, environmental review, regulatory compliance, public transit/transportation; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of experience of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Principles and practices of leadership roles and responsibilities.
• Operations, services, and activities of a permit process programs.
• Land use and environmental laws and regulations and practices related to compliance.
• Environmental management and policy.
• Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, particularly NEPA, SEPA, Historic
• Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, local critical areas regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Federal, state, and local transportation planning requirements.
• Methods and techniques of research and analysis.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Project management techniques and principles.
• Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer
• applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Establishing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Performing negotiations and effectively partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, consultants and community groups.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Applying policy analysis and technical problem solving in negotiating and identifying solutions that balance the Agency's interests and those of negotiating partners, within financial capacity, schedule limits and other applicable constraints.
• Preparing and administering large and complex public projects.
• Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and report

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard hybrid office and field environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
  

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.