Community Development Manager Jobs in Mount Vernon, WA

Salary: $28.84 - $35.80 Hourly
Location : Coupeville Campus, WA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-064
Department: Planning & Community Development
Division: Long Range Planning
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 9/11/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Summary
Long range planning is a highly visible program and a core function of the Planning and Community Development Department. The number and level of positions in long range planning is determined through the budgetary process. The series includes mid-level to entry level planning professionals. Placement or promotion of individual employees within the series of positions is at the discretion of the County, based on their educational training, related professional experience, and demonstrated competency in performing assigned duties and responsibilities.
Employees are responsible for implementation of the Planning Enabling Act and the Growth Management Act in Island County. Major duties include processing and scheduling the Annual Review Docket, coordination of periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan, development of implementing development regulations, and fostering public outreach for all long range planning efforts. Supporting the development review team or review of land use applications may be included in duties. This position includes GIS support of these activities.
Employees in these positions must be able to work effectively with the community of development professionals, the general public, appointed and elected officials, and coworkers.
Position may be hired as an Assistant, Associate, Senior, or Principal Planner dependent upon qualifications.
Assistant Planner
Associate Planner
Senior Planner
Job Duties
The complexity of duties and responsibilities within long range planning increases with each position in this classification:
Assistant Planners are expected to perform assigned duties and responsibilities and demonstrate the ability to rapidly become familiar with and apply all state and local code requirements governing the long range planning work program.
Associate Planners are expected to perform assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision. Associate Planners are expected to expand their knowledge of application state and local regulatory processes and to handle increasingly complex and controversial matters.
Senior Planners are expected to independently ensure that the duties and responsibilities of long range planning are carried out in a timely manner and within established budgetary constraints. Senior Planners coordinate the work of Associate and Assistant Planners and ensure its timely completion.
Principal Planners provide leadership to the County and department in the development of policies, procedures and strategy and guide and direct the work of other Planners.

• Review and analyze comprehensive planning issues, including interpretation of the Growth Management Act, SEPA, Island County Code, and other relevant regulations.
• Evaluate the potential environmental impacts of proposals through the administration of the State Environmental Policy Act and local environmental codes. Assist in the review and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and related studies for specific projects.
• Prepare detailed staff reports and present same orally before the public at Planning Commission and Board of Island County Commissioners hearings.
• Represent the County at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups, perform public presentations.
• Assist in the drafting of zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments related to land use. Assist other planners and technical staff on resolving code comprehensive plan policies or conflicting provisions.
• Monitor projects for timely performance and budget or resource constraints. Conduct site visits as necessary.
• Work with other senior level staff and the Deputy Director on long range planning projects including GMA Comprehensive Plan development and upkeep.
• Work with senior level staff and the Deputy Director to develop and expand the County GIS System. Develop GIS graphic illustrations, reports, and presentations.
• Supporting the development review team and/or review of land use applications, including Historic Preservation applications.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of comprehensive planning and zoning principles and practices, historic preservation, and environmental and land use laws; specifically the Washington State Growth Management Act and SEPA.
• General knowledge of coastal biological and geologic processes and wetland environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Experience in making public presentations
• Ability to exercise sound independent professional judgment and maintain objectivity when dealing with individuals and groups with conflicting or competing interests.
• Maintain a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation of reports. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and regular attendance are essential elements of this position.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, and relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner. Ability to represent the department in public meetings and public hearings with excellence.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete work and meet required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
• Understands the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, such as in cases involving potential litigation.
• Word processing and computer skills related to these tasks.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Valid Washington State drivers license or the ability to obtain a license.
• At the sole discretion of the County, applicants may be considered who demonstrate an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the work.

Assistant Planner:

• A Bachelors degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, historic preservation, or related environmental sciences AND one year of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.

Associate Planner:

• A Bachelors degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, historic preservation, or related environmental sciences AND three years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning. A degree from a Planning Accreditation Board certified planning program is desirable; OR
• A Masters degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, historic preservation, or related environmental sciences AND one year of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning. A degree from a Planning Accreditation Board certified planning program is desirable.

Senior Planner:

• A Bachelors degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, or related environmental sciences AND five years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning. AICP designation is preferred. A degree from a PAB accredited planning program is desirable; OR
• A Masters degree with major course work in urban and regional planning, geography, or related environmental sciences AND three years of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning. AICP designation is preferred. A degree from a PAB accredited planning program is desirable.

Principal Planner:

• Principal Planners are selected based on significant demonstrated experience and leadership in their field, in addition to the educational requirements above.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *
Island County offers a wide range of employee benefits designed to meet the diverse needs of our workforce.
Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Medical: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for most eligible employees and dependents. In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).
Dental: Island County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members for basic dental coverage (buy-up options are available).
Life and Disability Insurance: Employees are provided basic coverage of $24,000 and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents.
Retirement: Island County employees participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (additional 457(b) deferred-compensation plans are also available).
Life Flight: Island County pays 100% of the premium for emergency air transport coverage.
11 paid holidays each year
Generous paid time off and Washington-required sick leave
Flexible Spending Account (optional)
Wellness programs
Employee assistance program
Pet Insurance (optional - employee paid)
Additional benefits are available to be elected (employee-paid).
Student debt? Working for Island County can provide relief!
Island County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Forgiveness Program (PSLF) for full time employees. See for more details.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible Island County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.