Entry Level Biological Illustration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $28.84 - $35.80 Hourly
Location : Coupeville Campus, WA
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2026-067
Department: Planning & Community Development
Division: Current Use Planning
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Summary
Current use planning is a highly visible program and a core function of the Planning and Community Development Department. This series of positions includes a Senior Planner, an Associate Planner, and an Assistant Planner. The series includes senior to mid-level to entry level planning professionals, respectively. The number and level of positions in current use planning is determined through the budgetary process. 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 in these positions evaluate, issue decisions, and make recommendations on public and private land development proposals in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Island County Comprehensive Plan, the Island County Zoning Ordinance, the Shoreline Management Master Program, the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and any associated land use, building, or environmental regulations.
Employees in this series must be able to work effectively with the community of development professionals, the general public, appointed and elected officials, and coworkers.
Salary:
Assistant Planner (11) - $28.84 - $30.31
Associate Planner (12) - $31.47 - $33.06
Senior Planner (13) - $34.08 - $35.80
Job Duties
The complexity of duties and responsibilities within current use planning increases with each position in this classification:
Assistant Planners are expected to perform assigned duties and demonstrate the ability to rapidly become familiar with and apply all state and local code requirements governing critical area planning matters.
Associate Planners are expected to perform assigned duties with minimal supervision. Associate Planners are expected to expand their knowledge and application of 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 critical area planning are carried out in a timely manner and within established budgetary constraints. Senior Planners may coordinate the work of Associate and Assistant Planners and ensure its timely completion.
General Duties:

• Review and analyze community development proposals to include interpretation of complex codes, laws, and other relevant regulations.
• Evaluate the potential environmental impacts of projects through the administration of the State Environmental Policy Act and local environmental codes. Assist in the review and preparation of Environmental Impact Statements and studies related thereto for specific projects.
• Prepare detailed staff reports and present same orally before the public at Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and Board of Island County Commissioners hearings.
• Represent the County at various meetings involving other agencies and citizen groups.
• Assist in the drafting of zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments related to land use. Assist other planners and technical staff on resolving code conflicts or conflicting previsions.
• Monitor projects for performance and compliance with permit conditions. Conduct site visits as necessary.
• Work with senior level staff and the Director on Long Range Planning projects including GMA Comprehensive Plan Development and upkeep.
• Work with senior level staff and the Director to develop and expand the County GIS System. Develop GIS graphic illustrations, reports, and presentations.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of planning and zoning principles and practices; and environmental and land use laws, specifically the Washington State Growth Management Act and SEPA.
• 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

• 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, or related environmental sciences AND related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning.
Associate Planner:
A Bachelors 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. 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 one year of related professional experience in city, county, or regional planning. A degree from a PAB accredited planning program is desirable.
Associate planners must demonstrate sound judgment, exercise independent and appropriate decision making skills, and are expected to carry a larger and often more complex case load than Assistant Planners. Associate planners will be assist in training of staff.
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.
Senior planners must demonstrate sound judgment, exercise independent and appropriate decision making skills, and are expected to carry a larger and often more complex case load than Associate Planners. Senior planners will be key participants in training of staff.
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.