THE COMMUNITY

Located along Interstate 5, Mount Vernon is conveniently situated midway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Mount Vernon is the regional centerfor agriculture, finance, technology, culture, legal, health care, education and government. Mount Vernon sits at the center of Skagit County with some of Washington’s most scenic and pristine landscape found in the North Cascades National Park. The rugged mountain country gives way to nutrient-rich farmland along the Skagit River to the shores of the Salish Sea. What makes Skagit County truly unique is the health and diversity of its natural resources.

THE CITY

Mount Vernon offers a vibrant mix of office, retail, restaurant and professional services on the shores of beautiful Skagit River. It’s also one of the unique areas in the country that offers high speed, state of the art fiber optic technology. The City is a non-charter Code City which utilizes a strong Mayor-Council form of government. Mount Vernon is the largest city in Skagit County with a population of 35,502. The City of Mount Vernon is characterized by it’s "hometown" atmosphere, where residents and government work together in a trusting environment.

MOUNT VERNON QUICK FACTS

Population: 35,502 Square Miles: 12.6 Median Age: 34.7 Median Household Income: $63,194 Average House Price: $308,900 City Parks: 18 And...there are more arts organizations in Skagit County per capita than any other area in Washington state!

THE DEPARTMENT

Under the leadership of the Director, the Development Services Department is structured to accommodate all aspects of development activity, including building permits, code enforcement, development review, engineering, building & utility inspections, current & long range planning, transportation demand management and parking enforcement.

The Department works with neighborhoods, businesses, and other public partners to enhance the economic prosperity, vitality and overall quality of life of our community.

The Department is comprised of four divisions: Building, Engineering, GIS and Planning.

Building Division

Responsible for administering codes that regulate building construction and issuing associated permits. This responsibility includes inspections, code interpretations, plan review, and code enforcement.

Planning Division

Processes current and long-range projects and plans. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA) Comprehensive Planning and related legislative issues as well as the day-to-day planning activities such as subdivision approvals, zoning compliance, SEPA processing, annexations, and critical area review and approval.

Engineering Division

Responsible for administering codes that regulate infrastructure design and installation and issuing associated permits including sewers (sanitary and storm) and the earth disturbing activities that go hand-inhand with infrastructure installation.

GIS Division

Creates precision maps to support City projects related to streets, stormwater, and wastewater utilities.

PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a strong, strategic, and visionary leader and effective communicator with broad experience in planning and development services; possessing extensive expertise managing staff and identifying and implementing technology in operations. As the Director interacts with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, exceptional interpersonal skills and political acumen are of the utmost importance. The successful candidate will have a proven track record creating efficiencies, implementing best practices, and removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles, while establishing clear procedures and policies, both written and verbally. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for public service and recognize this opportunity to create and establish an effective and efficient administrative infrastructure for long-term success.

Key Characteristics and Attributes:

• A supportive leader who creates a cohesive structure and team-oriented working environment.

• An inclusive and positive management style that ensures accountability, responsibility, and encourages discussion and ideas from all levels of staff.

• Good organizational skills; outward facing and willing to promote projects, engage with the community, and be approachable.

• Flexible. Able to provide clear goals and expectations, while remaining agile and can adapt to changing priorities.

• Stays current in new technologies and legislation.

• Effective at community engagement and follow through. A listener.

• Communicates clearly with the ability to simplify complex subjects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Engineering or related field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible planning or municipal development services experience which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Knowledge of applicable local, Washington state, and federal laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.

• Skill in reviewing and accurately interpreting City of Mount Vernon Development Codes and Regulations and the Comprehensive Plan to respond to community goals and innovative development programs, trends and philosophies.

• Skill in providing direction and support for implementing the State’s Growth Management Act, UGA management and annexation process, annual impact fee review and implementation strategy, and Shorelines and Critical Area management programs.

COMPENSATION

The City of Mount Vernon has established an annual salary range of $130,259 - $171,412 for this position. The Development Services Director is an FLSA exempt position.

The City offers employees a choice of two generous health plans that cover medical, dental, and vision. Insurance coverage begins the first of the month following date of hire.

Other Benefits:

• 12 Paid Holidays (includes 1 floating holiday)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employee and dependents

• Vacation (starting at 3 weeks per year)

• Sick Leave • HRA/VEBA Option

• $200,000 Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Washington State Retirement System

For more information on employee benefits, please visit https://mvemployeebenefits.weebly.com/ and click on non-represented.

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

• May 12 Application Period Opens
• May 31 Application Packets Due
• June 1 First Review of Candidate Packets
• 2nd Week of June Candidate Interviews

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please visit www.mountvernonwa.gov/jobs to apply online. Application materials must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 to be considered.

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must submit:

• A detailed cover letter (two-page maximum) describing your experience, leadership style, and why you are interested in the position.

• A resume (three-page maximum); and

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Your responses to the supplemental questions below (one-page maximum per question). Responses to supplemental questions should be no more than one page per question. Please use 1” margins and no smaller than 12-point font.

1. Describe how your leadership made a positive impact on your department and organization.
2. Give an example of a major initiative you led and implemented regarding improving program processes.
3. Mount Vernon has a highly engaged community of stakeholders. If you were selected for this position, what strategies would you use to engage the community in productive discussions about community concerns and solutions, for example the affordable housing shortage? How would you go about community education? What experience do you have managing the public in these types of situations?