| Community Development Director - City of Moses Lake | |
| Job Type: Regular | |
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Work Location Moses Lake, WA U.S.A |
Targeted Salary Not Specified Benefits: |
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Type of organization / Mission Focus: Geographic Scope: None Keywords: Community Dev., |
Organization Website: https://wa-moseslake.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/12893/Comm-Dev-Director-Announcement-9-12-2025 |
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Required Experience: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Federal, State and local regulations and codes related to community development. Washington State experience with the Growth Management Act and the State Environmental Policy Act. Permitting processes and principles of customer service. Methods to improve processes and customer service. Organizational leadership and principles and practices of management and supervision, including leading, inspiring, empowering, supporting, training, coaching, directing, coordinating and evaluating. Ability to effectively lead through change. Ability to advocate and directly communicate the needs of the employees and the department. Ethical practices and workplace professionalism. Strong commitment to principles of integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, empathy, and empowerment. Growth mindset. Commitment to continuous improvement, creativity, innovation, and solution-oriented problem solving. Mentor, train, direct, support, and coach staff. Promote staff and team development and high performance by assuring regular, effective, and consistent feedback. Promote a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Recognize work excellence and build effective teams. Thrive in a fast-paced environment. Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective teams and professional relationships and rapport with elected officials, management, employees, and representatives of other entities and the public. Apply sound judgment, analytical and creative problem-solving skills to make reasoned, timely and consistent decisions. Facilitate effective problem resolution. Listen attentively and communicate directly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed, including preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence as well as preparing and making presentations. Promote open communication between departments as well as with the public. Knowledge of the field of assignment sufficient to perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as described in this job description. Grant writing and administration. Safety and security hazards, precautions, standards, policies and procedures. Time management; mathematics; English composition and grammar. Computer operation and software including Microsoft Office products and related database systems; permitting software. Represent the City by maintaining a professional approach and demeanor in all activities. Strategically plan, prioritize, implement, coordinate and evaluate programs, staffing and services. Compile and analyze financial and statistical records. Foster an internal environment that places customer service and continuous improvement as high priorities. Ensure absolute confidentiality as required and sensitive information is handled appropriately. Foster a positive, team-oriented, and productive work environment. Take corrective action as needed. Be attentive to detail and maintain a high degree of accuracy. Plan, organize, prioritize and coordinate services and work assignments. Work effectively in a multi-task environment with constantly shifting priorities. Take appropriate initiative, including providing unsolicited updates and ideas to the City Manager. Understand and apply appropriate regulatory requirements, terminology, policies and procedures. Develop ways to identify, improve and promote efficient systems and processes. Maintain current knowledge and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up to date. Work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team. Proficiently operate office equipment and perform Microsoft Office software functions including spreadsheet and PowerPoint generation. Type accurately and proficiently. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The City Manager assigns, directs, and evaluates the work of the Community Development Director. GUIDELINES Guidelines include the Comprehensive Plan, planning and building codes, other municipal codes, State and Federal codes and regulations, and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK The work consists of varied management and supervisory duties. Development and other regulations contribute to the complexity of the position, as does the high-profile, public facing duties of the position. The purpose of this position is to direct the City’s community development functions. Successful performance ensures the efficient and effective delivery of community development services to the community. CONTACTS Contacts are typically with co-workers, other City employees, elected officials, architects and engineers, developers, contractors, builders, engineers, homeowners, business owners, other government agencies, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, collaborate, coordinate roles, responsibilities and resources, share ideas, resolve problems, motivate persons, and negotiate, defend, or settle matters. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT Works in an office or meeting room setting. Sits or stands for long periods. Attends meetings or performs duties outside of normal office hours and travels by car. Frequently and regularly attends evening meetings; may occassionally be required to work on weekends. Lifts, carries and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Uses appropriate safety equipment and follows safety policies, practices and procedures. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY This position has direct supervision over the Building Official, Planning Manager, and Civil Review Program Manager. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, urban design or a related field. Master's degree preferred. AICP certification preferred; Eight (8) years of experience in community development, including five (5) years of supervisory experience; Or equivalent combination of education and related experience. All applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check process which includes reference checks and criminal history checks, or other. The statements contained herein reflect general details necessary to describe principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility; and such statements should not be considered all-inclusive. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas, to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance workloads. Management reserves the sole right to add, modify or exclude any duties at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, nor by completion of any job requirements by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment. At its sole discretion, the City of Moses Lake may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein. This is an FLSA-exempt position and, as such, is not entitled to overtime. The position is also subject to an "employee at will" doctrine. Company Description Moses Lake is a diverse, connected and supportive community of innovation and opportunity that values its namesake lake, small town vibe, growing arts and cultural scene, aerospace, manufacturing and agricultural heritage, and an abundance of sunshine and outdoor activities. Working for the City will afford you the opportunity to support the vision of Moses Lake, grow professionally, and work among diverse and dedicated staff with a goal to provide a service-oriented government that works with all interests in the community to implement our vision. Our location and climate allow our residents to enjoy a variety of interests surrounding the Moses Lake community. Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway I-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes, vineyards and popular recreational destinations. Moses Lake boosts active community parks and events, athletic venues and tournaments, a campground, and the popular Surf 'n Slide water park. The surrounding Columbia Basin area is filled with wine tours, a wildlife refuge, the Gorge Amphitheater, local fresh markets with direct-from-the-farm produce, and boutiques. The City of Moses Lake is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our objective is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran. Benefits The City of Moses Lake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition to basic life insurance coverage, AD&D, dependent life, additional life insurance, long-term disability, EAP and LifeFlight are also offered. Retirement is through the Department of Retirement Systems - Public Employees Retirement System. Optional deferred compensation is offered with a City match of up to 2% of the employee's base salary. Beginning January 1, 2024, the City will also be offering an optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care. Employees of the City receive eleven (11) paid holidays plus one (1) floating holiday annually. Vacation accrual begins at 12 days annually and increases with years of service. Sick leave is accrued at the rate of eight (8) hours per month. Highlights of Moses Lake Moses Lake is centrally located between Seattle and Spokane on Highway 1-90 between fields of agriculture, freshwater lakes and popular recreational destinations. The area enjoys on average 300 sunny days a year and recreational opportunities abound with world-class fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, camping, golf, boating, ballooning and hydro races. Moses Lake is situated in central Washington State in an outdoor recreation mecca. Moses Lake is the lake that shares the City's name and many visitors come to enjoy water sports activities on Moses Lake. The lake has 120 miles of shoreline, covering 6,500 acres, and is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the state. The Surf 'n Slide Water Park is also a top attraction for Moses Lake and it is considered the state's premier outdoor aquatic center. The water park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the main features are the 200-foot water slides, the lazy river, the surfing simulator, the beach and bay swimming area, and sand volleyball courts. Moses Lake is host to several festivals and other community events throughout the year, such as tournament league baseball, Moses Lake Rodeo Roundup, and the Moses Lake Spring Festival. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this festival kicks off the summer tourist season. Entertainment includes live music performances, a Kiddie Parade, a Grand Moonlight Parade, carnival-style rides and games, a car show and a basketball tournament. Moses Lake is also home to the Grant County Fairgrounds which hosts an annual fair, as well as other events throughout the year. Moses Lake’s history is rooted in its place in aviation history as the city grew up around the former Larson Airforce Base which is now the Grant County International Airport. Moses Lake also has a backbone economic base in agriculture, and it is still known for its fresh tree fruit and a variety of crops associated with the food processing industry. Manufacturing and technology have become important to the local economy as several companies have moved to the area, including Aerotec, REC and Chemi-con, complementing the Boeing presence at the Port of Moses Lake/Grant County International Airport. The Port of Moses Lake operates the Grant County International Airport, one of the largest airports in the western United States. The airport is now a world class heavy jet training and testing facility that has been used by the Boeing Company, the U.S. Military, and many air carriers from around the world. The Moses Lake School District has ten elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, the Real World Academy (a “maker’s” high school) in development and a technical skills center, which together offer a high quality of teaching and many extra-curricular activities to its students. Moses Lake is also home to Big Bend Community College which provides higher education opportunities for the region and enrolls over 4,000 students a year. Recent investments in the BBCC campus and its programs make it one of the top community colleges in the state. Moses Lake has a growing arts and culture scene fueled by Columbia Basin Allied Arts based at Big Bend Community College, the Moses Lake Museum and Arts Center, and designs on a revitalized downtown/creative district. Community Development Director Position Announcement 9-12-2025 (first review 10/09/2025) UPDATED Below is the link to the Community Development Director official job announcement: https://wa-moseslake.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/12893/Comm-Dev-Director-Announcement-9-12-2025 |
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Duties / Expectations: Community Development Director
City of Moses Lake Moses Lake, WA 98837 $143,956.80 - $175,032.00 a year - Full-time Skills Urban planning Typing Team management + show more Do you have experience in Urban planning? Education Bachelor's degree Do you have a Bachelor's degree? Benefits AD&D insurance Health insurance Vision insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Life insurance Employee assistance program Full job description Job Description This position is open until filled, with a first review date of October 9, 2025. JOB SUMMARY This position is responsible for directing the City’s community development services and operations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Leads and oversees the Community Development Department, including the Planning, Building & Code Enforcement, and Civil Development Review divisions. Directs planning and land use activities of the City, including long-range and current planning, permitting, and inspections. Serves as the City's SEPA Responsible Official and the Shoreline Administrator. This is a "working director" position, meaning that in addition to leading the department, this position conducts research, writes reports, drafts codes and policies, prepares agenda bills, meets with customers, and performs other staff level duties to get work done. Oversees the development review, permitting and construction inspection processes to ensure effective and timely delivery of services. Leads efforts to continuously improve and streamline customer service and permit processes and software. Meets with permit customers to request feedback on permit process improvement. Reaches out to and meets with property owners, builders, and developers to encourage and catalyze new growth and development. Under the direction of the City Manager, works with City Council members, directors, the Planning Commission and other designated advisory boards, the Hearings Examiner, the community, and State and Federal agencies to carry out the community’s vision for long-term development. Regularly attends City Council meetings, Planning Commission meetings, and other night meetings. Oversees development, implementation and maintenance of the City’s long-range Comprehensive Plan and development regulations as the responsible official. Initiates and monitors amendments to reflect changing needs, demographic trends and economic influences. Looks for ways to streamline codes and attract new development. Initiates and directs fee studies. Ensures City development codes and policies stay current with State and Federal statutes and case law. Monitors State and Federal legislative activity and Growth Management Hearing Board cases as they relate to land use, community development, environmental issues and related subjects. Advises the City Manager on opportunities and areas of concern. Leads efforts to apply for grants for the department, including but not limited to state grants to assist with developing policies and changes in regulations. Organizes and attends Planning Commission meetings. Ensures appropriate staff support to the City’s Planning Commission, Hearings Examiner, task forces and other advisory boards as may develop. Assists developers, realtors and the public on development matters. Regularly attends City Council meetings. Ensures compliance with municipal, State and Federal laws, ordinances, codes and engineering standards and specifications. Ensures building and City codes and regulations are appropriately interpreted, applied and enforced. Takes corrective action as necessary. Facilitates and directs the interpretation of City development codes to streamline and help the development process including management of pre-application meetings and responding to development inquiries. Works cooperatively and creatively with community groups and agencies to promote a positive vision, assess needs and recommend strategies. Serves on related boards and committees. Develops and administers the department budget. Approves, monitors and maintains expenditures within budget guidelines. Uses resources effectively and efficiently. Develops and implements financing strategies, including grant writing and administration. Oversees the department’s employment process including hiring, probationary periods, promotional opportunities and training programs. Assigns, trains, supervises and evaluates work of staff and ensures direct reports do the same. Ensures performance evaluations are conducted as required to guide development of employees and provide a record of performance. Initiates, documents and implements disciplinary actions as approved by Human Resources. Ensures GIS mapping data is current, and appropriate methods are utilized to demonstrate trends. Develops housing policies and plans, including a Housing Strategy Plan. Works closely with other departments to lead development and planning processes. Leads negotiations for development agreements, extraterritorial agreements, annexation agreements, and other development-related agreements. Performs additional related duties as assigned. |
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Primary Skill Management |
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Critical Skills |
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To respond to this posting, use any of the following methods: Email: Fax: U.S. Mail: Organization Website: https://wa-moseslake.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/12893/Comm-Dev-Director-Announcement-9-12-2025 |
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