JOB DESCRIPTION

Pend Oreille County, located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, shares its borders with Idaho and Canada. Newport, with a population of 2,276, is the largest town in the county and is the county seat. With a population of approximately 13,600 residents, the county is renowned for its old-growth trees and abundant wildlife, including elk, white-tailed deer, moose, bobcats, bears, and numerous bird species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in areas like the 440-acre Pend Oreille County Park. In addition, the Pend Oreille River, one of the few northward-flowing rivers in North America, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddling along the 70-mile Pend Oreille River Water Trail.

Pend Oreille County’s Community Development Department assists people with the development of their property and provides long-term planning to help accomplish the County’s goals for the future. The department’s work includes property subdivisions, boundary line adjustments, building permits, shoreline activities, and other related development services. The department operates with a 2026 budget of $506,223. In addition to the Director, positions within the department include an Assistant Director/Senior Planner, Building Inspector, remote Assistant Planner, and Permit Technician.

Reporting directly to the Board of County Commissioners, the Community Development Director leads the department’s current and long-range planning, code enforcement, and permitting functions. The Director oversees staff and consulting professionals, administers the department budget, and establishes work plans, policies, and procedures to carry out County priorities and improve service delivery. The Director is also responsible for implementing and updating the Comprehensive Plan and Shoreline Master Program and serves as the County’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Responsible Official. The position interprets County ordinances and development regulations, advises the Board on emerging planning issues and compliance with state and federal laws, and provides staff support to the Planning Commission and Natural Resources Committee. The Director is expected to maintain effective working relationships with the Kalispel Tribe, other County departments, local governments, and state and federal agencies, and represents the County in regional and statewide planning activities. Additional responsibilities include pursuing and administering grants and working with economic development organizations to balance land use, public policy, and business growth in support of a sustainable community.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in urban or regional planning, architecture, engineering, economics, public administration, or a closely related field is required. Candidates must have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in long-range planning, current planning, economic development, housing, Growth Management Act implementation, grant writing, GIS mapping, project management, or real estate development, along with three (3) years of top-level management or director-level experience. Candidates must have knowledge of and experience in grant writing and administration, including compliance with federal and state reporting requirements for funded projects; experience in community-oriented leadership roles involving intergovernmental programs and cooperative operations; and demonstrated experience working with citizens. Management experience in a local government agency is preferred. A master’s degree in planning or a related field and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification are also preferred.

For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit the Prothman Company at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Pend Oreille County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by November 15, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)

BENEFITS

Full medical and vision insurance for the employee. Optional dental, vision, and medical coverage for dependents. Washington State retirement pension is applicable, plan choices vary. County-paid benefits which include life insurance, long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program. 12 days of sick leave per year. 24 days of paid vacation per year; increases after 5 years of service. 12 paid holidays.