About The Yakima Valley Council of Governments …
 
Established 50 years ago, the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (“YVCOG”) was then and is today, a group of community members who are committed to working on land use, transportation, environment and human services’ issues that impact the quality of life for the communities of the Yakima region.  Yakima Valley COG serves as an intermediary between the communities it represents and the state and federal government entities that are responsible for ensuring the decisions made at the local level are aligned with state and federal laws, and that government resources are managed.
The overall mission of Yakima Valley Conference of Government membership is to improve the valleys’ livability and secure its future.    
 
In 2016 YVCOG accepted responsibility for managing the region’s homeless programs which had previously been a part of Yakima County offices.
 
Located in the center of the state, Yakima County is the second largest county in Washington.  The region is a rich and productive agricultural valley which is surrounded by lush rivers and mountain ranges. Well known for its apples and its production of fruit and vegetables, in recent years it has received national recognition for its many vineyards.    Home to approximately 247, 200 people, 41% of whom are Hispanic and Latino, the region is culturally rich and diverse.  Applicants will find a family friendly environment that offers affordable housing with a median cost of housing in the mid-$150, 000.   Small town living galore, the region offers urban living in the City of Yakima which is the largest city in the county, while small farms and more rural living is of abundance in the surrounding cities.  The Yakima Indian Reservation, which is home to 30% of the region’s population, is the 15^th largest Native American tribe in the nation.
 
Outdoor sports are abundant year around and include fishing, camping, hiking, water sports and snow skiing.       
 
About the ASSOCIATE Planner Position…   
 
This position is vacant as a result of an employee accepting a job with a member city.  The Yakima Valley COG is a small group of highly professional and committed professionals committed to making a difference in the Yakima region.  Although the primary focus of the current position will be planning specific to land use, there is an opportunity for this individual to work with colleagues assigned to transportation and human services, and to perform transportation planning as needed.    
 
Primary Responsibilities:
 
The Associate Planner reports to the Deputy Director and performs the assigned job duties under the direction of Senior Planners as follows:
      

• Applies working knowledge in establishing and using methodologies for research, analysis, preparation, and coordination of data and information to support studies, prepare documents and materials for public policy issues, planning, and community development.
• Provides technical and administrative assistance to member organizations and committees.
• Prepares and presents reports, graphics and other materials, designs or identifies training opportunities, facilitates work group sessions and develops outreach materials to further understanding of project or program planning efforts and impacts on the community.
• Assists with revising local policies, plans and legislation, projecting trends, and monitoring socioeconomic changes with respect to individual programs and projects as needed.
• Adheres to federal, state and local regulations as they apply to the assigned project or program in order to demonstrate compliance.
• Under guidance of supervisor staff, develops grant applications and, in coordination with the Director and Program Managers, may administer agreements/contracts with funding and participating agencies and organizations.
• Facilitates process for procuring consultants under the guidance of supervisory staff when required.
• Under supervisory advisement, scopes and reviews the work of consultants, contracting agencies, and other organizations as appropriate.
• Participates in intergovernmental committees in identifying and coordinating planning efforts.
• Responds to public inquiries for data and information on planning processes or program related public policies, procedures and regulations.
• Assists with and recommends issue resolution through a consensus building process.
• Supports the supervisory staff in advising the Director and decision making/advisory boards/committees of program or project needs, public policy issues, planning procedures, comprehensive and special plans, and related regulations.
• Assists in facilitating funding and project collaboration between the economic development councils (EDCs) of Member Jurisdictions.
• Aids EDCs in identifying funding opportunities and grant writing as needed.
• Assists in identifying economic development issues through collaboration with staff, appointed and elected officials, and the public.
• In coordination with staff and elected officials of participating jurisdictions assists the supervising planner in, preparing a variety of reports.
• Works with multi-jurisdictional advisory committees at the local, state and federal levels throughout all phases of economic development planning.
• This list of job responsibilities is not all inclusive.

• A Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban development, transportation, environmental studies, or public administration; (equivalent experience may substitute for education on a one-one basis)
• One (1) year of experience in planning, research and analysis related to land use, transportation, human services, economics, or for a government entity;  
• Must be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of employment and possess valid auto insurance, or to demonstrate the ability to travel throughout the Yakima region and state on a regular basis, at times during incumbent weather conditions;
• Must possess a strong knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of planning, project management, budget, and preparation of a wide range of written reports; 

• Salary range for this position is $4,466 - $5,990  
• Eligible for 15 days of Personal Leave Time (PTO) leave for year one and two of employment; increases to 18 days at the beginning of the third year of employment followed with increases at five year increments (5-20)
• Ten (10) paid holidays
• Health benefits include medical, dental and vision for the employee and dependents as established by the Executive Director and Board on an annual basis
• Additional benefits include: long-term disability and life insurance
• Eligible to participate in Deferred Comp and in a Health Saving Account  
• Participation in Washington State Department of Retirement Systems PERS is required

    
 
HOW TO APPLY:  Position Closes December 2, 2016.
 
To apply for this opportunity, email your resume and cover letter to yvcog.hr@yvcog.org
 
The Yakima Valley Conference of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This is a drug and tobacco free workplace.