Planning & Development Services Director

Planning & Development Services Director

Salary

$11,480.00 - $16,669.00 Monthly

Location

Northwest Annex - 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

D430 0126

Department

Planning & Development Services

Opening Date

01/16/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

Whatcom County is seeking an experienced and visionary Planning & Development Services Director to lead the Countys planning and development initiatives. This is a key leadership role responsible for guiding departmental strategy, operations, and budgeting while driving innovation in land use, permitting, and community development. Reporting to the County Executive and working closely with the County Council, Planning Commission, and other advisory committees, this position offers an opportunity to lead meaningful change in the Countys planning and development processes, that includes promoting regulatory frameworks that supports the development of affordable housing solution. The role focuses on fostering a growing, vibrant and economically resilient community seeking economic renewal over future decades, balancing development needs with community values and environmental stewardship while supporting housing accessibility for all income levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead the strategic direction, performance, and fiscal management of the Planning & Development Services Department
• Oversee departmental functions, including long-range planning and policy development, current planning, permitting and enforcement, natural resource planning and management
• Collaborate with the County Executive, County Council, Planning Commission, and advisory committees
• Drive improvements in service delivery and permitting efficiency
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in land use policy, development regulations, and operational management. They are committed to streamlining processes, enhancing service delivery, and aligning planning efforts with economic growth, community values, and environmental sustainability. This leader brings strong fiscal stewardship, empowers a high-performing and inclusive team, and builds trusted relationships with staff, stakeholders, and partners to drive long-term success for Whatcom County.

THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Planning and Development Services department is to ensure growth and development occurs in a manner that protects public health, safety and welfare, and ensures the quality of life enjoyed by citizens and visitors in Whatcom County is preserved and enhanced.

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services currently has 52 FTE's and is divided into three major divisions including Building Services, Natural Resources and Planning. The Planning & Development Services Director will guide highly talented and dedicated management team providing leadership and guidance on a wide variety of land use, long range planning, natural resource management, building and code related issues for Whatcom County.

Supervisor: County Executive

For more information about the Planning and Development Services Director position, please review the following

• Job Description
• Planning & Development Services Website
• Recruitment Brochure
• Position is Open Until Filled *

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. First review date scheduled for February 9, 2026. Apply early for first consideration.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Business or Public Administration, Planning, or a related field. Masters Degree preferred;
• 6 years progressively responsible related experience;
• 3 years of management or supervisory experience;
• Prior experience in construction management or private business involving interaction with government entities on matters related to land use and life-safety codes is desired.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.

Supplemental Information

Salary Range: Unrepresented Range 17: $11,480 - $16,669 monthly

Hiring rate depends on qualifications.

Distinguish yourself in public service and make a commitment to our future.

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost toemployees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks

• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

01

Do you have a Bachelors Degree (or higher) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Please list the degree you have received and the field of emphasis:

03

Do you have at least six years of progressively responsible related experience?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have at least three years of management or supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

05

In your cover letter, please address your qualifications and interest in this position, and why Whatcom County Planning and Development Services mission and service to the community appeal to you.

Required Question

Employer Whatcom County

Address 311 Grand Ave, Suite 107

Bellingham, Washington, 98225

Phone (360) 778-5300

Website https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1675/Current-Job-Openings