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2026-05-18 CD Planner SeriesBoard of County Commissioners Read Ahead Community Development • 125 NW Chehalis Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532 • Phone: (360) 740-1146 STAFF REPORT Date: May 15, 2026 Staff: Mindy Brooks, Director, Community Development Regarding: Planner Series CBA – Automatic Promotions Attachments: A – Planner Annex B – Assistant Planner Job Description C – Planner 1 Job Description D – Planner 2 Job description E – Planner 3 Job Description REQUESTED ACTION Approve the promotion of Preston Pinkston to Planner 3, effective March 1, 2026, Tara Snelson to Planner 2, effective March 16, 2026, and Weston Floro-Hageman to Planner 2, effective May 1, 2026, to reflect the negotiated Teamsters CBA Planner Annex (Attachment A); and approve the Planner Series job descriptions (Attachments B, C, D and E). BACKGROUND During the CBA bargaining, the Planner Annex (Attachment A) was provided to Teamsters and was the subject negotiations October 2025 through January 2026. Ultimately, the Supervising Planner position was moved to the Supervisors Annex; however, the remainder of the Planner Annex was agreed to. Staff and Management had the understanding that the automatic promotion language found in Section 1.1 was to be included in final signed Teamsters CBA; however, the final signed Teamsters CBA did not include the negotiated Planner Annex. This needs to be rectified through a MOU with Teamsters. The promotion letter for Preston Pinkston was signed by me immediately upon Teamsters CBA approval to reflect his years of service. Tara Snelson’s promotion letter was signed when her years of service warranted a promotion, which was March 16. When Weston Floro-Hageman’s promotion came up based on his years of service, it was discovered that the Planner Annex was not included in signed version. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact from these promotions, as they were negotiated in 2025 and included in the current 2026 Budget. All three positions are funded through fees collected, not the General Fund. Planner Annex Pg. 2 of 2 May 15, 2026 STAFF RECOMMENDATION Rather than waiting for a MOU with Teamsters to be approved to fix the error, we are requesting that BOCC approve the automatic promotions based on years of services for Preston Pinkston, Tara Snelson and Weston Floro-Hageman, as was their understanding through bargaining. We are also asking that the job descriptions be approved by BOCC to ensure no further confusion. Attachment A APPENDIX X – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1 PLANNERS 1.0 The qualifications and certification for holding specific Planning classifications shall be controlled by the job descriptions. Assistant Planner Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field; OR four (4) years employment as a Permit Technician; OR equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Planner I Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field; OR six(6) months employment as an Assistant Planner with the Department of Community Development; OR five (5) years equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Planner II Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field; OR one (1) year employment as a Planner 1 , OR six (6) years equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Planner III Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a closely related field; OR two (2) years employment as a Planner 2; OR seven (7) years equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Supervising Planner Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a closely related field; OR three (3) years employment as a Planner 3; OR ten (10) years equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. 1.1 Promotions from Assistant Planner to Planner I, II, and III shall be automatic when the time-in-service requirements are met. Promotions may be expedited based on certifications obtained and exemplary performance. Promotions may be delayed by the Director based on poor performance evaluations. Examples of certifications are: • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) • Community Rating System (CRS) • Western Washington Wetlands training (Dept. of Ecology) Attachment A 1.2 Promotion to Planner Lead is not automatic and will be filled in accordance with the Filling Positions article of this CBA. 2 TRAINING 2.0 Training is assigned by the Director and is to be a minimum of three (3) hours. The length of the training period will be determined by the Director in advance. There is to be no more than one trainer assigned to a trainee. 2.1 When an employee is assigned the responsibility of training a new employee, they will be compensated closest to a 5% increase over the appointed employee’s current range for the hours the employee is actively conducting training. ASSISTANT PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION Page 1 of 3 Job Title: Assistant Planner Dept./Division: Community Development Job Class Code: TBD Pay Grade: 120 PCN: TBD FLSA: Non-exempt Effective Date: March 2026 Representation Status: Teamsters Revision Date: March 2026 Reports To: Community Development Director NATURE OF WORK Under close supervision, receives training on the routine planning functions of the Lewis County Planning Division; assists in planning permit review; and performs other related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position. •Provides information regarding planning policies and permitting processes. •Assists in processing various types of current planning permit applications. •Conducts planning research, analysis, and special projects as assigned. •Assist in preparing staff reports. •Assists in investigating code violations. •Must be able to legally drive a County vehicle to conduct site visits when required WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in a standard office environment and occasionally in the field when assisting other Planners during onsite reviews; work involves public contact, light physical demands, and frequent use of a personal computer. Work involves occasional exposure to variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry level in the Planner job series and is intended as a training period under close supervision of more senior level Planners and without the authority to issue permit review decisions. It is expected that upon completion of training, the employee will be promoted to a Planner I position with authority to issue limited permit review decisions. Attachment B Job Title: Assistant Planner Job Class Code: TBD Page 2 of 2 QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field; OR four (4)years employment as a Permit Technician; OR equivalent planning education and experience. Mustpossess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors): Knowledge of: •Principles and practices of planning. •Planning policies, procedures, and processes. •Regulations and codes governing planning activities. •Planning records, reports, and documentation. •Customer service standards and protocol. Skills in: •Performing a variety of basic planning functions. •Responding to routine planning inquiries, interpreting basic development codes, and providingcustomer service to the public. •Conducting planning and policy research and analysis. •Operating office equipment and utilizing GIS and standard computer software applications. •Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County departments,outside agencies, and the general public. •Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to: •Learn and follow County policies and procedures. •Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, priorities and work responsibilities. •Learn, retain, and recall new or changing information and processes. •Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, considering the needs of the audience. •Make timely, logical decisions, solve problems, and prioritize work appropriately. •Effectively manage stress and maintain composure. Behaviors: •Regular, reliable attendance. •Earn trust and respect through honesty, professionalism, and maintaining confidentiality. •Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words. •Listen to understand various perspectives. •Demonstrate initiative to learn, share information, and improve processes. As the incumbent in this position, I have received a copy of this position description. ________________________________________________ Job Title: Assistant Planner Job Class Code: TBD Page 3 of 2 Employee’s Name _________________________________________________ Employee’s Signature Date PLANNER 1 JOB DESCRIPTION Page 1 of 3 Job Title: Planner I Dept./Division: Community Development Job Class Code: 1509 Pay Grade: 120 PCN: 1509XXXX FLSA: Non-Exempt Effective Date: March 2026 Representation Status: Teamsters Revision Date: March 2026 Reports To: Community Development Director NATURE OF WORK Under close supervision, performs a variety of routine planning functions on behalf of the Lewis County Planning Division; reviews permit applications and development proposals; provides customer service to the public; conducts planning research; and performs other related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position. •Responds to planning inquiries from the public at the permit counter, via telephone and email, andduring pre-application conferences between staff and the public. •Provides information regarding planning policies and permitting processes; interprets and explainscodes. •Receives and processes various types of current planning permit applications. •Conducts planning research, analysis, and special projects as assigned. •Prepares staff reports and other documents. •Participates in investigating code violations; works with property owners, Code EnforcementOfficers, and the County Prosecutor’s Office to correct and resolve violations in code. •Must be able to legally drive a County vehicle to conduct site visits when required WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in a standard office environment and occasionally in the field when assisting other Planners during onsite reviews; work involves public contact, light physical demands, and frequent use of a personal computer. Work involves occasional exposure to variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a beginning level in the Planner job series. The Planner 1 position independently reviews standard planning permit applications including Master Site Reviews and Short Term Rental registrations. with emphasis on direct customer contact and response to public inquiries regarding Attachment C Job Title: Planner I Job Class Code: 1509 Page 2 of 3 County development regulations. Incumbents are granted greater independence as further experience is gained. It is expected that after completing one (1) year as a Planner 1 and demonstrating competency implementing assigned development regulations, the employee will be promoted to a Planner 2 position with authority to issue more complicate permit review decisions. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field; OR six(6) months employment as an Assistant Planner with the Department of Community Development; OR five (5)years equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid WashingtonState Driver's License. COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors): Knowledge of: •Principles and practices of planning. •Planning policies, procedures, and processes. •Regulations and codes governing planning activities. •Planning records, reports, and documentation. •Customer service standards and protocol. Skills in: •Interpreting and administering land use and development regulations within the context ofestablished policies and applicable law. Responding to routine planning inquiries, interpretingbasic development codes, and providing customer service to the public. •Conducting planning and policy research and analysis. •Preparing and maintaining a variety of planning records, reports, and documentation. •Operating office equipment and utilizing GIS and standard computer software applications. •Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County departments,outside agencies, and the general public. •Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to: •Learn and follow County policies and procedures. •Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, priorities and work responsibilities. •Learn, retain, and recall new or changing information and processes. •Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, considering the needs of the audience. •Make timely, logical decisions, solve problems, and prioritize work appropriately. •Effectively manage stress and maintain composure. Behaviors: •Regular, reliable attendance. •Earn trust and respect through honesty, professionalism, and maintaining confidentiality. •Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words. •Listen to understand various perspectives. Job Title: Planner I Job Class Code: 1509 Page 3 of 3 •Demonstrate initiative to learn, share information, and improve processes. As the incumbent in this position, I have received a copy of this position description. ________________________________________________ Employee’s Name _________________________________________________ Employee’s Signature Date PLANNER 2 JOB DESCRIPTION Page 1 of 3 Job Title: Planner 2 Dept./Division: Community Development Job Class Code: 1507 Pay Grade: 123 PCN: 1507001 FLSA: Non-Exempt Effective Date: March 2026 Representation Status: Teamsters Revision Date: March 2026 Reports To: Community Development Director NATURE OF WORK Under general supervision, performs a variety of skilled professional planning functions on behalf of the Lewis County Planning Division to implement the comprehensive plan and other functional planning documents; provides customer service to the public; reviews permit applications and development proposals; conducts planning research; and performs other related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position. •Coordinates and conducts various types of mid-level planning activities involving current land useplanning and environmental review. •Conducts planning research and analysis; provides recommendations regarding proposed land usepolicies and official controls. •Interacts and coordinates with County departments, including Code Enforcement Officers andCounty’ Prosecutor’s Office, land use consultants, outside agencies, landowners, and other relevantparties regarding planning related matters. •Responds to planning inquiries and requests for information received via telephone, email, and atthe public counter; explains planning and permitting processes. •Reviews permit applications and/or development proposals for compliance with applicableregulations. •Approves, denies, or provides alternative recommendations regarding applications submitted. •Coordinates and performs special planning projects as assigned. •Prepares and maintains a variety of planning records, reports, and documentation. •Must be able to legally drive a County vehicle to conduct site visits when required WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field when conducting site inspections; work involves public contact, light physical demands and frequent use of a personal computer. Attachment D Job Title: Planner II Job Class Code: 1507 Page 2 of 3 Occasional exposure to variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. Work includes occasional non-normal business hours, night and/or weekend meetings and some travel is required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is a mid-level position in the Planner job series. Incumbents have acquired necessary technical planning knowledge and skills and are granted greater independence as further experience is gained. The Planner 2 position independently reviews more complicated planning permit applications including SEPA and Special Use Permits, along with less complicated planning permit applications, and interacts to a higher degree with code enforcement and other county departments. It is expected that after completing two (2) years as a Planner 2 and demonstrating competency implementing assigned development regulations, the employee will be promoted to a Planner 3 position with authority to issue more complicated permit review decisions. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, or a closely related field; OR one (1)year employment as a Planner 1 , OR six (6) years equivalent planning education and experience.Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors): Knowledge of: •Principles and practices of planning. •Planning policies, procedures, and processes, including land use, development and subdivisionregulations. •Regulations and codes governing planning activities, including Growth Management Act, SEPA andenvironmental regulations. •Planning records, reports, and documentation. •Customer service standards and protocols. Skills in: •Coordinating and performing a variety of professional planning functions. •Interpreting and administering land use and development regulations within the context ofestablished policies and applicable law. •Proficiency in reading construction plans and maps. •Responding to planning inquiries and providing customer service to the public. •Reviewing permit applications and development proposals for regulatory compliance. •Conducting planning research and analysis and providing related recommendations. •Preparing and maintaining a variety of planning records, reports, and documentation. •Operating office equipment and utilizing GIS and standard computer software applications. •Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County departments,property owners, outside agencies, and the general public. •Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to: •Learn and follow County policies and procedures. Job Title: Planner II Job Class Code: 1507 Page 3 of 3 •Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, priorities and work responsibilities. •Learn, retain, and recall new or changing information and processes. •Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, considering the needs of the audience. •Make timely, logical decisions, solve problems, and prioritize work appropriately. •Effectively manage stress and maintain composure. Behaviors: •Regular, reliable attendance. •Earn trust and respect through honesty, professionalism, and maintaining confidentiality. •Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words. •Listen to understand various perspectives. •Demonstrate initiative to learn, share information, and improve processes. As the incumbent in this position, I have received a copy of this position description. ________________________________________________ Employee’s Name _________________________________________________ Employee’s Signature Date PLANNER 3 JOB DESCRIPTION Page 1 of 3 Job Title: Planner 3 Dept./Division: Community Development Job Class Code: 1767 Pay Grade: 125 PCN: 1767001 FLSA: Non-exempt Effective Date: March 2026 Representation Status: Teamsters Revision Date: March 2026 Reports To: Community Development Director NATURE OF WORK Under limited supervision, coordinates and performs a variety of high-level professional planning functions on behalf of the Lewis County Planning Division; reviews subdivision/binding site permit applications and development proposals for regulatory compliance; administers the County’s subdivision process; provides customer service to the public; and performs other specialized duties relative to area of assignment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are the fundamental, crucial job duties performed by this position. This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned and appropriate for the position. •Coordinates and conducts various types of mid-to-high level planning activities involving current and long-range land use planning, environmental review, and regulatory compliance with the GrowthManagement Act, SEPA and Shoreline Management Act. •Administers the subdivision requirements within Urban Growth Areas and coordinates with cityjurisdictions. •Conducts planning research and analysis; provides recommendations regarding proposed land usepolicies and official controls. •Interacts and coordinates with County departments, including Code Enforcement Officers andCounty’ Prosecutor’s Office, land use consultants, outside agencies, landowners, and other relevantparties regarding planning related matters. •Conducts pre-submission conferences with applicants. •Responds to planning inquiries and requests for information received via telephone, email, and atthe public counter; explains planning and permitting processes. •Reviews permit applications and/or development proposals for compliance with applicableregulations; approves, denies, or provides alternative recommendations regarding applicationssubmitted. •Coordinates and performs special planning projects as assigned. •Prepares and maintains a variety of planning records, reports, and documentation. •Must be able to legally drive a County vehicle to conduct site visits when required Attachment E Job Title: Planner 3 Job Class Code: 1767 Page 2 of 3 WORKING ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed in a standard office environment and in the field when conducting site inspections; work involves exposure to variable weather conditions and uneven terrain; subject to sitting, standing for extended periods of time, walking, bending, reaching, and stooping. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is an upper-level position in the Planner job series. Incumbents have acquired necessary technical planning knowledge and skills and are granted greater independence as further experience is gained. The Planner 3 position independently reviews more complicated planning permit applications including land divisions and Shoreline permits, along with less complicate permitting permit applications, and interacts to a higher degree with code enforcement and other count departments. The Planner 3 position is expected to interact with city jurisdictions on permitting within the Urban Growth Areas. The Planner 3 position is expected to provide training and guidance to lower-level Planners. The Planner 3 position does not automatically advance to the Planner Lead position upon years of service. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, or a closely related field; OR two (2) years employment as a Planner 2; OR seven (7) years equivalent planning education and experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors): Knowledge of: •Principles and practices of planning. •Planning policies, procedures, and processes. •Federal and State regulations governing planning and land use. •Applicable County codes including Critical Areas Ordinance, Shoreline Management Program, SEPAand subdivisions. •Urban Growth Area requirements and Interlocal Agreements with various city jurisdictions. •Specialized planning activities relative to area of assignment. •Planning records, reports, and documentation. •Customer service standards and protocols. Skills in: •Coordinating and performing a variety of highly skilled and technical professional planning functions. •Interpreting and administering land use and development regulations within the context ofestablished policies and applicable law. •Proficiency in reading construction plans and maps. •Responding to planning inquiries and providing customer service to the public. •Reviewing development proposals and permit applications for applicable regulatory compliance. •Conducting complex planning research and analysis and providing related recommendations. •Preparing and maintaining a variety of planning records, reports, and documentation. •Operating office equipment and utilizing GIS and standard computer software applications. Job Title: Planner 3 Job Class Code: 1767 Page 3 of 3 •Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other staff, County departments,property owners, developers, contractors, engineers, outside agencies, and the general public. •Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to: •Learn and follow County policies and procedures. •Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, priorities and work responsibilities. •Learn, retain, and recall new or changing information and processes. •Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, considering the needs of the audience. •Make timely, logical decisions, solve problems, and prioritize work appropriately. •Effectively manage stress and maintain composure. Behaviors: •Regular, reliable attendance. •Earn trust and respect through honesty, professionalism, and maintaining confidentiality. •Accept personal responsibility for work, actions, and words. •Listen to understand various perspectives. •Demonstrate initiative to learn, share information, and improve processes. As the incumbent in this position, I have received a copy of this position description. ________________________________________________ Employee’s Name _________________________________________________ Employee’s Signature Date