Principal Legislative Analyst (Land Use) -King County Council

King County Council; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Principal Legislative Analyst to lead objective analyses in growth management, land use, planning, zoning, and development regulations for the Council and its committees.

The role requires nonpartisan, evidence-based recommendations, strong written and oral communication, and the ability to work closely with legal staff and external committees. King County values diversity and invites applicants from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Growth Management Act (GMA), SEPA, comprehensive plans and land use codes.
• Experience interpreting local, regional, state, and federal planning mandates.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with a policy focus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct objective qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans, and proposals to identify intent, impacts, and alternatives.
• Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis for land use, transportation, and equity policies.
• Provide analysis and counsel on strategic policy, organizational, and operational issues.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings to elected officials and the public.

Skills

GMA knowledge

SEPA knowledge

GIS mapping

Policy analysis

Nonpartisan analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Master's degree in public administration

Tools

GIS software

Job description

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a Principal Legislative Analyst with primary policy areas of growth management, land use, comprehensive and regional planning, zoning current planning, and development regulations. This position is a member of a team responsible for leading or conducting objective and non-biased legislative, policy, fiscal, and operations analysis for the Metropolitan King County Council and its committees.

The policy team's goal is to provide high-quality, nonpartisan and objective analyses of policy proposals for councilmembers to consider when making policy decisions--maintaining personal neutrality is a must for this position.

King County is becoming a global leader whose continued excellence and diverse population is a driving force in the Pacific Northwest. As the legislative branch of county government, the King County Council represents nine geographical regions of the county, sets policies, enacts laws, and adopts budgets that guide an array of services.

At King County Council, we are committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. The Council encourages people of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. A diverse workforce is a strong workforce.

Job Duties

The Principal Legislative Analyst will perform the duties and responsibilities of lower-level classifications within the Legislative Analyst Series and will also:

• Conduct objective, non-biased qualitative and quantitative analysis of legislation, plans and proposals in order to identify legislative and executive intent, anticipated direct and indirect results, and alternatives. Work with legal staff to identify legal issues, impacts and risks.
• Prepare GIS maps and conduct basic GIS analysis for land use, transportation, financial, and/or equity and social justice policies.
• Provide analysis and counsel on complex subject-specific matter involving strategic direction, policy, organizational, and operational issues.
• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings in a clear, concise, logical and objective manner, both orally and in writing – summarizing and clearly articulating analytic findings, issues, and alternatives for elected officials and the public.
• Initiate, coordinate, and conduct research and analysis of legislation referred to the Council on specific policy and fiscal matters, including new ideas and legislation. Identify legislative and executive intent on highly complex proposals.
• Specify research design and outcomes.
• Participate in external committees such as those comprised of departmental staff, interdepartmental staff, and interagency staff, to stay up-to-date on proceedings, performance, trends, and issues.
• Meet with assigned mentee(s) on a regular basis providing mentorship and coaching

Listed are a few responsibilities from the preceding classification

• Prepare and present staff reports and briefings for council committees. Summarize intent, outline background information, analyze important issues, identify legal issues, impacts and risks. Prepare pertinent attachments and illustrations.
• Draft legislation and amendments as required for council consideration. Review for compliance with professional and technical standards.
• Review annual budget proposals, engage in discussions about policy intent and expected outcomes, analyze issues, and develop options.

A full description of the job duties can be found here:
Position: Principal Legislative Analyst

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

The most successful applicants will possess the following experience, knowledge, and skills:

• Extensive specialized professional knowledge of the Growth Management Act (GMA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), comprehensive plans, land use codes, permitting and GIS mapping software.
• Long-range land use planning, policy interpretation, and zoning and development regulations knowledge.
• Deep knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply relevant sections of local, regional, state, and federal mandates and programs related to planning, housing, land use, development, and the environment. Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates and functions and familiarity with the regional and local policy issues and challenges that affect King County is a plus.
• Passionfor the legislative process; have experience working for elected officials; are creative and intellectually curious; have strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills; and have a desire to collaboratively work as part of a team.
• In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and Council and committee parliamentary rules and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of project management, research design and sequencing of project steps.
• Interpret and apply relevant sections of the King County Code, and local, regional, state and federal mandates and programs.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of proposals, alternatives, and conclusions, as well as whether proposals comply with policy. Identify issues for legal review.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

The Principal Legislative Analyst position typically requires a master's degree in public administration, finance, accounting, transportation planning, behavioral or social science, political science, business, economics, or equivalent discipline that will enable job performance AND at least eight years of experience performing professional level work in an analytical, evaluative, and planning capacity and/or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the job duties of the position.

Supplemental Information

The King County Council strives to create an inclusive, anti-racist workplace and seeks team members who will thrive in this type of working environment.

With a commitment to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment and valuing lived experiences, we endeavor to hire a workforce which reflects the County we serve. People of all backgrounds, cultures, and religions are encouraged to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

Together with leadership and our employees, we are changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work, and play.