Spectacularly beautiful Skagit County stretches from the North Cascade mountains to the shoreline of the Salish Sea, with a rich agricultural valley in between. Hiking and biking trails crisscross the region, and opportunities for water recreation abound, whether on the Skagit River or in coastal waterways.
The Skagit Valley has a rich agricultural history, which today makes it a popular destination for farm-to-table cuisine and unique local culinary experiences. Craft breweries, distilleries and wineries across the county draw visitors and locals alike. While the county celebrates its slower pace and rich quality of life, it also features a variety of performing arts, visual arts, and music venues. Though the County has traditionally been an agricultural center, high tech manufacturing is also on the rise.
Skagit County covers 1,920 square miles with a growing population of roughly 121,000. Mount Vernon, the county seat, is the largest city with a rich, walkable downtown and a variety of lunchtime dining opportunities.
 Skagit County is centrally located between two major urban centers—Vancouver, B.C., and Seattle, and within 30 minutes of Western Washington University in Bellingham. A substantial performing arts center in Mount Vernon draws major performances.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Skagit County offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package!
Holidays. 10 standards holidays plus 2 floating holidays
Vacation. Annual benefits of:
- 10 days from year 1–3
- 15 days from year 4–10
- approximately 1 additional day per year after year 10
Sick leave. 8 hours per month.
Health.
Skagit County offers two plans:
- PPO. No premiums for employee and dependents. Low deductible plan $500 individual/$1000 family. Low out of pocket maximum. Only $100 surcharge to add spouse.
- HDHP/HSA. No premiums for employee, dependents, and spouse. County contributes 1/2 of deductible into HSA.
Vision. No premiums. Lenses every calendar year. New frames every other.
Dental. No premiums. Low $50 deductible with $2,000 annual limit. Orthodontia covered.
Flexible spending account. medical and dependent care
Employee Assistance Program. Counseling for four sessions at no cost. Available to anyone living in employee’s home.
Retirement. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System Plan. Employer contributes 12.7% of salary. Short vesting period depending on retirement plan selected (PERS2 vested at 5 years; PERS3 vested at 10 years).
Deferred Compensation. Employee may enroll in one of three deferred compensation plans. General plan guarantees a 4% annual return.
Life insurance. County pays premiums to cover employee at $25,000; dependents at $1,000.
AD&D insurance. County pays premiums to cover employee at $25,000.
Long-term disability insurance. County pays premiums for 50% of the employee’s income. Employee has a buy-up option.
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A slower pace of life...
People move to Skagit County for a high quality of life, which is enhanced by beautiful scenery, varied opportunities, and low commute travel times.
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Recreation
Skagit County is near the San Juan Islands and several state and national parks, including Deception Pass State Park, Washington’s most-visited state park. Oyster Dome and Sauk Mountain are other regional treasures. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound with skiing sailing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Spectacularly beautiful
Skagit County stretches from the North Cascade mountains to the shoreline of the Salish Sea, with a rich agricultural valley in between. Hiking and biking trails crisscross the region, and opportunities for water recreation abound, whether on the Skagit River or in coastal waterways.
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Festivals
One of the county’s most well-known festivals—the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival—happens each April, and in 2016 was selected as one of the Best Spring Trips by National Geographic. The Bald Eagle Festival celebrates the county’s tremendous wildlife. The Anacortes Arts Festival and other festivals attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city’s marine waterfront.
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 WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Planning & Development services is located in the newly remodeled County Commissioners Administrative Building in the heart of Mount Vernon. The building features:
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Comfortable office spaces
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Free parking with electric vehicle charging stations
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Low-Impact Development parking lot
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Rain garden infiltration system
- Walkable neighborhood for breaks
- Internal courtyard with picnic tables for lunchtimes
- Bathroom showers for active commuters
The Department works with employees to develop training programs customized to your needs, and flexible working hours appropriate to your job duties and skillsets.
COST OF LIVING
Housing is inexpensive in Skagit County compared to many other parts of the state. As of March 2018, median housing prices in Skagit County are:
- Skagit County overall $316,100
- Anacortes $402,400
- Burlington $284,400
- Mount Vernon $313,500
- Sedro-Woolley $249,000
SKAGIT COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Skagit County operates under the default form of government prescribed by the Washington state constitution: Three county Commissioners, nominated in districts and elected by the entire county, serve as the county legislative and executive authority. Seven independently elected officials perform regional countywide administrative functions prescribed by statute; thirteen other administrative departments are led by Commissioner-appointed department heads who report to the County Commissioners through the County Administrator. Three District Court Judges and four Superior Court Judges, elected countywide, along with the Court Commissioners they appoint, constitute the judicial branch.
LINKS
www.skagitcounty.net
www.skagitcounty.net/pdsjobs
www.skagitcounty.net/jobs
www.skagitcounty.net/planning
www.skagitcounty.net/strategicplan
www.skagitcountytrends.ewu.edu
www.visitskagitvalley.com
www.skagitvisitor.com
Internships available too!
Skagit County
Planning & Development Services
Physical and Mailing Address
1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon WA 98273
Contact the Department
360-416-1320
 
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