SEQUIM — Joe Irvin, Sequim’s interim city planning director, has resigned from his position, effective April 15.

He plans to move to south Florida with his family where his wife, Katie, will pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy, the city announced Thursday.

The resignation comes as City Manager Steve Burkett seeks to permanently fill the position formerly held for eight years by Dennis Lefevre, who resigned last year after he and Burkett agreed to a mutual disassociation.

Burkett anticipates appointing a permanent city planning director sometime in May.

The pay range for the position is $83,000 to $106,000, depending on experience, the city manager said.

Irvin was being paid $72,000 a year as interim planning director.

With Irvin’s resignation, the city of Sequim is without a professional planning staff.

Burkett said he plans to hire someone on an interim contract basis to meet the department needs until the staff positions are filled.

Lefevre hired Irvin straight out of college six years ago as an assistant planner.

“I came to Sequim not really knowing what to expect, and over the last six years, I have found that people here care about what happens here,” Irvin said.

“Sequim is a great place to live, work and call home. I am excited for my family’s next adventure, but I will miss working with all of my co-workers and the Sequim community.”

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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.