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Form of workCommunity Planning and Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency.
The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) departmentis seeking a highly motivated Senior Plannerto join our Development Services Division. Under the guidance of the Development Services Manager, the Senior Planneris responsible for leading and coordinating planners and land use planning review processes.
The Senior Planner will use their skills to provide expert level capabilities and guidance on land use permitting and development issues. This is a supervisory level position that will lead teams that may include Associate Planners, Assistant Planners and Planning Technicians.
The focus for this position will be, leading and guiding staff under your supervision, managing a caseload of more complex land use permits, presenting projects to the Hearings Examiner, guiding the permit review and processes for the Shoreline Master Program, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Subdivisions, Single Family Homes, critical area review, and other permits by staff.
Being a great communicator, leader, and experience withland use permitting is key for this position. You will be working with the Hearing Examiner, interested parties, and other organizations on your projects.
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Communicates and interacts with executives and administrators of other organizations at the request and on behalf of the Planning Manager or Director.
- Will provide immediate supervision, guidance, and training for assigned staff and interns on review of land use permits.
- Responds to public inquiries with information on the planning process and public policy.
- Advises appointed and elected officials on public policy issues, planning procedures, comprehensive and special plans, as well as regulatory ordinances.
- Prepares and presents reports to hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of planning and development on the community.
- Oversees and establishes methodologies for the review of land use permits.
- Coordinates and guides the review of land use permits to ensure consistent review.
- Oversees and coordinates investigation, analysis, and preparation of documents for public policy issues, planning, and community development.
This is a great position for an experienced Senior Planner, or someone who is ready to take on new challenges and would like to take the next step in their career.
To view the full job classification, click here: Senior Planner job classification
Why join the Development Services team:
The Development Services Division is responsible for addressing the County's every day permitting needs for planning, building, code compliance and more. The team includes members with expertise in land use and development, wetlands, prairie habitat, public engagement, building construction, and more.
Why CPED is a great department:
The team members of Community Planning and Economic Development make it a wonderful place to work and effect change. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the citizens of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED is working to preserve history, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient, plan for our future to ensure development is consistent with projected growth, and preserve the County's rural character, natural areas, and open spaces.
Why you'll love it here:
You'll enjoy a high quality of life here. Thurston County is located at the south end of the Puget Sound, roughly halfway between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two-hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands. With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Thurston County and its cities have something to offer for everyone. Locals enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, walking on dedicated trails, and eating great locally raised and grown food. As the state capital, Thurston County is home to a unique blend of industries, including state government, health care, retail, military, education, construction, farming, fishing, and logging. You will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family, as well as generous leave programs.
The County boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned "Hands On Children's Museum." Our innovative schools are highly rated. Thurston County is also home to South Puget Sound Community College and two universities, The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin's University. Discover more about life in Thurston County at experienceolympia.com
- Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, environmental studies, public administration or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Four years of experience within a planning process related to urban or regional plans, comprehensive plans, or a facet of community development.
- Must have valid Washington State Driver's License.
- Comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to all functional areas, such as land use, transportation, environmental impacts, or other related areas.
- Advanced knowledge of a functional area of planning and its relationship to the comprehensive planning process.
- Ability to prepare and administer work programs, budgets, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
- Technical expertise in a functional area of the comprehensive planning process and the associated methodologies and techniques.
- Ability to prepare and administer plans based on survey and analysis of data, citizen participation, and agency consultation.
- Ability to organize and oversee work programs, including monitoring budgets, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with agency members, planning staff, and the community.
- Skill in written and graphic communication.
Questions about this recruitment?
The contact person for this recruitment is: Jeremy Davis (360) 867-2103
This position is:
- Non-Represented
- Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Eligible for benefits
Items required for consideration:
- Application
- Letter of Interest
- Resume
