Address
Form of workSalary: $6,672.00 - $8,897.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time Employee
Job Number: 27R00795
Department: Community Planning and Economic Development
Opening Date: 03/11/2024
Closing Date: 3/26/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Summary of Duties
Community Planning and Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency.
The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Senior Plannerto join our Community Planning Division. Under the guidance of the Community Planning Manager, the Senior Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating community planning teams on county-wide land use, water, and conservation policy issues.
What you will be doing
The Senior Planner will use their skills to provide expert-level capabilities and guidance on engagement, strategic planning and grants support for Community Planning projects, programs, and policy initiatives. This is a supervisory level position that will lead teams that include Education and Outreach Specialists, Associate Planners, and other staff.
This position will support several Community Planning efforts including engagement on long-range planning projects, information sharing for climate and water monitoring data, and strategic communications for conservation and stormwater programs including shoreline management, habitat protection, forestry and agriculture, and salmon recovery.
Being a great communicator, leader, and having experience managing high-profile projects is key for this position. You will be working with elected officials, community members, and other organizations on your projects.
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Please see the Senior Planner classification for a full description of all essential functions, including desired skills. 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.
You will be joining a diverse and dedicated team
The Community Planning Division has a significant role in supporting Thurston County's strategic initiative to balance development with preserving the County's rural character, natural resources, and open spaces.
As a part of our Community Planning team, you will have the opportunity to plan for Thurston County's future and solve complex community issues that have a county-wide concern. The Community Planning team works with other county team members, community groups, the cities in Thurston County, state, and federal agencies, and more.
The experts of Community Planning are on the leading edge of major issues affecting the citizens of Thurston County including:
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 people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED is working to preserve history, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient, plan for future growth, and conserve natural resources.
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
What we offer our employees
Qualifications
Desired Skills
Other Position Related Information
Questions about this recruitment?
The contact person for this recruitment is Ashley Arai, Community Planning Manager, 360-280-9298.
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
Thurston County provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees. The following is a brief summary of available benefits offered to county employees. Benefits are subject to change and may differ according to collective bargaining agreements. Plan documents and eligibility requirements are provided upon hire. This information is subject to change at anytime.
Health Care Benefits:
Thurston County provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage for all regular full-time employees enrolled in the County's standard plans. For regular part-time employees, who work less than 75% of an FTE, the county pays a pro-rated portion of the cost for medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
Medical
Thurston County provides medical benefits through the Washington State's Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). Plan availability is based on county of residence. Each year the County determines the standard and non-standard plans. For standard plans, the County pays the full employee premium.
Dental
Dental plans are provided through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF). Employees have the opportunity to choose between two plans, Delta Dental, a preferred provider plan or Willamette Dental, an HMO plan.
Vision
Thurston County employees have Vision Service Plan coverage through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF). Employees also have additional vision coverage through their medical plan.
Life Insurance
The County provides each regular, full-time employee with a basic, term life plan of $36,000 life insurance and $36,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Additional voluntary, supplemental life insurance and AD&D insurance is available as a payroll deduction.
Dependent Coverage
Eligible dependents may be added to all coverage listed above. Depending upon the bargaining unit, the County pays up to a specific maximum amount toward dependent coverage with the employee paying any amount above the County maximum contribution.
Pension Plans:
Retirement
Eligible Thurston County employees participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems' pension plans (PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF). With the exception of PERS plan 3, all of these plans are "defined benefit" plans with retirement benefits based on your average compensation and earned service credits. PERS Plan 3 is a hybrid plan incorporating both "defined benefit" and "defined contribution" elements. These plans are funded by both employer and employee contributions.
Deferred Compensation
The County offers three voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. Deferred compensation plans are 457 plans as defined by IRS regulations.
Holiday and Leave Programs:
Paid Leave
Thurston County offers two leave plans, Alternative leave and Traditional leave. In the Alternative Leave program, leave is accrued per pay period and may be used for vacation and/or sick leave purposes. Employees in the Traditional Leave program accrue both sick leave and annual leave each pay period.
Thurston County Observed Holidays
Eleven paid are observed by Thurston County. Depending on union contract, regular employees receive one floating holiday and one Community Service Day each calendar year, or two floating holidays each calendar year.
Other County Paid Benefits:
Long Term Disability (LTD)
The county's long term disability plan provides a monthly benefit of 60% of your monthly base salary up to $6,000 per month after a waiting period of 90 days of disability.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees and immediate family members are eligible to receive confidential, professional counseling assessment and referral services through First Choice Health. The employee assistance program can assist and respond to all kinds of requests for counseling assessment and life concerns, such as, relationship concerns, family problems, alcohol and drug abuse problems, financial crisis, identification theft, general stress, caregiver burnout, depression, etc. Services are available 24-hours per day, 7-days per week.
Additional Voluntary Benefits:
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses. Section 125 FSAs allow you to pay for allowable hea...
Location : Thurston County, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time Employee
Job Number: 27R00795
Department: Community Planning and Economic Development
Opening Date: 03/11/2024
Closing Date: 3/26/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Summary of Duties
Community Planning and Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency.
The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Senior Plannerto join our Community Planning Division. Under the guidance of the Community Planning Manager, the Senior Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating community planning teams on county-wide land use, water, and conservation policy issues.
What you will be doing
The Senior Planner will use their skills to provide expert-level capabilities and guidance on engagement, strategic planning and grants support for Community Planning projects, programs, and policy initiatives. This is a supervisory level position that will lead teams that include Education and Outreach Specialists, Associate Planners, and other staff.
This position will support several Community Planning efforts including engagement on long-range planning projects, information sharing for climate and water monitoring data, and strategic communications for conservation and stormwater programs including shoreline management, habitat protection, forestry and agriculture, and salmon recovery.
Being a great communicator, leader, and having experience managing high-profile projects is key for this position. You will be working with elected officials, community members, and other organizations on your projects.
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform senior level relationship management, community engagement, and program management for Community Planning projects, programs, and policy initiatives
- Prepare cost and schedule analysis reports for Community Planning outreach and communications efforts.
- Develop and manage division-wide strategic plans designed to establish collaborative relationships with community groups and partner agencies
- Research and recommend methods for improving public access to and participation in Community Planning projects, programs, and policy initiatives
- Facilitate advisory groups and community meetings
- Support staff in developing DEI centered community engagement plans and improving accessibility to public information.
- Initiate and provide training for community leaders that build the community's social and organizational capacity to participate in Community Planning projects and programs.
- Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of outreach and communications strategies and respond to changes.
- Advise staff on emerging community issues to have this perspective included in decision-making processes.
- Scope and review technical work of consultants, contracting agencies, and other organizations as appropriate.
- Support staff in developing grant narratives and deliverables related to community outreach and engagement.
- Prepare and deliver presentations on initiative driven projects and policy work.
- Support department leadership by providing insight, information, and documents such as draft policies, speaking points, and presentations.
Please see the Senior Planner classification for a full description of all essential functions, including desired skills. 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.
You will be joining a diverse and dedicated team
The Community Planning Division has a significant role in supporting Thurston County's strategic initiative to balance development with preserving the County's rural character, natural resources, and open spaces.
As a part of our Community Planning team, you will have the opportunity to plan for Thurston County's future and solve complex community issues that have a county-wide concern. The Community Planning team works with other county team members, community groups, the cities in Thurston County, state, and federal agencies, and more.
The experts of Community Planning are on the leading edge of major issues affecting the citizens of Thurston County including:
- Habitat Conservation
- Comprehensive Planning
- Stormwater Management
- Water and Climate Data Monitoring
- Rural Water Availability Planning
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Open Space Planning
- Joint Planning with the Cities in Thurston County
- Shoreline Management
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 people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED is working to preserve history, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient, plan for future growth, and conserve natural resources.
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
What we offer our employees
- Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
- Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Benefits 2024 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans website for more information.
- Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 paidholidays
- Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness:This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Qualifications
- 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.
Desired Skills
- Ability to prepare and administer work programs, budgets, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
- Comprehensive knowledge of DEI, outreach strategies, and engagement approaches.
- Knowledge of the Washington State Growth Management Act and its relationship to comprehensive planning processes.
- Knowledge of water and land conservation programs.
- Ability to prepare and administer plans based on survey and analysis of data, community participation, and agency consultation.
- 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.
Other Position Related Information
Questions about this recruitment?
The contact person for this recruitment is Ashley Arai, Community Planning Manager, 360-280-9298.
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
Thurston County provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees. The following is a brief summary of available benefits offered to county employees. Benefits are subject to change and may differ according to collective bargaining agreements. Plan documents and eligibility requirements are provided upon hire. This information is subject to change at anytime.
Health Care Benefits:
Thurston County provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage for all regular full-time employees enrolled in the County's standard plans. For regular part-time employees, who work less than 75% of an FTE, the county pays a pro-rated portion of the cost for medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
Medical
Thurston County provides medical benefits through the Washington State's Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). Plan availability is based on county of residence. Each year the County determines the standard and non-standard plans. For standard plans, the County pays the full employee premium.
Dental
Dental plans are provided through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF). Employees have the opportunity to choose between two plans, Delta Dental, a preferred provider plan or Willamette Dental, an HMO plan.
Vision
Thurston County employees have Vision Service Plan coverage through the Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF). Employees also have additional vision coverage through their medical plan.
Life Insurance
The County provides each regular, full-time employee with a basic, term life plan of $36,000 life insurance and $36,000 accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Additional voluntary, supplemental life insurance and AD&D insurance is available as a payroll deduction.
Dependent Coverage
Eligible dependents may be added to all coverage listed above. Depending upon the bargaining unit, the County pays up to a specific maximum amount toward dependent coverage with the employee paying any amount above the County maximum contribution.
Pension Plans:
Retirement
Eligible Thurston County employees participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems' pension plans (PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF). With the exception of PERS plan 3, all of these plans are "defined benefit" plans with retirement benefits based on your average compensation and earned service credits. PERS Plan 3 is a hybrid plan incorporating both "defined benefit" and "defined contribution" elements. These plans are funded by both employer and employee contributions.
Deferred Compensation
The County offers three voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. Deferred compensation plans are 457 plans as defined by IRS regulations.
Holiday and Leave Programs:
Paid Leave
Thurston County offers two leave plans, Alternative leave and Traditional leave. In the Alternative Leave program, leave is accrued per pay period and may be used for vacation and/or sick leave purposes. Employees in the Traditional Leave program accrue both sick leave and annual leave each pay period.
Thurston County Observed Holidays
Eleven paid are observed by Thurston County. Depending on union contract, regular employees receive one floating holiday and one Community Service Day each calendar year, or two floating holidays each calendar year.
Other County Paid Benefits:
Long Term Disability (LTD)
The county's long term disability plan provides a monthly benefit of 60% of your monthly base salary up to $6,000 per month after a waiting period of 90 days of disability.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employees and immediate family members are eligible to receive confidential, professional counseling assessment and referral services through First Choice Health. The employee assistance program can assist and respond to all kinds of requests for counseling assessment and life concerns, such as, relationship concerns, family problems, alcohol and drug abuse problems, financial crisis, identification theft, general stress, caregiver burnout, depression, etc. Services are available 24-hours per day, 7-days per week.
Additional Voluntary Benefits:
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses. Section 125 FSAs allow you to pay for allowable hea...
