Summary
This is a union position under the general supervision of the Community Development Director. The incumbent performs a wide range of advanced professional land use and environmental planning duties. Responsibilities include supporting major long-range planning initiatives and policy development efforts such as preparation and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, development regulations, subarea plans, and strategic planning initiatives, while ensuring compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Shoreline Management Act (SMA).
The position also involves oversight and coordination of development review activities and land use and environmental permitting for complex current planning projects. Work requires the application of well-developed analytical, research, and writing skills in areas including site planning, subdivision design, urban design, environmental planning, and related land use disciplines.
Assignments frequently involve complex and sensitive issues requiring negotiation, independent judgment, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders. The Senior Planner works closely with citizens, applicants, elected officials, representatives from other agencies and jurisdictions, community organizations, and developers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required due to frequent preparation of technical reports and presentations before the Planning Commission, City Council, and the public. Work is performed under established deadlines and often requires attendance at public meetings and hearings, many of which occur during evening hours.
Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture or a closely related field.
• Five years of municipal planning related experience, with at least three years in an associate planner position.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered qualifying.
Licensing and Certification
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with driving record free of serious or frequent violations
• American Institute of Certified Planner, AICP desirable
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Land Use Planning & Regulatory Compliance
Advanced knowledge of land use planning principles, zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, shoreline management, and environmental review requirements. Ability to interpret and apply municipal codes, development regulations, and state laws including SEPA and related regulatory frameworks.
• Development Review & Project Management
Ability to manage complex development proposals and discretionary land use applications from initial submittal through review, public hearings, decision-making, and implementation. Skilled in coordinating multi-departmental review processes and ensuring projects meet regulatory and policy requirements.
• Public Process & Hearing Procedures
Knowledge of quasi-judicial and legislative public processes, including Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and City Council procedures. Ability to prepare professional staff reports, present technical information clearly, and respond effectively to questions from decision-makers and the public.
• Long-Range Planning & Policy Development
Ability to conduct planning research and analysis and develop policy recommendations related to land use, transportation, economic development, environmental planning, and community development. Experience assisting with Comprehensive Plan updates, subarea plans, and development regulation amendments.
• Grant Administration & Program Management
Knowledge of grant funding processes including identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and administering grant-funded programs. Ability to monitor grant compliance, maintain documentation, coordinate program implementation, and prepare required financial and performance reports.
• Interagency Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City departments, consultants, regulatory agencies, elected officials, developers, and the public. Skilled in facilitating collaboration and resolving complex planning and development issues.
• Technical Analysis & Problem Solving
Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to evaluate development proposals, assess regulatory compliance, and develop practical solutions to planning challenges.
• Communication & Professional Representation
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports, present information to public bodies, and represent the department in meetings with stakeholders, community groups, and partner agencies.
• Program Administration & Organizational Support
Ability to assist in departmental budgeting, manage consultant contracts and scopes of work, and support departmental initiatives and operational improvements.
• Other Skills
Ability to be coachable and open to feedback, collaborate effectively with others on a regular basis, and can demonstrate strong accountability for their work and responsibilities. They can contribute positively within a team environment while also working independently with minimal oversight, completing tasks reliably without the need for frequent reminders.
