Under the direction of the assigned supervisor the incumbent performs professional level planning functions to administer and coordinate complex work programs. The incumbent helps manage special projects, code development and review, and updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan and development regulations. The selected candidate will coordinate across functional areas of the planning process and must be highly knowledgeable about principles, practices, and techniques of planning; related state and federal laws, growth management, ordinances, rules and regulations; implementation of zoning and other ordinances; application of land use, design standards, economic development, affordable housing, environmental review, and/or social concepts to the planning process. The incumbent performs research and analysis to support project development and implementation. 

Work is performed at a project lead level, with a high degree of independence. Work assignments are performed with general instruction and require considerable independence in the selection of courses of action and resolution of complex or unique problems within the framework of department policies and procedures. Performance is measured more by outcomes than by outputs or tasks. Activities may include projects with a high degree of sensitivity or controversy, interpretations of law, decision-making under ambiguous circumstances, and ongoing relationships with other local governments, tribes, and state or federal agencies.
DCD focuses on enabling and assisting our Kitsap residents in building affordable, structurally sound, and environmentally conscious developments in the Kitsap Community. We provide our team the opportunity to learn and grow within our positive and innovative work environment; we empower our team to make decisions and pride ourselves on a culture of continuous improvement. Kitsap County DCD has earned national awards for the permitting system, public disclosure request system, and risk check program. It has received two Governor’s Awards for comprehensive planning efforts and is recognized for its natural resources program by federal and state agencies as the “go to organization” for Puget Sound restoration efforts. The department has very engaged employees dedicated to delivering effective and efficient services to the citizens of Kitsap County. Nearly all employees are Lean Six Sigma trained and have development plans that encourage career growth at all levels.

Please learn more about the department at our County webpage.

Depending on experience and background, candidates will be brought on as a Junior Planner ($74,339.20 – $82,056.00) or a Senior Planner ($84,115.20 – $95,180.80).  A Junior Planner would meet the minimum qualifications with a demonstrated work history of moderately complex professional planning.  A Senior Planner would have more advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety, often as a lead or with greater independence and judgment.Hybrid/remote work options and flexible work schedule may be available as approved by Manager.