Salary: $70,948.80 – $84,635.20 Annually
Location: Sequim, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Dept. of Community Development
Job Number: 22-00015
Closing: Continuous

Learn more about this position and apply today at City of Sequim’s Government Jobs page.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for providing a variety of professional planning functions related to both long range and current planning. The Senior Planner must be oriented toward community service, be sensitive to the public process and able to uphold the professional ethics inherent to the field of planning. This position works closely with various advisory committees including the Planning Commission, community organizations and other civic groups, and makes presentations to the City Council periodically. The Senior Planner is expected to be present during normal business hours, and some evening or weekend work may be required for meetings, presentations, community events and other opportunities to engage citizens in planning activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

This position assumes independent responsibility, as assigned, for ordinance development and future planning projects related to the Growth Management Act and other state and federal mandates, development regulations, environmental protection, and land use permitting.  

  1. Serves as senior staff representative to various advisory committees on current development projects as assigned, e.g., rezoning, variances, conditional use permits, street vacations, subdivisions, planned unit developments, design review matters and shoreline permits
  2. Assists with ordinance development and future planning projects relating to the Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, Sequim Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code, and the State Environmental Policy Act
  3. Plans, organizes and conducts research studies regarding planning issues
  4. Develops recommendations and prepares reports regarding complex land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing, environmental issues and other local regulations or policies
  5. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements
  6. Processes land use applications and permits, reviewing applications and site plans for compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives
  7. Prepares written, oral, and visual reports, graphics and maps for hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain City policy and the impact of planning and development on the community
  8. Coordinates planning department activities with those of other City departments and offices to assure a consistent approach that is in compliance with policies, procedures, City ordinances and Council directives
  9. Oversees current planning and permitting services, including the land use permit system, procedures, permit records and filing systems.
  10. Actively identifies and recommends improvements in department programs, activities, policies, regulations and objectives
  11. Assist Director and oversee Department functions and operations as directed
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  1. Advanced knowledge of principles, practices and regulations in the field of municipal land use planning including land use, transportation, economic development, social impact, environmental impact and other related fields
  2. Advanced knowledge of research methods to compile and analyze original data based on surveys, analysis, citizen participation and agency consultation
  3. Advanced knowledge of government organizations, regulations and procedures, and of permit records management
  4. Ability to read site development and building plans as well as subdivision plats and articulate the details of those plans both orally and in writing
  5. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals and sensitive issues
  6. Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure while under pressure
  7. Strong planning and organizational skills in facilitation, problem solving, decision making, and to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects
  8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and the public regarding complex and controversial public policy issues or regulations; to demonstrate initiative using sound judgment to adapt strategy to changing conditions
  9. Ability to direct or coordinate work efforts with other planning and City staff
  10. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, utilizing appropriate visual media, in clear and concise language appropriate for the audience and purpose
  11. Ability to work within approved budget with a focus on conserving organizational resources, and to develop and implement cost saving measures
  12. Proficiency using computer programs including spreadsheet calculations, database development, graphic/imaging software, and GIS mapping.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning with at least five years’ experience in urban or regional planning, or at least seven years in local planning with a degree in a related field such as environmental studies, is required.
  • Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desired.  
  • A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered.
  • A valid Washington State driver’s license is required (or ability to obtain within 30 days).

Supplemental Information:

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting, as well as at events and meetings throughout the community. Some evening and/or weekend work for meetings, presentations, and out of town travel and overnight seminars/meetings may be required. The employee may be required to sit at a work station for extended periods of time, frequently using a computer and/or the phone. This individual must have the ability to hear at a normal level; verbally communicate in person and by telephone; stand, walk, and drive as needed throughout day; and occasionally lift and carry parcels weighing up 25 pounds.