Salary: $4,787.47 – $5,754.67 Monthly
Location: City Hall – 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Department: Community Development
Job Number: 22-00141
Closing: 8/29/2022 @ 4:00 PM Pacific

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

Job Description:

The City of Yakima Planning Division is seeking a motivated professional to join our team. At a population of nearly 100,000 residents, Yakima continues to grow. Apply today and be part of Yakima’s future development!

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth.

The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • FREE healthcare clinic!
  • WA State PERS pension plan
  • 1% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
  • Generous accruals for vacation and sick leave
  • Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
  • Much more!

This position performs with considerable independence under the limited direction of the Division Manager and requires frequent contact with the City Council, boards and commissions, other City departments and divisions, and the general public. This position performs professional Urban Land Use Planning work focusing on current planning and long range (Comprehensive) planning. In addition, the Senior Planner is responsible for coordinating activities of the planning staff and reporting to the Division Manager. The position performs other related planning work as required. 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor Degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible and directly relevant planning experience is required. 
  • One year as project manager (lead role) in a planning project or program is preferred.

Licenses, Registrations, and/or Certifications:

  • Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Essential Functions:

Performs lead role (Project Management) for the preparation, review, and adoption of:

  •  Zoning Ordinance Amendments
  •  Urban Area Subdivision Ordinance and Revisions
  •  Development Standards and Regulations
  •  Neighborhood and Sub-area Plans
  •  Special Studies and Reports
  • Responsible for the preparation and presentation of special studies and reports to the management staff, boards and commissions, and the City Council on planning policy issues and related matters.
  • Provides planning staff support and direction to the Yakima Urban Area Planning Commission.

Short Range:

  • Assigns files to planners and assists in permit application reviews
  • Reviews and investigates applications for annexation, subdivision, right-of-way vacation, zoning and city utility extensions
  • Provides policy guidance on staff recommendations.
  • Conducts research, prepares graphics, maps, reports and recommendations for presentation to various government officials. 
  • Works with other governmental agencies and city departments in a support role. 
  • Provides technical planning assistance to the public on request. 
  • Answers planning questions posed by the general public.

Long Range:

  • Assists in problem identification and development of goals and objectives. 
  • Designs programs necessary to meet assigned planning objectives. 
  • Develops methodology – performs research, data gathering and applies statistical techniques. 
  • Performs lead role in zoning and subdivision amendments and other regulatory programs.
  • Coordinates land use programs.
  • Requires regular and reliable attendance.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

  • Extensive knowledge of modern urban planning principles and practices; understanding of land use concepts and the impact of sociological, demographic, economic, environmental and other factors influencing land use and development
  • Knowledge of project management principles and methods.
  • Ability to: systematically gather, organize and analyze data – Write reports clearly and convey technical information to lay persons; to plan work, think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions. 
  • Demonstrate well-developed and effective communications and interpersonal relations skills leading to effective programs and policies.

Physical Demands:

  • Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time.
  • Frequently needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/ grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers and other machinery.
  • Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance.
  • Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned.
  • Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory.
  • May work, in remote locations or in noisy work area.
  • May work outside with all weather extremes, be exposed to pollen and dust, and will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Working Conditions:

  • Work with the public and employees, some of whom may be irate or upset.
  • Frequent extension of workday to meet deadlines.