This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will take place on March 5, 2025. It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply prior to that date to be considered.
This classification is the mid-level in the professional planner series. Under the direction of the Planning Manager or designee, the incumbent is part of a collaborative work team that performs a broad range of professional planning support functions and assists with special projects. The Senior Planner’s responsibilities involve planning, leading, coordinating, and participating in activities that require analysis of complex issues, program administration and/or coordination with other divisions, outside agencies, and the public, and providing responsible and complex staff support. Under the general direction of the Planning Manager, work is performed with initiative, discretion and independent judgment based on extensive knowledge of city policies, procedures, operations, and planning methodology. Typical assignments may include reviewing land use proposals for consistency with adopted codes, managing long-range planning projects including Comprehensive Plan and Code amendments, and providing analysis of varying policy documents.
This class is distinguished from Associate Planner by the complexity of work, including project management, level of expertise exercised in completing assignments, and independence required to complete projects.
This position will play a crucial part in supporting the Department’s goal of:
Maintain a unique and vibrant community that promotes economic growth and healthy neighborhoods with sustainable development and environmental protection.
About City of Lake StevensLake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community – the second fastest-growing city in Snohomish County – with a population of over 40,000 makes us the 4th largest city in the county.
Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city’s motto, “One Community Around the Lake”, embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council’s commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.
Why City of Lake Stevens?
- 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.
- Flexible Work Schedules– The city offers a variety of work schedules to includepotential hybrid/remote work dependent on meeting business necessities and supervisor approval.
- Work Where you Live!
The City of Lake Stevens offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Retirement- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
- Deferred Compensation- with city match.
- Excellent healthcare options-including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
- Paid leave- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
- Tuition reimbursement!
- See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
·Performs long-range planning activities such as Comprehensive Plan, subarea and/or master planning, Shoreline Master Program, SEPA reviews, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and specific community development projects
·Conducts detailed planning studies including urban growth analysis, development regulation comparisons, statistical analyses, and opinion surveys
·Updates demographic and employment forecasts, environmental assessments, and growth management benchmarks; make reports on diverse professional subjects including population, housing, economy, and environmental quality
·Leads team efforts related to preparing Environmental Impact Statements and environmental checklists pursuant to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
·Develops appropriate mitigation measures and provide the local SEPA Official with recommendations concerning environmental threshold determinations
·Represents the city and present oral reports at public hearings; provide staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; provide background and technical assistance to boards and committee members; attend and participate in professional groups and committees
·Directs and/or performs current planning activities such as compliance review of land use and other development permit applications consistent with local, state and federal legal requirements
·Coordinates community participation processes and staff citizen advisory committees
·Conducts design reviews and make recommendations to the Director
·Ensures timely coordination of permit application reviews among other reviewing agencies, applicants, the public, and other city departments
·Assists the public and the Community Development Director by interpreting and applying Comprehensive Plan policies, land use ordinances and related environmental laws
·Answers inquiries of and be available to the public and other planning agencies regarding information on the City’s land use planning, development codes and permit review process
·Maintains professional expertise by attending appropriate conferences and seminars from time to time
·Performs the duties of other positions as needed
·Maintains regular, predictable, and reliable attendance during scheduled hours
·Other duties as assignedThe duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described in the attached form are representative of those encountered while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions.
Work is generally performed in an office, but some work outside may occur in all weather conditions. Office work usually consists of sitting at a desk for extended periods, occasionally walking and standing to assist customers at a counter or conference room. Some travel to various locations to perform work and/or attend meetings is required. Meeting deadlines, frequent interruptions, and working under moderate stress are illustrative of the position’s requirements. Work requires an emphasis on the safety of City employees and the public.
The incumbent may also be exposed to irate or hostile individuals and must respond professionally and safely.
Occasional evening or variable hours to attend meetings is required.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field
Experience: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a public
planning position, or as a private planning consultant working with municipal government
Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job may be substituted for these qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, methods, current trends, and standards of urban planning, shoreline master plans, land use policies, and zoning regulations
- Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to urban planning and other assigned areas
- Governmental and legal procedures related to planning, zoning and land use
- Public Records Act, specifically the creation, storage, maintenance, and response to public records in the state of Washington
- Structure, organization, and interrelationships of city departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
- Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public relations, public speaking, and professional business letter writing
- Project management techniques and principles
- Research methods and report preparation and presentation
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases
- Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles
Skill and Ability to:
- Maintain regular, predictable, and reliable attendance during scheduled hours
- Prepare maps using the City Geographic Information System is required
- Communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing
- Facilitate public meetings
- Operate and understand personal computers and typical office equipment
- Be oriented towards community service and be sensitive to the public process
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, elected and appointed officials, and City employees
- Maintain a customer service orientation, be courteous and diplomatic in the exchange of information, and present a positive image of the City in a variety of circumstances
- Effectively communicate complex and technical concepts and ideas orally and in writing to various audiences in a clear, effective and professional manner.
- Plan and organize work to meet required deadlines with a minimum amount of supervision
- Speak effectively in public in front of Boards, Commissions, and City Council
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Washington State driver’s license, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; and a driving record that meets the city’s requirements
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certificate
- Completion of position-relevant background check
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached cover letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
The City of Lake Stevens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
There are no limitations to who’s a best fit to serve this community. If we contact you for an interview and you need specific accommodations, please let us know. Please contact Human Resources at (425) 622-9422, ten (10) days in advance to allow time for us to make proper arrangements. You’re also welcome to mail your request to City of Lake Stevens Human Resources, P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258; or email to arose@lakestevenswa.gov.
