Salary: $77,143.25 – $93,691.52 Annually
Location: Olympia, WA
Job Type: Regular – Full Time
Department: Community Planning and Development
Job Number: 2200100
Closing: Continuous

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

Job Description:

New hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment with the City of Olympia. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.

The Olympia Community Planning & Development Department seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Associate Planner and Historic Preservation Officer. The selected individual will assist with administration of a broad range of local land use and development codes including zoning and design standards and support city planning and policy development with technical expertise in historic preservation and cultural resources protection. Serves as liaison to the Olympia Heritage Commission and may serve as a Project Manager for long-range planning projects.  As members of Community Planning and Development Department, Olympia’s planners work directly with other staff responsible for all aspects of development review and of the City’s long-range planning efforts.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Understand, explain and administer land use regulations and similar documents.
  • Prepare staff reports and other documents that clearly and accurately convey complex information to the public, city advisory commissions and city council.
  • Equitably administer the city’s historic preservation design guidelines consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Conduct meaningful and extensive public outreach processes.
  • Respond to and resolve potentially confrontational situations.
  • Build strong working relationships with other public agencies and city staff.
  • Work independently in successfully managing long-term projects.
  • Manage time and prioritize responsibilities to perform the duties of the position with the resources available.
  • Act in a responsible and respectful manner toward all members of the community.

To Apply:

To evaluate all candidates fairly, the city will make all applications anonymous when we are screening the applicants.  We will redact information from your application such as your name, address and other demographics. In order to help us with this, please complete the online form as fully as possible. We do not accept resumes or cover letters.

  • This recruitment is open until filled.  
  • First review will be for all applications received by 5pm on October 25, 2022.  
  • Only electronic applications are accepted.

Contact Information:

If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Tim Smith, Deputy Director at (360) 570-3915 or via email at tsmith@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills:

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

  • Responsible for completing a variety of activities relating to the City’s planning functions.
  • Coordinate the preparation or administration of plans, land use regulations, design standards, information systems, or planning programs.
  • Conduct complex studies related to land use, transportation, shoreline, community and economic development, environment, or historic preservation.
  • Manage or conduct investigations, analysis, and preparation of documents and reports on planning issues, policies, and their application.
  • Provide staff support to appointed committees on planning and zoning issues or special studies.
  • Prepare and present reports to hearings bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of projects and developments.
  • Provide technical and administrative assistance as staff planner for City Council and appointed Boards or Commissions.
  • Respond to public inquiries with information on planning projects, processes and policies.
  • Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Working knowledge of the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of historic Properties and design elements of historic districts.
  • Working knowledge of standards and practices for cultural resources protection, including cultural resources review within the SEPA process.
  • Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to land use, environmental impact, historic preservation, transportation, etc.
  • Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to planning issues.
  • Skill in designing and conducting public processes with various stakeholders to complete a community plan or achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
  • Skill in formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
  • Skill in preparing support documentation which clearly, precisely, and concisely presents planning recommendations.
  • Skill in working in a team discipline.
  • Ability to develop and write plans based on an analysis of data and on-going citizen and staff input.
  • Ability to organize and manage varied work programs, including monitoring the budget, work schedules, grant or contract requirements, and progress reviews.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
  • Ability to direct or coordinate the work of planning and agency staff members.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, staff of other agencies including local Tribes, planning staff, and the community.
  • Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.

Education/Experience:

  • Four year degree in Urban Planning or closely related field and three years related experience required.
  • Master’s Degree in Planning preferred.
  • Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.

Special Requirements:

  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.

Supplemental Information:

Contacts:

  • Planners have significant daily contact with the public for the purpose of information-sharing and problem resolution.
  • Due to the subject matter some contacts may be confrontational, requiring the Planner to explain City policies and procedures in a professional, concise, and respectful manner.
  • Planners also have daily contact with other City staff for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem resolution.
  • Additional contacts with public officials are for the purpose information gathering and project definition.

Supervision:

  • May serve as Project Lead.
  • May assist in the training and/or supervision of less experienced staff members.

Accountability:

  • Planners are accountable for completing all assigned work in a timely, professional manner.

Working Conditions:

  • Planners generally work in an office with a significant portion of time spent performing duties out-of-doors completing site investigation
  • This position is eligible for remote work for at least part of the schedule subject to supervisor approval.
  • Investigations require working on construction sites, rough terrain, in wetlands, boating and being in the proximity of heavy equipment.
  • Frequent travel and attendance at meetings and conferences, both during regular working hours and in the evening, are required.

The City of Olympia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.