Salary: $77,147.20 – $93,683.20 Annually
Location: Olympia, WA
Job Type: Regular – Full Time
Department: Community Planning and Development
Job Number: 2200115
Closing: Continuous

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

Important Notice:

Please fill out your application as fully as possible.  The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only.  Do not submit resumes and cover letters.  Read the “To Apply” section below to learn more.

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.

Job Description:

The Olympia Community Planning & Development Department seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Associate Planner/Urban Forester. This position is responsible for implementing the City’s urban forestry program. The selected individual will assist with administration of a broad range of local land use and development codes and support city planning and policy development with technical expertise in urban forestry. As a member of the Community Planning and Development Department, this position will work directly with other staff on the development review process and on citywide tree, soil and vegetation issues.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Understand and administer tree, soil and native vegetation protection and replacement standards to land development applications such as site plans, land use review, civil engineering and building permit applications.
  • Manage the City’s street tree maintenance and hazard tree prevention program.
  • Prepare updates to the City’s urban forestry website, Street Tree Maintenance Manual, Urban Forestry Manual and development standards.
  • Serve as staff liaison to the City’s urban forestry policy and technical teams.
  • 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.
  • Respond to and resolve potentially confrontational situations.
  • Build strong working relationships with other 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.

Duties, Knowledge, and 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 and urban forestry program.
  • Coordinate the preparation or administration of plans, land use and urban forestry regulations, information systems, or planning programs.
  • Conduct complex studies related to land use, community and environment.
  • Conduct site inspections and have the ability to identify, analyze and determine tree, soil and native vegetation species and health.
  • Provide assistance to property owners and homeowners associations on street tree and sidewalk related issues.
  • Manage or conduct investigations, analysis, and preparation of documents and reports on planning and urban forestry 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 for City Council and appointed Boards and Commissions.
  • Respond to public inquiries with information on urban forestry and planning projects, processes and policies.
  • Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to urban forestry, land use, environmental impact, etc.
  • Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to urban forestry and planning issues.
  • Skill in working with various stakeholders to 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 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 departments and agencies, Planning staff, and the community.
  • Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.
  • Ability to learn electronic permit software.

Education/Experience:

  • Four-year degree in Urban Forestry, Planning or closely related field and three years related experience required.
  • Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
  • Education or training in Geographic Information Systems desired.

Special Requirements:

  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License may be required.
  • Arborist Certification or ability to obtain within one year after being hired.

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 of information gathering and project definition.
  • Contacts with public officials are usually held in a public meeting forum and may be stressful and/or confrontational due to the subject matter.

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 investigations.
  • 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.

How to Apply:

To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible. We do not accept resumes and cover letters. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at 360-570-8305.

  • This is a continuous recruitment.  To be eligible for first review, submit your application by 5 pm December 9, 2022.
  • Answer the Supplemental Questions included as part of this employment opportunity.
  • 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.