Salary: $63,814.40 – $81,806.40 Annually
Location: Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Department: Planning & Development Services
Job Number: 2209-22
Closing: 1/17/2023 @ 5:00 PM Pacific

Learn more and apply today at City of Tacoma’s Government Jobs website.

Job Description:

The City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is seeking a customer-service driven, community-minded person to join our Land Use Team as an Associate Planner. This Planner will work on a combination of discretionary land use permits, environmental review, and building permits. This person also staffs the customer service counter and supports our code enforcement team.

What to Expect:

The City of Tacoma continues to operate using a hybrid model. This person will work in office a minimum of one day a week with up to four days per week during training.

The Successful Candidate Will:

  • Be proficient with multiple technology platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Chat, Sharepoint, e-mail, Adobe, and electronic permitting.
  • Be able to manage a diverse range of permits with competing deadlines.
  • Show ability to research permit history using multiple methods, such as County records, City records, historic files, scanned documents, etc.

Field phone calls and e-mails from developers, homeowner, neighbors, etc.; and
Answer questions about permit process and land use regulations.

Under general supervision, a person in this position would be responsible to perform first-level professional planning assignments, working under the regular guidance of a higher-level planning professional or manager. A supervisor typically reviews work in progress as well as outcomes and assists with work prioritization. However, staff in this position often works independently in making decisions regarding work processes or methods which will be used. Assignments are typically reoccurring, of limited scope, and/or involve a portion of a project. Assignments require analysis of a variety of laws, rules, policies, procedures and standards, and development of strategies to resolve problems consistent with established standards. Staff in this position coordinate work within a department, between departments, and with the public and/or other governmental entities.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of local land use codes and environmental codes, as well as state and federal laws that inform our daily work. This person will thrive in a dynamic work environment, be energized by daily interaction with other department staff, residents, developers, architects, consultants, and homeowners. This person must find balance in a workload with competing interests and should enjoy managing multiple tasks within prescribed timelines.  This person must be committed to following detailed procedures and writing detailed staff reports.  

In addition, the ideal candidate will come to work each day committed to:

  • Building confidence and trust with others through honesty, integrity, and authenticy.
  • Relishing in opportunity to build relationships with the community we serve and our customers.
  • Approaching projects with curiosity (lots of curiosity) and seeking understanding from all stakeholders.
  • Being aware of your own biases and showing a willingness to adjust communication/collaboration accordingly.
  • Valuing the input of different perspectives and cultures bring to our organization.
  • Approaching the administration of our codes and process as a “navigator” rather than a “regulator

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives.  We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do.  The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

The Department Mission:

The Planning & Development Service Department’s (PDS) mission is to partner with the community to build a livable, sustainable, and safe City by providing strategic, timely, predictable, cost-effective planning and development services with a culture focused on community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties:

The Essential Duties listed below are from the general Associate Planner Classification.  Please refer to the Position Description and Candidate Profile for a more detailed description:

  • Develops or assists in the development of studies, reports, correspondence, maps and graphics related to all planning functions including comprehensive plan elements, implementing programs and development regulations
  • Reviews or assists in the review of development applications and site plans for completeness and conformance with policies, codes, plans, and regulations, coordinates review with other City departments and governmental agencies
  • Assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations
  • Coordinates environmental review of plan and code amendments and/or development applications and determines impact mitigation and requirements for compliance with codes and development standards
  • May prepare and make presentations on development or planning issues or proposals to governmental bodies, the Hearings Examiner, Planning Commission, citizen groups, other advisory bodies, City Council and the public
  • Researches, collects and analyzes a variety of statistical and/or technical data to apply to planning, regulation, zoning or land use issues
  • Evaluates and prepares or assists in the evaluation and preparation of reports analyzing rezonings, conditional use permits, shoreline/environmental permits, variances and other discretionary permit applications
  • Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Regulatory Code, the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans/permits
  • Acts as liaison between citizens, community groups, government agencies, developers and elected officials in developing citywide, community, and neighborhood plans, and in developing new or revised zoning and development regulations
  • Coordinates community review of public and private development projects and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations
  • Assists senior planning staff with complex cases by gathering and analyzing data, assisting in the preparation of reports and documents for hearings and appeals and/or for review by advisory bodies, and/or appointed or elected officials
  • Responds to inquiries on problems, questions, and complaints and assists in resolving citizen issues
  • Provides information and technical assistance to the public, other agencies, and City staff
  • May provide staff support to Planning Commission, other commissions and/or committees, including agenda preparation and meeting notification
  • Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings
  • Maintains records and files and performs routine administrative tasks
  • Performs other work as assigned

The Community:

Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.

Tacoma boasts the state’s highest density of art and history museums and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city’s vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.

A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.

Tacoma’s natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma’s desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Tacoma’s diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma’s entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play. 

Qualifications:

Desired Qualifications (Training & Education):

  • Bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, public policy, urban design, public administration, engineering or related area of study.

OR

  • Four (4) years training and work experience performing the functions of an Associate Planner.

Licensing, Certifications, and Other Legal Requirements:

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

  • Depending upon assignment, a WA driver’s license may be required

Knowledge & Skills:

  • Applicable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies
  • Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office products, Internet applications, GIS

Competencies:

  • Analysis – Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
  • Verbal Communication – Effectively express information through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
  • Written Communication – Effectively convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader.
  • Customer Focus – Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the services provided by the City of Tacoma.
  • Coordinating and Organizing – Effectively coordinate activities, services, and schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility – Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adjust approach, goals and methods when needed to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.
  • Relationship Building – Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information:

To be considered for this opportunity:

  • Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process. Applicants must attach a detailed resume and cover letter describing job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position. 
  • In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
  • Candidates who are eligible for Veteran’s Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214-member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran’s Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.

Examination Process:

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 5-15 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers.  DO NOT respond with “see resume” in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. 

Candidates who obtain a passing score will be ranked on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. 

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background and reference check. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope.  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.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.