Salary Grade: Local 307.117
Salary Range: $37.94 – $46.16- per hour
Close Date: Open Until Filled

Learn more about this position and apply today at Clark County’s website.

Job Summary:

This is a senior-level professional position that is responsible for leading transportation projects and programs of the county’s planning work program, Planner III’s are assigned to the most challenging projects and assignments, measured by a combination of the project’s complexity, scope, impact on the community or other relevant considerations. The position exercises the highest levels of independent judgment, communication, project management and inter-agency relationship skills. The incumbent operates flawlessly in a team-based work environment and employs exemplary interpersonal communication skills. These work methods are necessary to oversee transportation programs and projects given a wide variety of technical, financial, partner relationships with the Regional Transportation Commission, Washington State Department of Transportation, local jurisdictions and other internal and external agencies. The position makes and implements work assignments with limited direction and guidance.

The candidate has a proven track record in demonstrating personal initiative and independent judgment, supervising projects, and programs, participating in multi-agency teams, and fulfills work program commitments with high quality, and integrity. The position works effortlessly in a team-based environment, leads others by example, and seeks common ground when project and policy development issues arise.

This position is the highest non-supervisory level in the professional planning series. Planner III positions hold responsibility for the most complex or advanced assignments within the assigned planning discipline. Planner III’s may act in a lead role over other Planners and support personnel. The next lower level of Planner II is the journey or fully experienced level.

This class is distinguished from the next lower class of Planner II by work that is reviewed on a less systematic basis and involves more complex assignments requiring independent judgment and project management that involves coordinating the work of one or more transportation planners.

This position does have the option of working a remote hybrid schedule, however, the candidate selected MUST reside within Washington or Oregon. No exceptions.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in planning, architecture or a related field; AND two (2) years experience in a planning position comparable to a Planner II; or a Master’s Degree in urban planning (or other discipline appropriate to the assignment) AND one (1) year experience in planning in a position comparable to a Planner II; or substituting, on a month-for-month basis, experience related to the duties of the position for the required education.

Desired Skills & Training:

  • Knowledge and skill in the use of computers for word processing and desktop publishing, creation of spreadsheets and computer-generated business graphics.  Familiarity with interpreting or applying statistical data and results.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Basic proficiency or knowledge of: Database, GIS, and Traffic Modeling software and methods.
  • Experience with hosting remote meetings using virtual communication platforms (Webex, Zoom, Teams, etc.)
  • Possession of a valid state Driver’s License
  • AICP, CTP, or other professional certification is beneficial, but not required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

This is a technical position performed in an office environment with some field work. To perform the essential tasks, incumbents must be able to: see, read, communicate in person and over the phone, in writing and perform basic keyboard functions; and driving for field work requirements.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the ‘Resume Upload’ section of the application.  Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/Fail) – An online application is required.  Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) – This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview – The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.  Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Plans, develops, and executes work programs, objectives, strategies, and budgets for assigned programs and or projects where success or failure can affect general County activities, public concern, or the work of other Planners within and outside the Department.
  • Interprets, applies, and thoroughly understands planning principles and practices, County code and state laws, and the development review process. Utilizes this knowledge within area(s) of expertise and provides highly technical advice and assistance to subordinates, other sections, County officials and staff.
  • Analyzes and evaluates proposed land use changes or potential road classification changes through a concurrency review using travel demand modeling software.
  • Manages major project(s) with broad public impact or highly controversial with the public/outside agencies or manages multiple projects that require a high level of proficiency within area(s) of expertise. Projects managed may or may not require management of grants or funds.
  • Recommends Department policy within area(s) of expertise.
  • Communicates both verbally and in writing highly complex planning issues in a professional and concise manner that is easily understood by all interested parties, i.e., peers, Clark County Council, neighborhood associations, public, etc. Able to maintain this level of communication and maintain composure i.e., not take criticism personally, in a variety of controversial and emotionally charged situations.
  • Develops and maintains effective relations with the public. Represents Community Planning and, or Public Works on various committees; at neighborhood organization and community meetings; public hearings; before governmental bodies and in legal process.
  • Prepares complex technical planning and administrative reports, special studies; conducts assessments; prepares inventories and statistical information necessary for future planning; develops critical correspondence and comprehensive reports in support of planning projects and decisions.
  • Prepares graphic presentations and comprehensive reports on community characteristics relative to zoning problems.
  • Participates in securing Federal and State grants.
  • Prepares recommendations relative to departmental policy; assists supervisor in reviewing planning studies completed by other staff members and provides guidance and assistance to less experienced staff members.
  • Prepares and completes reports in response to local, State and Federal requirements.
  • Plans special projects; research, develops, designs, and writes proposals; prepares and implements “proposals” and/or “bid “processes.
  • Participates in Citizen Task Force and public meetings; participates in defining project goals and objectives, implementing strategies and/or alternatives, and formulation of priorities for development of projects within own area of expertise.
  • Evaluates program accomplishments against established goals and timetables and makes recommendations based upon evaluation, concerning future plans.
  • Responds orally or in writing to inquiries of a routine to highly complex nature concerning land use codes.
  • May plan, schedule, assign and supervise the work of subordinate Planners, trainees and clerical personnel.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits & Additional Compensation:

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information:

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.  

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/