Planner 3 – Land Use and Permitting

After the required training, the telework schedule can be considered.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

The Planning and Public Works (PPW) Department has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to diversify their planning background. As the Planner 3, you will review and work on higher level complexity land use applications, ranging from shoreline projects to subdivision applications. You will provide guidance to our permitting customers by conveying the requirements of our Development Regulations and remaining proactive throughout the application process to completion. The wide exposure to State and local development codes and opportunities you receive will give you the tools you need to solve complex development proposals while maximizing community engagement in the planning process.

Why It's a Great Department:

Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works atwww.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Strong analytical skills, project management skills, strong judgement, the ability to communicate well using Plain Talk, and excellent customer skills will be key. Ideally, we want a candidate who can think outside the box and strives to understand the nexus with other reviewing divisions and external agencies. Recent experience with the State Shoreline Management Act or a local Shoreline Master program is desired. If you are ready to develop a culture of inclusion in the planning process within PPW, Pierce County Government, and with the citizens of Pierce County, then this is the job for you.

Your Future in this Role:

You will have an opportunity to work on a variety of land use applications in rural, urban, and shoreline environments with a team of talented engineers, planners, biologists, and community leaders to problem solve and look for efficiencies and strategies to provide improved public service in Pierce County. Your work will directly impact your community, and it offers a great foundation for future positions within the Planning and Public Works Department and Pierce County.

Throughout the training process, you will meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself, as well as be introduced to the current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code. Pierce County offers professional development throughout your career to ensure your success.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned planning projects and programs.
• Review and monitor various programs, projects and applications to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.
• Interpret local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stay abreast of various legislative changes.
• Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, collect and analyze various statistical and/or technical data to apply to a wide range of planning functions.
• Participate in and lead the preparation and presentation of reports and information and present to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the general public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Three years of relevant planning work
• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four or more years of experience in local, county, or state planning

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain the license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?