Planner 3 – Parks Strategic and Capital Planning

This position is hybrid: primarily in-person, with the flexibility to work from home.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking forward-thinking professionals to lead essential planning initiatives that shape the future of our community spaces. In this role, you will oversee master planning, site feasibility analysis, consultant and project management, strategic partnerships, land acquisitions, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. You will help guide regional coordination, capital and financial planning, grant development, and cross-department collaboration, while also supporting the development of policies, procedures, and long-range strategic plans. This work directly supports Pierce County’s Forward Together Strategic Plan by advancing community safety, economic vitality, and equitable access to parks, recreation, and natural spaces. Through these efforts, you will help deliver accessible, inclusive, and community-centered planning that strengthens the long-term vision for Parks and Recreation and the communities we serve.

Why It's a Great Department:
Pierce County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,200 acres of parks, trails, and open space, ranging from community hubs to natural areas. We deliver diverse recreation programs and maintain the infrastructure that supports both active play and quiet connection with nature.

Our department is made up of four divisions: Park and Recreation Operations, Business Operations, Volunteer and Resource Development, and Park Stewardship and Infrastructure Delivery, working together to serve one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions in Washington. Guided by our mission to create livable communities, we provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, live healthy lives, and experience inclusive, thriving public spaces.

Joining Pierce County Parks means being part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact, where your work truly makes a difference every day.

Learn more about the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department

How to be Successful in the Role:

In this role, you bring a collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to inclusive, community-centered work. You communicate clearly, partner effectively with others, and thrive in environments where teamwork and cross-department coordination are essential. You approach your work with a detail-oriented, accountable, and results-focused approach. Others can rely on you for consistent follow-through, transparent decision-making, and thoughtful engagement with stakeholders. You lead with empathy, build trust across diverse groups, and contribute to a supportive and inclusive workplace culture while driving meaningful and forward-thinking outcomes for the Department.

Your Future in this Role:

You will have the opportunity to lead with purpose, shaping parks, trails, and public spaces that make a lasting impact across Pierce County. You will play a key role in strengthening essential business processes, advancing capital projects, and engaging the community in meaningful ways. This position also offers significant professional growth, with access to robust training, mentorship, and online learning opportunities designed to support your development and long-term success within Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Develop, and prepare planning documents including drafting code amendments, regulations, policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Work with others across departments and organizations on the development of various plans.
• 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.
• Effectively persuade, inform, educate, train, solicit information, motivate, and direct a wide variety of individuals or groups.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the general public.

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 related planning work
• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field
• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in local, county, or state planning
• Experience facilitating community engagement and stakeholder collaboration
• Demonstrated ability to work across departments such as Public Works, Planning & Public Health, Finance, and others
• Experience with parks, recreation, open space, or environmental planning
• Knowledge of Washington State planning frameworks, including the Growth Management Act and RCO grant programs
• Experience with capital improvement planning, site feasibility analysis, or land acquisition planning

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?