Associate Planner - Long Range

City of Tumwater • Tumwater, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Tumwater is seeking an experienced and motivated Associate Planner to join our Long Range Planning team and help shape the future of our growing community. In this role, you’ll support the development and implementation of long-range plans, policies, and programs that guide how Tumwater grows and evolves. You’ll conduct research and analysis, prepare staff reports and recommendations, interpret land use regulations, and manage planning projects of moderate complexity while working collaboratively with City staff, community members, and regional partners. As an Associate Planner, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful projects with increasing independence and professional judgment while remaining supported by an experienced interdisciplinary team. You’ll help translate community priorities and planning goals into actionable policies, coordinate project teams, and contribute to initiatives that influence Tumwater for years to come. For the first year, this position is likely to be split between long-range and current planning with 50% time allocated to each. This percentage will reduce to 10% current planning and 90% long range planning in the subsequent year. This is an excellent opportunity for a planner ready to broaden their experience, take on greater project responsibility, and make a lasting impact on the community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, geography, environmental studies, or a closely related field; or An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; and One (1) to three (3) years of professional experience in public or private sector urban planning, land use, or housing requiring the exercise of independent professional judgment.
• Valid Washington State Driver License and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in urban planning or a related field (may substitute for one year of experience).
• Experience preparing staff reports, code interpretations, and development review analyses.
• Experience supporting or presenting at public meetings, Planning Commission, or City Council hearings.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage moderately complex long-range planning projects from initiation through adoption.
• Conduct research and analysis related to land use, zoning, housing, transportation, environmental conditions, and demographic trends.
• Review and evaluate land use policies and development regulations and prepare recommendations for revisions or alternatives.
• Prepare staff reports, policy analyses, code amendments, and planning studies.
• Author or co-author substantive sections of Comprehensive Plan updates, development regulations, and related policy documents.
• Coordinate consultant task assignments and monitor work products for moderately complex planning projects.
• Coordinate public outreach efforts and support Planning Commission and City Council processes.
• Contribute to development and refinement of administrative procedures and internal planning guidance.
• Coordinate or contribute to grant research, applications, reporting, and funding coordination.
• Attend public meetings and present written, graphic, or oral reports and recommendations.
• Assist departments, applicants, and the public with land use proposals and permitting processes.
• Coordinate interdepartmental review of development projects.
• Evaluate permit requests for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Conduct pre-application meetings and coordinate project review.
• Prepare staff recommendations and conditions of approval.
• Independently prepares environmental review documentation and coordinates SEPA processes for routine and moderately complex projects.
• Support legal processes for code compliance activities under supervisory direction.
• Serve on the Development Review Committee.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet regulatory and policy deadlines.
• May lead small interdisciplinary project teams or coordinate work assignments for Assistant Planners, interns, or consultant tasks on assigned projects.
• Provides technical assistance and peer support to less experienced staff.
• Prepare for meetings and provide accurate project status updates.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including other agencies and consultants.
• Pursue professional development to expand planning expertise.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams and support departmental and citywide initiatives.
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level