Associate Planner - Current Planning Position (Planner 2)

Pierce County•Tacoma, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Planning and Public Works (PPW) Department has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to diversify their planning background. Our Associate Planner will review a variety of 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 remain 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. Come make a positive impact and be an active participant in the growth of Pierce County! 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 at www.piercecountywa.gov/ppw . Strong analytical 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. Any experience you have with the State Shoreline Management Act or a local Shoreline Master program is a bonus. 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! Throughout the training process, you will meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself, as well as introduce you to the current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code. Pierce County offers professional development throughout your career to ensure your success. You will have an ideal opportunity to work alongside 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. As the Planner assigned to a project, you will oversee the reviews being completed by other County staff to ensure effective, overall project review. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience in local, county/city, or state planning
Any experience you have with the State Shoreline Management Act or a local Shoreline Master program is a bonus.

Responsibilities

Review applications for compliance with local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines.
Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, and evaluate land use applications.
Provide assistance, prepare reports and may present information to Pierce County Hearing Examiner, departments, and external entities regarding a wide range of land use applications, planning functions and other related areas.
Review land use applications for compliance with State and local SEPA requirements and prepare environmental determinations on individual applications.
Interact with the public on a wide range of regulatory issues.