Municipal Land Planner

Puget Sound Energy•Bothell, WA

4d•$82,000 - $136,300

About The Position

Responsible for acquiring necessary permits from various local, state and federal agencies to install and maintain utility infrastructure in support of PSE’s capital projects and system improvements. Provides technical guidance in the development of policy and code updates at the local, state and federal levels; such as Comprehensive Plan updates, Shoreline Regulation updates and Critical Area Ordinance amendments specifically in relation to construction of utility infrastructure and operations. Also provides guidance to PSE departments on appropriate courses of action to accomplish regulatory objectives. Works in close coordination with other PSE disciplines that support utility siting and construction projects, including Municipal Liaison Managers, Government Relations, Real Estate, Communications, Project Management, Vegetation Management and Legal. Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety. Demonstrates a commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Requirements

BA/BS in Urban Planning, Natural Sciences or related fields.
3 years’ experience in land use and environmental permitting of utility infrastructure or similar linear projects.
Knowledge of regulatory procedures and processes at the local, state and federal levels.
Knowledge of public planning processes and procedures
Understanding of municipal political processes and structure.
Ability to read and understand utility infrastructure construction plans.
Ability to manage and resolve conflicts.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to work independently.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of PSE gas and electric construction techniques.
Knowledge of utility construction and operations and PSE standards and practices Understanding of environmental issues.
Knowledge of GIS based software
Post graduate work in land planning, environmental or natural sciences, business or public administration or related field.
Certification in Land Planning or related field (AICP, Certified Wetland Specialist, etc.).

Responsibilities

Performs land use and environmental permitting functions in support of company capital improvement plans and infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
Provides environmental and land use guidance to PSE’s Planning, Project Management organizations in the development of utility infrastructure projects and operational requirements including route selection recommendations, regulatory requirements, permit timelines and cost estimates.
Researches existing land use and environmental codes and acquires necessary permits for PSE utility system improvement and new customer projects.
Manages the procurement of permit related deliverables from environmental and land use consultants.
In collaboration with Municipal Liaison Managers and Government Affairs Representatives develops strategies for discretionary project approvals based on knowledge of political and operational processes associated with jurisdictional organizational structure (Council/Mayor/Planning Director).
In collaboration with other PSE Departments, proactively manages utility related land use issues with local jurisdictions to minimize or eliminate impacts to PSE and service provider operations. This includes providing written comments to various government entities at the federal, state and local level and, as necessary, oral testimony at hearings and commission meetings.
Provides strategic input on regulatory issues associated with local jurisdiction code and policy updates, including Comprehensive Plan updates, Shoreline Regulation updates, Critical Areas Ordinances amendments specifically in relation to construction of utility infrastructure and operations.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP).
For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan.
Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year.

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