Planning & Development Specialist II
About The Position
This temporary, short-term position supports the 911 Center and Diversified Response divisions. Its primary responsibility is processing public disclosure requests, with attention to privacy redaction, best practices, industry standards, legal requirements, and request prioritization. The role also supports the Public Affairs team by responding to public inquiries, participating in community outreach and education, helping develop social media and communications campaigns, and performing other public-facing work. The position plans and implements procedures to evaluate and monitor public disclosure requests and other public information inquiries. It also researches issues and impacts related to programs, policies, or projects, compiles data, may support higher-level staff on projects or programs, and may coordinate planning activities with other City departments, agencies, businesses, and community groups. Work takes place primarily indoors in an office, within a busy 24/7 call-center and public-safety field-response environment. The position may require work outside normal business hours to attend community meetings or forums. It is temporary, non-benefits-eligible, and has an 11-month duration. The stated full salary range is $49.25–$57.31 per hour.
Requirements
- Two years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development.
- A baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) background investigation.
- Ability to demonstrate the skills and experience needed to perform the position’s duties; equivalent combinations of education, training, certification, and experience are evaluated individually.
- Strong knowledge of public disclosure laws and experience with community outreach or public education campaigns.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
- Strong time-management, organization, and project-management skills; ability to work under pressure, attend to detail, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively and reliably and navigate complex relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- Two years of experience in public safety, government, or public administration handling or overseeing public disclosure requests, legislative affairs or government relations, community outreach or public education, or a relevant field.
- Experience handling public disclosure requests.
- Knowledge of or familiarity with public safety systems, responders, and related privacy concerns.
Responsibilities
- Process public disclosure requests under Washington State law using the City of Seattle Public Records Request Portal, powered by GovQA.
- Respond to requests for information within five business days and meet records-delivery deadlines set by department leadership.
- Clarify requests with requesters as needed to ensure records address their needs.
- Determine whether records are responsive and whether exemptions may apply.
- Determine and apply appropriate redactions under state law using Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Track time spent on requests and provide summaries required by Washington State law.
- Create exemption logs when necessary.
- Seek legal guidance as needed to ensure compliance with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Codes, and applicable case law and information.
- Preserve the confidentiality of records.
- Plan and implement procedures to evaluate and monitor public disclosure requests and other public information inquiries.
- Assist with community outreach and public education campaigns, including attending or participating in public forums.
- Identify and research issues and impacts of programs, policies, or projects, and compile data.
- Support higher-level staff on project or program activities as needed.
- Coordinate planning activities with City departments, agencies, business interests, and community groups, including public involvement processes, as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
