Senior Current Planner

ST Public Branding•Seattle, WA

2d•$81,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction from the Current Planning Manager, develops and implements Current Planning policy, strategy and process in support of Sound Transit’s capital project development; in close coordination with local jurisdiction counterparts, manages work products and deliverables to achieve critical objectives including development and implementation of permitting plans, facilitation of capital project development review and achievement of development code compliance, divergences, or amendments (as needed), capital project entitlement (including related agreements such as Development Agreements and Staff Resource Agreements), and satisfaction of entitlement conditions; ensures that all applicable land use approvals are in place to support the timely completion and operation of Sound Transit’s projects as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Sciences, Regulatory Compliance, Public Administration, or closely related field.
Four years of experience in project planning, environmental review, regulatory compliance, and management experience, preferably in the transit/transportation industry and/or within a public sector agency; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Land use, zoning and development laws and regulations and practices related to compliance.
Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, particularly Essential Public Facilities, NEPA, SEPA, Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, local critical areas regulations, and permitting requirements.
Federal, state, and local transportation planning requirements.
Environmental impact analysis methods and issues.
Principles and practices of project/program development and administration.
Methods and techniques of research and analysis.
Facilitating effective multi-disciplinary meetings.
Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Use of office equipment including computers and computer applications such Microsoft Office Suite to compile and prepare spreadsheets and reports.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, consultants, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to discuss and explain them to staff and other constituencies and resolve issues that arise.
Analyzing problems and collaboratively brainstorming ideas, identifying solution options.
Contributing to the planning and administration of large and complex public capital projects.
Effectively partnering and working cooperatively with other departments, local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, consultants and community groups.
Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.
Responding to inquiries effectively in oral and written communication.
Researching, analyzing, and evaluating permitting strategies for new service delivery methods and techniques.
Applying project management techniques and principles.
Developing and monitoring program/project consultant contract budgets, costs, and schedules.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides oversight of Current Planning on capital projects within assigned geographic area(s); performs daily management of project activities, staff and consultants; manages, negotiates, and oversees the scope of work and deliverables for multiple interdisciplinary teams and consultant contracts supporting complex development review and land use approvals.
Performs policy and regulatory program analysis regarding development review, land use approvals, and related high-capacity transit project issues; researches the viability of existing development codes and regulations; performs risk assessments associated with land use approvals; evaluates emerging trends and policy impacts and identifies needs for new land use code development, revisions, or policy changes, and recommends courses of action.
Develops recommendations and regulatory strategies with authorities having jurisdiction to streamline permit processes for major capital projects; negotiates land use approval process and terms with local government agencies to facilitate Sound Transit’s Agency-wide goal of reducing capital project delivery time frames.
Manages Current Planning processes to successfully achieve needed project development review and land use and zoning approvals.
Assists assurance of development code compliance across assigned Sound Transit project work packages while maintaining project schedule, budget, and scope.
Provides oversight, coordination, and support in the preparation and assembly of multiple regulatory approval packages; tracks, monitors and documents the approval process status through regulatory agencies; records final approvals and conditions; and facilitates Agency compliance with conditions.
Establishes, manages, and tracks Current Planning consultant budgets, hours, contract procurement; Manages resources, workflow and prioritization of consultant staff; acts as a subject matter expert and develops work plans for consultant and agency staff regarding Current Planning objectives.
Provides interdepartmental support on Current Planning and agreement commitment matters as directed; serves on a variety of committees as requested; prepares and presents technical reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional, departmental ad divisional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; models accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity & inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet Insurance.
ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.