Senior Municipal Land Planner

Puget Sound Energy•Bellevue, WA

About The Position

Responsible for acquiring necessary permits from various local, state and federal agencies to construct high profile and complex utility infrastructure projects in support of PSE's capital project plan and utility system improvements. Identifies and manages projects assigned to outside consultants and contract permitting personnel; assesses the quality of work product and contractor performance; provides feedback and makes future assignments accordingly. Leads, mentors and trains Land Planning staff on regulatory and land use requirements for the construction or major modification of utility infrastructure and operations. Provides subject matter expertise for Land Planning staff and internal/external customers on development of appropriate course of action to accomplish regulatory objectives. Advocates PSE interests before local governments; and develops and implements PSE guidelines and policy positions related to local, state and federal government regulatory updates. 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 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/Land Planning, Natural Sciences or related fields
7 years' experience in land use and environmental permitting of utility infrastructure or similar linear projects with demonstrated increasing complexity over time.
Extensive knowledge of regulatory procedures and processes at the local, state and federal levels.
Understanding of municipal political processes and structure.
Ability to read and understand complex utility infrastructure construction drawings.
Proven ability to manage and resolve conflicts.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory experience.
Understanding of PSE gas and electric construction techniques.
In depth knowledge of utility construction and operations and PSE standards and practices In-depth 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 complex land use and environmental permitting functions in support of company capital improvement plans, requirements including route selection recommendations, regulatory requirements, permit timelines and cost estimates.
Leads, mentors and trains Land Planning staff.
Manages permit-related deliverables assigned to contractors.
Assesses performance to ensure proper land planning actions are executed according to established contracts.
Leads policy and strategy recommendations on regional land use issues including responding to Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Regulation and Critical Areas Code updates.
In collaboration with Municipal Liaison Managers and Government Affairs develops strategies for 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 council meetings.
Develops contracts (in conjunction with Purchasing) for professional services related to lands use and environmental permitting as necessary to maintain adequate resources on call.
Works with other departments in development of improved processes associated with land use-related activities.
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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