Senior Municipal Land Planner

Puget Sound Energy • Bothell, WA

1d

About The Position

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is seeking a Senior Municipal Land Planner to join their growing Environmental Services team. This role is responsible for acquiring necessary permits for complex utility infrastructure projects, managing outside consultants, and leading/mentoring land planning staff. The position involves providing subject matter expertise, advocating for PSE interests with local governments, and developing policy positions related to regulatory updates. Collaboration with various PSE departments such as Municipal Liaison Managers, Government Relations, Real Estate, Communications, Project Management, Vegetation Management, and Legal is essential. The role also emphasizes upholding safety compliance and conducting business ethically and in accordance with PSE's core values and Code of Conduct.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance
• supplemental life insurance
• accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• 401(k) investment option
• cash balance retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees