Senior Planner

Thurston County • Olympia, WA

4h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Senior Planner to join their Community Development Division. Under the guidance of the Community Development Manager, the Senior Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of planning staff and executing land use policy development and implementation. This role leads and advances long-range land use planning, including comprehensive planning, policy development, and growth management strategies that guide sustainable community development. The position provides expert analysis and direction on land use policy, future growth patterns, and implementation of adopted plans, while supervising Associate Planners engaged in both long-range planning and development review to ensure consistency with community goals and regulatory frameworks. The role is primarily focused on overseeing and implementing long-range planning initiatives, with a secondary, hybrid responsibility for development review. The Senior Planner manages a limited caseload of complex land use permits and supports staff in application review—including Shoreline Master Program permits, SEPA determinations, subdivisions, and critical area reviews—to ensure effective implementation of plans, codes, and policies. The position also includes mentoring staff, presenting projects to the Hearing Examiner and Planning Commission. The Community Development Division is organized into three primary functional groups: Current Planning, Long-Range Land Use Planning, and Building Plan Review and Inspections. The Current Planning group serves as the front line for the County’s permitting services, managing land use applications and ensuring projects comply with local and state regulations. The Long-Range Land Use Planning group focuses on comprehensive planning, policy development, and interjurisdictional coordination to guide future growth and development. The Building Plan Review and Inspections group oversees building permit review, construction inspections, and code compliance to ensure safe and compliant development. Together, the division plays a critical role in supporting the County’s development and long-term planning goals. The team includes professionals with expertise in land use planning, environmental resources, building construction, public engagement, and code compliance. This diverse knowledge base enables the division to guide applicants through complex processes while advancing the County’s vision for sustainable and coordinated growth. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the people of Thurston County and planning for its future.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, environmental studies, public administration or a related field.
• Four years of experience within a planning process related to urban or regional plans, comprehensive plans, or a facet of community development.
• Must have valid Washington State Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to all functional areas, such as land use, transportation, environmental impacts, or other related areas.
• Advanced knowledge of a functional area of planning and its relationship to the comprehensive planning process.
• Ability to prepare and administer work programs, budgets, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
• Technical expertise in a functional area of the comprehensive planning process and the associated methodologies and techniques.
• Ability to prepare and administer plans based on survey and analysis of data, citizen participation, and agency consultation.
• Ability to organize and oversee work programs, including monitoring budgets, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with agency members, planning staff, and the community.
• Skill in written and graphic communication.

Responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating a team of planning staff and executing land use policy development and implementation.
• Leading and advancing long-range land use planning, including comprehensive planning, policy development, and growth management strategies that guide sustainable community development.
• Providing expert analysis and direction on land use policy, future growth patterns, and implementation of adopted plans.
• Supervising Associate Planners engaged in both long-range planning and development review to ensure consistency with community goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Managing a limited caseload of complex land use permits.
• Supporting staff in application review—including Shoreline Master Program permits, SEPA determinations, subdivisions, and critical area reviews—to ensure effective implementation of plans, codes, and policies.
• Mentoring staff.
• Presenting projects to the Hearing Examiner and Planning Commission.
• Communicates and interacts with executives and administrators of other organizations at the request and on behalf of the Planning Manager or Director.
• Will provide immediate supervision, guidance, and training for assigned staff and interns on land use planning project review of land use permits.
• Responds to public inquiries with information on the planning process and public policy.
• Advises appointed and elected officials on public policy issues, planning procedures, comprehensive and special plans, as well as regulatory ordinances.
• Prepares and presents reports to hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of planning and development on the community.
• Oversees and establishes methodologies for development of county code, updates to the comprehensive plan, and the review of land use permits.
• Coordinates and guides development of county code, updates to the comprehensive plan, and the general review of land use permits to ensure consistent review.
• Oversees and coordinates investigation, analysis, and preparation of documents for public policy issues, planning, and community development.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior