Senior Planner

City of Bremerton•Bremerton, WA

67d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Bremerton is seeking an experienced Senior Planner to assist in complex long-range planning efforts, including comprehensive plan updates, land-use policy development, and the creation of zoning regulations that shape the community’s future growth and development. This role reports to the Planning Manager and administers complex community development work programs, plans, studies, and planning processes. The position requires considerable independence and is performed under limited direction, with work reviewed in coordination with the Planning Manager. Positions in this classification are distinguished by greater responsibility for supervisory, technical, administrative, and public policy functions. The role demands advanced communication, collaboration, and customer service skills to support coworkers, elected officials, customers, and community members.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Planning or a closely related field
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience
Two (2) years of program management, supervisory, or lead responsibility
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal planning, community development, and program development.
Knowledge of land use planning, development permitting, and related review processes.
Knowledge of the Washington State Growth Management Act and its application to municipal planning and community development.
Knowledge of the State Environmental Policy Act and other applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Knowledge of comprehensive plans, subarea and functional plans, ordinances, development regulations, design standards, environmental review, and appeals processes.
Knowledge of municipal, county, state and federal planning and environmental laws, regulations, and procedures.
Knowledge of land use case law, Hearings Board decisions, and other legal principles related to governmental authority for land use regulation.
Knowledge of state, local, and applicable building and development codes and their administration.
Knowledge of state-mandated permitting procedures and timelines.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of public relations and community engagement practices.
Knowledge of computer applications used in community development, including geographic information systems and permitting software.
Ability to maintain a professional, respectful, and cooperative approach when working with coworkers, applicants, stakeholders, and the public, including during difficult or stressful situations.
Ability to perform current planning, long-range planning, or other community development projects as assigned.
Ability to independently manage complex assignments, evaluate issues, and develop or recommend appropriate courses of action.
Ability to analyze planning programs, policies, regulations, and operational needs and recommend appropriate changes.
Ability to conduct research, evaluate information, and prepare clear, accurate, and defensible reports and recommendations.
Ability to interpret and administer plans, ordinances, and regulations consistently, tactfully, and impartially while maintaining positive relationships with the public.
Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and graphic methods with a diverse range of individuals, officials, agencies, and community stakeholders.
Ability to demonstrate advanced communication, collaboration, and customer service skills when working with coworkers, applicants, consultants, public officials, and members of the public.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
Ability to establish priorities, coordinate multiple projects, and meet deadlines with limited direction.
Ability to assist in supervision, training, mentoring, and evaluation of staff.
Ability to guide meetings, public processes, and other events toward established goals.
Ability to use technology effectively to improve individual and department productivity and efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Planning or closely related field
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

Responsibilities

Assists in preparation, amendment, and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, subarea plans, development regulations, functional plans, and other long-range planning initiatives.
Prepares professional staff reports, recommendations, and supporting analyses for review and decision by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Hearing Examiner.
Formulates planning programs by analyzing background information, developing plan concepts and goals, organizing public participation, coordinating with other departments and local, state, regional, and federal agencies, and preparing substantive and defensible information to support planning decisions.
Identifies and evaluates proposed and amended legislation, regulations, policies, and ordinances affecting community development; recommends changes as appropriate; and drafts and presents proposed ordinances and policy amendments to the Planning Manager, Director, Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council.
Designs, prepares, and delivers presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, Hearing Examiner, Design Review Board, community groups, elected officials, regional committees, and other public or private organizations.
Provides technical and administrative support to boards, commissions, and committees and may serve as staff planner for assigned bodies.
Reviews complex land use applications and site plans, conducts field inspections, and evaluates projects for compliance with applicable local and state regulations, plans, and policies.
Provides technical guidance to other planners and oversees application review from pre-submittal through hearings and final action, including the collection and analysis of supporting information.
Advises community leaders, elected officials, boards, commissions, and the public on planning policies, procedures, the Comprehensive Plan and its components, development regulations, capital programs, and other community development matters.
Coordinates planning and development review with other City departments, agencies, consultants, applicants, and community stakeholders to facilitate effective project review and implementation.
Reviews planning studies, technical reports, and other materials prepared by staff, consultants, applicants, and partner agencies for consistency with City goals, policies, plans, and regulations.
Assists in developing work assignments, reviewing written materials, and establishing policies and procedures to support efficient and effective division operations.
Performs professional grant administration functions including researching funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and presenting funding proposals to federal, state, and other external funding agencies.
Administers grant-funded programs and projects, including coordinating grant activities, monitoring implementation progress, ensuring compliance with grant agreements and regulatory requirements, maintaining program documentation, and preparing required financial and performance reports.
Serves as lead project manager on assigned grant-funded initiatives and provides guidance and technical direction to less experienced staff members.