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Long Range Planner IV
King County
DLS - Dept. of Local Services
Location
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Salary
$59.59 - $75.53
per hour
Type
Full-Time
More Planning & Development jobs →Closes
March 9, 2026
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job is for an experienced planner who helps create long-term plans for how land and communities grow in King County, focusing on policies, zoning changes, and projects for both city-like and rural areas.
You'll lead teams, work with communities and leaders to balance housing, environment, and equity needs, and handle complex projects that shape the county's future.
It's a great fit for someone with strong project management skills, good communication, and experience in government planning who enjoys collaborating and navigating political challenges.
Key Requirements
- Advanced experience in long-range land use planning, policy development, and code amendments
- Proven project management skills, including leading complex planning projects and mentoring staff
- Strong understanding of equity, racial, and social justice principles applied to all work
- Excellent communication skills for public presentations, stakeholder collaboration, and report writing
- Ability to analyze data, assess community needs, and navigate political environments
- Knowledge of urban and rural planning differences, including comprehensive and subarea planning
- Flexibility for evening/weekend meetings and cross-agency collaboration
Full Job Description
The Department of Local Services- Director’s Office is looking for a seasoned Long Range Planner IV to support long-range land use policy, code amendment initiatives, comprehensive planning, and subarea planning projects that shape the future of King County.
As a Long Range Planner IV, you will help lead a portfolio of projects, subarea planning efforts, mentor other staff, assist in prioritizing projects as requested by elected and department leaders, and execute high profile and complex land use planning projects.
You will develop land use policies and codes that respond to countywide and regional needs, conducting planning for urban and rural communities.
You'll lead projects that align land use, permitting, housing, and environmental goals with community and county priorities.
You’ll work closely with community members, colleagues, and department leaders to assess needs, analyze data, manage projects, and craft legislation.
Our work is grounded in equity, guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan, and shaped by the communities we serve—especially historically underrepresented groups.
We’re seeking a proven planner and project manager with experience navigating complex political environments and processes, and delivering effective plans, policies, and codes.
Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of how government services vary across urban and rural areas are essential.
This role involves some evening and weekend meetings, including public presentations. You’ll collaborate with DLS teams, staff across King County, and other agencies to support inclusive, strategic, and future-focused planning.
Our Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity, Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.
Requirements
Applying equity, racial and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.Planning & Project Management
- Develop, create, and implement King County's long range vision for growth by developing land use policy and code amendments for unincorporated King County.
- Develop create, and implement King County’s long range vision for growth by developing land use policy and code amendments for unincorporated King County by collaborating with colleagues across King County government.
- Help shape the direction of subarea planning and complete subarea plans for rural and urban unincorporated areas, continuously refining processes to improve outcomes for communities.
- Develop comprehensive plan land use and zoning studies and amendments.
- Undertake comprehensive planning tasks including annual dockets, mid-point and periodic updates of the King County Comprehensive Plan.
- Develop code amendments to address land use, housing, environment, and the range of services provided by King County.
- Coordinate closely with planners and professionals from the DLS’ Permitting and Roads Divisions and other departments.
Community Engagement & Equity
- Develop and implement innovative public engagement and communications strategies to foster meaningful dialogue with diverse communities.
- Undertake equity-focused analysis and engagement, centering the needs of communities most affected by planning decisions and historically underrepresented groups, to develop inclusive plans and policies.
Research, Writing & Policy Development
- Prepare clear, accurate, and logically sound written materials, including legislative materials for consideration by elected leaders.
- Conduct research and analysis using demographic, financial, and geographic data to inform planning and policy decisions.
- Collaborate with department staff within DLS and across the County to draft and review legislation, policies, and reports.
- Assist in resolving legal issues related to proposed legislation, in partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the King County Executive’s Office, and King County Council staff.
- Ensure consistency between King County Comprehensive Plan policies and related regulations, and support updates to the Comprehensive Plan as needed.
Ongoing Coordination & Support
- Stay informed on land use trends, activities, legislation, and other key issues affecting unincorporated areas.
- Participate in interdepartmental and interjurisdictional teams, as well as community outreach efforts.
- Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address project-related challenges.
Professionalism & Customer Service
- Manage individual workload effectively, adapting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service and uphold the reputation of King County and the department.
- Fulfill commitments to customers and stakeholders with integrity and respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from county residents.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Serve with integrity.
- Show initiative and work hard.
- Prioritize outcomes over optics
- Center those most impacted and put “boots on the ground.”
- Solve problems with a “yes, and” mindset
- Work as one, adaptable, mission-driven team
Qualifications
Education & Core Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five years + or more of professional experience in long-range land use planning, including crafting policies and guiding government actions to address community development needs and align with countywide goals and service delivery practices.
- Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes, economics, as well as best practices for zoning code standards, design guidelines, and plan policies that support community and government goals.
- Knowledge of Washington’s planning framework, including the Growth Management Act, Shorelines Act, and State Environmental Policy Act.
Policy, Code, and Legislative Experience
- Experience drafting legislation, analyzing supporting data, crafting reports and communication materials, and delivering presentations to elected officials.
- Experience contributing to legislative processes, including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decision-makers.
- Understanding of land use law, with the ability to identify issues, assess risks, and seek appropriate legal guidance when needed.
Community Engagement & Equity
- Demonstrated experience leading inclusive outreach and engagement strategies, particularly with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as other historically underrepresented groups.
- Proven ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans.
- Skilled in building partnerships and working across interests, establishing strong working relationships with internal and external parties.
Project & Communication Skills
- Experience managing complex projects using project management best practices to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, negotiate outcomes, and deliver concise, effective oral presentations.
- Advanced presentation experience, including speaking to legislative bodies, jurisdictional partners, and the public.
- Outstanding writing skills, both technical and non-technical, with the ability to tailor content for a wide range of audiences.
Technical Proficiency
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other common desktop tools used to support planning and policy work.
- Experience with GIS, Adobe InDesign strongly preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
- Master's degree in planning or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Five years + managing a portfolio of projects that include long-range planning and code development projects.
- Experience leading community-based planning projects that includes equitable engagement approaches, land use analyses and recommendations, interdisciplinary policy recommendations, legislative actions, and implementation strategies.
- Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through the ability to unite individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds.
- Experience in using GIS to develop maps and undertake analysis.
- Experience designing public education materials for a land use planning process.
- Knowledge of economic and social factors that influence decisions and practices around development, construction, design, and use of land.
- Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates, and functions, and well-versed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County.
- Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues, regional initiatives, and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.
Additional Information
Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a virtual interview in the week of March 16, 2026.
Final interviews will be in-person on the week of March 23, 2026.
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) career service position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional vacancies in the same classification that may occur within the next six months.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants.
Forms and Materials: A completed King County Application is required.
A resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your background and describing how you meet or exceed the required qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience listed in this job announcement is also required.
Selection Process: Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness.
Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.
For interviewing tips, please see the STAR-LA method: star-la_interview_method.pdf
Work Schedule: The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work on the weekends. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
Emergency Designation Status: This position has been designated as:
Non- Mission Critical in an Emergency Employees: Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized
Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.
TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:
We will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness, arrive prepared and on time, and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps.
Work Location:
Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson, Seattle, WA 98104)
Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely.
The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work in a hybrid environment.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.
Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply: If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.
If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Sonali Sharma, HR Analyst, by email at sonsharma@kingcounty.gov, or by phone at (206)492-6237.
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