Senior Planner/Code Writer (Planner 3)

Full Job Description

This position is primarily remote, with the option to work in the office. Attendance at required in-person meetings and occasional travel to various work sites, businesses, and meeting locations is also expected.

Requirements

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

In this role with the Long Range Planning Division, you will be part of a dynamic team working on drafting and delivering significant code packages.

You will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of topics, including agriculture tourism, pre-approved accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals, complete streets, design standards, environmental regulations related to the Shoreline Master Program, and much more.

You will work closely with staff in the Development Services Division and understand customer issues and parts of the Pierce County Code in need of improvement.

You will have the opportunity to engage with other divisions across Planning and Public Works and interact directly with the Executive’s Office and Council staff in relation to the preparation of and submission of code packages.

Check out some of our work here: Comprehensive Plan.

Why It's a Great Department:

Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies.

PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community.

The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works atwww.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.

How to be Successful in the Role:

Our team is looking for a seasoned code writer to lead our legislative staff, oversee the review and submission of multiple code packages, and bring thoughtful expertise to revising the Pierce County Code.

Significant experience reviewing projects and writing code in a city or county setting is highly valued.

Additionally, you will be skilled in project management, development of policies and procedures, and navigating multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration on previous large projects involving multiple stakeholders will be key. You will have extensive experience with Word and writing and editing large documents.

Finally, you will have interest and knowledge in legislative processes and community service-oriented values.

Your Future in this Role:

You will have an opportunity to work alongside a diverse and talented team of PPW professionals, agencies, and community leaders to support planning activities by problem-solving and developing innovative solutions to ensure the best services possible for the citizens of Pierce County.

Your work will directly shape how Pierce County communities grow by developing foundational guiding policy documents that guide County programs and plans over time.

Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the County Planning Manager regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself as well as introduce you to the current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Interpret local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stay abreast of various legislative changes.
• Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, collect and analyze various statistical and/or technical data to apply to a wide range of planning functions.
• Work with others across departments and organizations on the development of various plans.
• Effectively persuade, inform, educate, train, solicit information, motivate and direct a wide variety of individuals or groups.
• Participate in and lead the preparation and presentation of reports and information and present to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the general public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements
• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field
• Three years of related planning work

• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Masters' Degree is preferred

• Current planning project review and writing experience with substantial code packages

Special Requirements and/or Qualifications:

• AICP Certification or the ability to obtain it within a year

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Additional Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.This is a competitive selection process.

Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date.

Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step.

We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career.

We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.

Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?