Planner - Assistant or Associate

Position Overview

The Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD) is excited to announce an opening on our Planning Team. Depending on qualifications and experience, applicants may be hired at either the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level.

Jefferson County is at an inflection point. A newly sewered Urban Growth Area (UGA) is opening real development opportunity. Housing affordability is a pressing priority, rated among the most urgent needs in the County. And a traditionally resource-based economy is diversifying through tourism and small business growth, while the rural character, working landscapes, and natural assets that define the Peninsula remain central to everything.

Performs professional level work in the fields of current and long-range planning by the application of planning principles in the administration and development of planning programs and policy, particularly as related to the Growth Management Act and local project review requirements. This position may include project planning or ordinance development consistent with the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan.

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university with a major course of study in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Community Development, Public Administration or a related field; and one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Performs professional-level work with a minimum of supervision in the fields of current planning and/or long-range planning. Work involves the application of planning principles in the administration and development of planning programs and policy, particularly as related to land use regulations in Washington State, including but not limited to the Shoreline Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, the Planning Enabling Act, and the Growth Management Act.

Planners have significant daily contact with the public for the purpose of information sharing and problem resolution. Planners also have daily contact with other County staff for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem resolution.

Bachelor of Arts or Sciences from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or a closely related area; AND three years of demonstrated experience in land use planning, natural resource planning, environmental review, community development, public administration, or a related field with at least one year of local government experience is required or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working out of our office in Port Townsend, planners at DCD tackle work that is anything but boring. You will work across the full planning spectrum: reviewing permits, advising property owners, supporting housing projects, helping businesses find a path forward, and applying environmental regulations in ways that are rigorous but workable. Our planners spend time in the field, work directly with applicants, and collaborate across disciplines.

No two days are the same.

The issues you will engage with include affordable housing, rural land use, shoreline and critical areas, wetlands and forests, and targeted growth in our expanding UGA. This is the kind of planning job where your work is visible: helping property owners navigate fair and transparent processes, communities to build the housing they need, and stewarding landscapes and working lands with thought and care.

• Assistant Planner – UFCW Grade 30, $31.79/hr-$39.10/hr, DOE.
• Associate Planner – UFCW Grade 33, $35.47/hr-$43.62/hr, DOE.

Medical insurance including dental and vision. 11 vacation days to start, 11 paid state-recognized holidays, floating holiday, sick leave and bereavement leave. Retirement provided through Washington State DRS.

These positions are full-time; the work week is Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with a one-hour lunch.