Land Planner

Job Title:

Land Planner

Job Description

The Land Planner is responsible for securing all necessary land use and environmental permits from local, state, and federal agencies to support the construction of utility infrastructure in alignment with the capital construction plan. This role serves as a key technical resource on land use and regulatory matters, shaping strategy and policy related to comprehensive plans, shoreline regulations, and critical area ordinances.

The Land Planner provides expert guidance to internal teams to ensure projects meet regulatory objectives efficiently, minimize permitting risks, and support reliable utility operations.

Responsibilities

* Perform land use and environmental permitting activities in support of utility capital improvement plans and related infrastructure projects.

* Provide environmental and land use guidance to Planning and Project Management Office (PMO) teams during the development of utility infrastructure projects and operational requirements.

* Recommend route selections for utility infrastructure projects and prepare permit timelines and cost estimates to support project planning and execution.

* Research and interpret existing land use codes and regulations to support project design and permitting strategies.

* Negotiate approvals and exemptions for land use permits required for utility system improvements and new customer projects.

* Develop strategies for project approvals in collaboration with Municipal Liaison and Government Affairs teams, leveraging knowledge of political and operational processes within jurisdictional structures such as councils, mayors, and planning departments.

* Proactively manage utility-related land use issues with local jurisdictions to minimize or eliminate impacts on utility operations and service delivery.

* Prepare and submit written comments to federal, state, and local government entities on land use and regulatory matters affecting utility infrastructure and operations.

* Provide oral testimony at hearings, council meetings, and other public forums as needed to support project approvals and regulatory objectives.

* Offer strategic support on regulatory issues associated with comprehensive plan updates, shoreline regulation updates, and critical areas ordinances as they relate to utility infrastructure construction and operations.

* Participate in emergency response efforts as needed to support operational continuity and regulatory compliance.

* Perform other related duties as assigned to support the successful planning, permitting, and implementation of utility infrastructure projects.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Urban Planning, Natural Sciences, or a related field.

* At least 3 years of experience in land use and environmental permitting for utility infrastructure or similar linear infrastructure projects.

* Demonstrated knowledge of regulatory procedures and processes at local, state, and federal levels.

* Strong understanding of public planning processes and procedures.

* Understanding of municipal political processes and organizational structures, including councils, mayors, and planning departments.

* Ability to read and interpret utility infrastructure construction plans.

* Proven ability to manage and resolve conflicts in a regulatory or project context.

* Basic computer skills for research, documentation, and communication.

* Ability to work independently and manage multiple permitting tasks and deadlines.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience with land planning for linear infrastructure projects such as pipelines, transmission lines, or similar utility corridors.

* Background in environmental land planning and environmental permitting.

* Familiarity with environmental codes, regulatory processes, and planning processes related to utility infrastructure.

* Ability to collaborate effectively with municipal liaison, government affairs, and planning teams.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing comments, reports, and testimony to regulatory agencies and public bodies.

* Strategic mindset with the ability to develop permitting and approval strategies that align with organizational objectives.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in an office environment that supports utility infrastructure planning and construction activities. The office setting is active and dynamic, with construction crews and project personnel regularly coming and going. Work involves frequent collaboration with internal teams and interaction with external agencies and jurisdictions, including occasional attendance at hearings, council meetings, and other public forums. Standard office technology and computer systems are used for research, documentation, and communication.

The position may occasionally require visiting project sites or attending emergency response efforts, depending on project and operational needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Kent, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for…