Senior Planner

Now Hiring Senior Planner!

This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will take take place on December 22, 2025. You must apply prior to that date to be considered in the first review of applicants.

This classification is the mid‑level in the professional planner series. Under the direction of the Planning Manager or designee, the incumbent is part of a collaborative work team that performs a broad range of professional planning support functions and assists with special projects.

The Senior Planner’s responsibilities involve planning, leading, coordinating, and participating in activities that require analysis of complex issues, program administration and/or coordination with other divisions, outside agencies, and the public, and providing responsible and complex staff support. Under the general direction of the Planning Manager, work is performed with initiative, discretion and independent judgment based on extensive knowledge of city policies, procedures, operations, and planning methodology.

Typical assignments may include reviewing land use proposals for consistency with adopted codes, managing long‑range planning projects including Comprehensive Plan and Code amendments, and providing analysis of varying policy documents.

This class is distinguished from Associate Planner by the complexity of work, including project management, level of expertise exercised in completing assignments, and independence required to complete projects.

This position will play a crucial part in supporting the Department’s goal of:
Maintain a unique and vibrant community that promotes economic growth and healthy neighborhoods with sustainable development and environmental protection.

About City of Lake Stevens: Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community – the second fastest‑growing city in Snohomish County – with a population of over 40,000, making it the 4th largest city in the county. It is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. The crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county.

Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean and Cascade mountains, providing many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, make Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family. The City of Lake Stevens operates under a mayor‑council system. The city’s motto, “One Community Around the Lake”, embodies our quality of life, top‑ranked school district and the City Council’s commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.

• Work‑Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service while sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Flexible Work Schedules – The city offers a variety of work schedules, including potential hybrid/remote work dependent on meeting business necessities and supervisor approval.
• Work Where you Live!

• Retirement – through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Deferred Compensation – with city match.
• Excellent healthcare options – including medical, dental, vision insurance, city‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability, health savings accounts (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
• Paid leave – including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays and bereavement leave.
• Tuition reimbursement!
• See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to City of Lake Stevens employees.

• Performs long‑range planning activities such as Comprehensive Plan, subarea and/or master planning, Shoreline Master Program, SEPA reviews, zoning and subdivision ordinances, and specific community development projects.
• Conducts detailed planning studies including urban growth analysis, development regulation comparisons, statistical analyses, and opinion surveys.
• Updates demographic and employment forecasts,…