Planning Technician

Position: PLANNING TECHNICIAN

Job Overview

Salary: $4,669.00 - $6,210.00 monthly
.

Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development is seeking a Planning Technician to provide support for a range of professional level planning activities and deliver front‑line customer services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate land use applications and completeness reviews, including interagency and interdepartmental reviews.
• Communicate with applicants, stakeholders, property owners, state agencies, county departments and others involved in the review process.
• Provide information regarding environmental review, applicable regulations, policies and plans.
• Assist the public at the Building Development Center through written correspondence and phone contact on an ongoing basis.
• Issue preliminary and final approval on administratively approved land use permits.
• Conduct field inspections to collect pertinent site condition information and check for permit compliance.
• Advise citizens regarding county land use policies and codes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Work Environment – Quiet office setting, primarily sitting at the front counter or in a cubicle.
• Schedule – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; occasional overtime may be required.
• Travel Requirements – Occasional travel for meetings, trainings or on‑site inspections.
• Customer Interactions – Daily phone, in‑person and video interactions with Thurston County staff and the public.

Who We Are

The Planning Technician contributes directly to the everyday lives of Thurston County residents. CPED values process improvement, citizen service, and the sustainable planning of our communities.

What We Offer Our Employees

• Work‑Life Balance and flexible schedules
• Retirement plan and comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits
• Paid vacation and holidays for full‑time regular employees
• Robust training and professional development opportunities
• Deferred compensation and flexible spending account options
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Why You'll Love It Here

Thurston County, located between Seattle and Portland, offers year‑round outdoor activities, a growing community, and access to the State Capitol city of Olympia. Discover more life in Thurston County at .

Message to Potential Applicants

We encourage candidates who meet the minimum qualifications to apply. We value learning on the job and are interested in the best match for our needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and two years of college level coursework in planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies or a closely related area.
• Three years in a planning or closely related field, including responsibility for reviewing permits, plans or code compliance with an emphasis on public contact.
• Proficiency with personal computer and related software packages for word processing, information retrieval and tracking.
• Current Washington State Driver's License.

Desired Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Environmental Science, or a closely related area.
• Knowledge of land use planning principles, practices and regulations.
• Research methods and data compilation ability.
• Reading, interpreting and applying plans, specifications, maps, drawings, ordinances and legal property descriptions.
• Clear and concise written determinations.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with county departments and the general public.
• Customer service techniques.

Questions About This Recruitment

Please contact Alana Bradshaw, Administrative Services Manager dshawrston.wa.us or by phone at (360) 480‑0237.

Position Details

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Items Required for Consideration

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• List of three professional references

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thurston County is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, free from discrimination. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources. The County also provides resources for deaf or hard‑of‑hearing applicants, including a statewide relay system.

#J-18808-Ljbffr