Planner - Assistant or Associate

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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.

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.

At Jefferson County, our planners are trusted professionals and key contributors to the community’s future. Our team works collaboratively, values innovation and continuous learning, and provides opportunities to gain experience in everything from permit review and environmental regulation to housing, long-range planning, and community development. If you are looking for meaningful, varied work that combines technical expertise, problem solving, and public service, we would love to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications:

Individual needs to be able to perform this job successfully in each essential duty. The requirements are listed on the attached job descriptions and are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

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.

Work Week:

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

Remarks:

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