Geo Teams Planning & Development Specialists

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

Position Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Are you someone who believes government can work best when it listens deeply and partners authentically with communities? SDOT is seeking two Planning and Development Specialists (Class Spec: Planning and Development Specialist II) to help bring that vision to life. As a Planning and Development Specialist for the Geo Teams program, you’ll be a key member of a team that will shape the future of how Seattle engages with neighborhoods on transportation issues by designing, launching and leading this innovative program rooted in trust, transparency, and radical inclusivity.

In this role, you'll serve as a critical staff member in the new Geo Teams Program, collaborating across departments, stakeholders, and neighborhoods to develop strategies that align with SDOT's values and the needs of Seattle's diverse communities. Beyond technical planning, this role leans into transformational relationship-building, giving traditionally underserved voices a meaningful platform to guide our city's growth.

These positions are part of SDOT’s innovative Geo Teams Program, a bold initiative supported by the Seattle Transportation Levy that reimagines how cities can grow with equity at the core. As a trusted advocate and planning professional, you will help bridge vision with action—advancing projects that foster belonging, strengthen partnerships, and deliver meaningful change. By centering community priorities and cultivating authentic collaboration, you will help create places that inspire pride, resilience, and opportunity for all.

If you are passionate about equity, community, and the power of place, we invite you to bring your vision, skills, and heart to our team. Together, we can transform public spaces into thriving environments where every resident feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates on policies and projects that reflect community needs using data-driven insights and teamwork.
• Fosters relationships through engagement plans and events that connect with diverse communities.
• Serves as a district liaison, addressing concerns and linking community voices to actionable plans.
• Leads planning and design efforts, integrating community priorities into infrastructure solutions.
• Analyzes outreach data to ensure community feedback guides projects from start to finish.
• Promotes transparency and equitable resource allocation in underserved areas.
• Supports departmental goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field.

• Two (2) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities.