Long Range Planner III; PPM III

Position Summary

The Department of Local Services - Director’s Office is looking for a seasoned planner to support long-range land use policy, code amendment initiatives, comprehensive planning, and subarea planning projects that shape the future of King County. The Long Range Planner will work under the supervision of the Long Range Planning Manager.

As a Long Range Planner
, you will help lead a portfolio of projects, code writing efforts, mentor other staff, assist in prioritizing projects as requested by elected and department leaders, and execute high profile and complex land use planning projects. You will develop land use policies and codes that respond to countywide and regional needs, conduct planning for urban and rural communities, and lead projects that align land use, permitting, housing, and environmental goals with community and county priorities.

You’ll work closely with community members, colleagues, and department leaders to assess needs, analyze data, manage projects, and craft legislation. Our work is grounded in equity, guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan, and shaped by the communities we serve—especially historically underrepresented groups.

This role involves some evening and weekend meetings, including public presentations, and requires collaboration with DLS teams, staff across King County, and other agencies to support inclusive, strategic, and future-focused planning.

• Creative problem solver who collaborates across disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for the environment and the communities we serve
• Skilled at presenting policy, science, and customer service considerations to leadership and decision-makers
• Customer focused and committed to public service
• Energized by finding solutions to potentially conflicting policy and community interests
• Comfortable charting a path forward in the face of ambiguity
• Strong attention to detail and legislative experience

• Prepare clear, accurate, and logically sound written materials, including legislative materials for consideration by elected leaders
• Conduct research and analysis using demographic, financial, and geographic data to inform planning and policy decisions
• Collaborate with department staff within DLS and across the County to draft and review legislation, policies, and reports
• Assist in resolving legal issues related to proposed legislation, in partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the King County Executive’s Office, and King County Council staff
• Ensure consistency between King County Comprehensive Plan policies and related regulations, and support updates to the Comprehensive Plan as needed

• Stay informed on land use trends, activities, legislation, and other key issues affecting unincorporated areas
• Participate in interdepartmental and interjurisdictional teams, as well as community outreach efforts
• Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address project-related challenges

• Manage individual workload effectively, adapting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service and uphold the reputation of King County and the department
• Fulfill commitments to customers and stakeholders with integrity and respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from county residents
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five years or more of professional experience in long-range land use planning, including crafting policies and guiding government actions to address community development needs and align with countywide goals and service delivery practices
• Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes, economics, as well as best practices for zoning code standards, design guidelines, and plan policies that support community and government goals
• Knowledge of Washington’s planning framework, including the Growth Management Act, Shorelines Act, and State Environmental…