Senior Planner - Long Range

Hiring Range $3,961.31 – $4,428.08 bi‑weekly.

We’re hiring an experienced Senior Long‑Range Planner to join the Development Services Team. This full‑time, Fair Labor Standards Act exempt position serves on a Monday‑through‑Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexible scheduling possible. Attendance at evening meetings, public hearings, and other off‑hour events is required. This position is not covered under Civil Service.

The Senior Planner supports the City’s community development and long‑range planning objectives. The role focuses on the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, design standards, zoning codes, and community development programs. Working under the general direction of the Planning Manager, the Senior Planner collaborates with the Planning Commission, City Council, hearing examiner, community development committee, and other city departments, governmental agencies, developers, consultants, and the public.

The Senior Planner may provide direction and limited oversight to consultants and interns.

• Prepare and present comprehensive plan updates, zoning studies, and code development projects.
• Coordinate with regional agencies and other jurisdictions, facilitate public engagement, and present to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other stakeholders.
• Review development proposals for compliance with land use, environmental, zoning, and design regulations; issue correction requests, certify compliance, and conduct follow‑up inspections.
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations for a variety of land‑use permits, including variances, rezones, conditional uses, shoreline permits, and subdivisions.
• Conduct research, studies, and analysis related to short‑range or long‑range planning, historic preservation, environmental issues, architecture, design, urban trails, impact fees, growth management, downtown revitalization, transportation planning, and related topics.
• Manage consultants, including selection, project management, and invoicing.
• Pursue grant applications and manage award correspondence and contract administration.
• Enforce zoning and land‑use regulations, address public complaints, and conduct field visits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, geography, engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is desirable.
• At least five years of full‑time planning or closely related work, or a combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions.
• Preferred background includes administration of design review, landscape architecture, environmental studies, architecture and urban design, and preparation of subarea plans.

• Planning principles, zoning, environmental review, design, land‑use law, socio‑economic aspects, and urban design.
• Washington State Planning laws and related statutes (Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Act, Subdivision law, Historic Preservation, Floodplain Management, and other relevant laws).
• Modern trends in land‑use planning and urban design.
• Proficiency with modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Strong business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including preparation and presentation of reports.
• Interpersonal skills for building relationships with officials and the public.
• Analytical, creative problem‑solving, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, review architectural and site plans, collaborate with consultants, prepare slide presentations, and manage a varied workload efficiently.
• Customer‑service orientation, technology proficiency, and record‑keeping.

The City is an equal employment opportunity employer. Policies apply without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The City of Sumner maintains a drug‑free workplace committed to a safe and healthy environment free from impairment by any drug. The City is dedicated to ensuring safe work for all employees.