Associate Planner; Planner

This position is primarily remote, with the option to work in the office. Attendance at required in-person meetings and occasional travel to various work sites, businesses, and meeting locations is also expected.

In this role with the Long Range Planning Division, you will be part of an environmental planning team working on the 2029 update to the Shoreline Master Program. You will have the opportunity to work with the foundational science for protection of shoreline ecosystems and plan for how our local landscapes adapt to the impacts from sea level rise. This will include working closely with staff and consultants on development of Pierce County's Sea Level Rise Vulnerability & Risk Assessment and accompanying Adaptation Plan for implementing new and creative strategies that utilize nature-based solutions.

This position will participate in multiple grant-related projects that overlap with local salmon recovery and extensive opportunities to engage with Pierce County communities as we move towards the 2029 adoption of Shoreline Master Program policies and regulations.

Check out some of our work here.

Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works rcecountywa.gov/ppw.

Our team is looking to bring on a communicative, collaborative, and community service-oriented member with knowledge in shoreline planning and project review. A strong candidate will have extensive experience in technical writing, working with large documents, and collaborating on multiyear projects. Finally, you will have an interest in public outreach and facilitating community engagement on shoreline-related topics, such as sea level rise.

You will have an opportunity to work alongside a diverse and talented team of PPW professionals, agencies, and community leaders to support planning activities by problem-solving and developing innovative solutions to ensure the best services possible for the citizens of Pierce County. Your work will directly shape how Pierce County communities grow by developing foundational guiding policy documents that guide County programs and plans over time.

Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the County Planning Manager regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself as well as introduce you to current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code.

• Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, collect and analyze various statistical and/or technical data.
• Provide assistance, prepare reports and may present information to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the general public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas.
• May represent the Department at internal and external meetings.
• Effectively persuade, inform, educate, train, solicit information, motivate, and direct a wide variety of individuals or groups.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements
• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field
• Two years of related planning work

• Please attach a current resume and cover letter with your application. Failure to attach these will result in an incomplete application

• A Master's Degree is preferred
• Long range planning or project review experience applied to local shoreline policy and regulations.
• Experience in local, county, or state planning is desired

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any Work Source location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at , at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive…