Senior Transportation and Community Planner; Planner

• We have two positions available: a career service and limited duration position that will be valid through 12/31/27, with the potential to extend through 12/31/28.

• These positions are 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 a dynamic team working on two community plan updates for Parkland and South Hill. You will have the chance to shape robust engagement and develop effective materials for conveying complex transportation and other planning topics to invested community members. You will also be part of a team working on a transportation code package involving updates to Complete Streets as well as to an active transportation plan for the County.

This roles is part of a broader land use and transportation working on numerous housing, annexation, and community engagement areas.

Check out some of our work here:
Comprehensive Plan.

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 for a planner with experience in and passion for community engagement. Subject matter expertise in transportation and active transportation in particular will round out general knowledge of land use, environment, and sustainability. Additional experience with Transit Oriented Developments, transportation efficiency, and mixed-use developments is valuable. Background in graphic and urban design would compliment existing skills in the Division.

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 the current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code.

• Participate in and lead the preparation and presentation of reports and information and present to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the general public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas.
• Represent the Department at internal and external meetings.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the general public.
• 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.
• Three 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.
• Direct experience engaging with the community.
• AICP Certification or the ability to obtain it within a year.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check.…