Senior Planner

Position Description

Are you a highly motivated person who is passionate about working with diverse community members to solve complex problems and building great communities? The City of Tacoma’s Planning & Development Services Department is looking for an experienced planner to join our team as a Senior Planner. This is the second level in the Planner Series, within the Current Planning section of the Department.

Position Profile:
Under the general direction of the Principal Planner for Current Planning, the Senior Planner serves as a key member of the land use permitting team and works on a variety of complex permitting and policy projects.

Senior Planners independently perform and lead professional level planning and assist in the formulation of departmental goals and objectives, interpret and prepare data for planning studies, reports and recommendations, and may supervise or lead professional or other staff members. Responsibilities include resolving complex planning and permitting issues that have broad potential impact and may involve competing interests, multiple clients, conflicting rules or practices, a range of possible solutions, or other elements that contribute to complexity.

This Planner will be a member of the City’s Current Planning Division and will be involved in day-to-day implementation of the City’s land use and other development codes. The work includes general customer service, inter-departmental service, and in-depth management of land use and development permits.
The Department:
The Planning & Development Service Department’s mission is to partner with the community to build a livable, sustainable, and safe City by providing strategic, timely, predictable, cost-effective planning and development services with a culture focused on community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Department encompasses all aspects of building, land use, and site development.
The Current Planning Division comprises land use, environmental, and plan review professionals who work with internal and external customers to implement the City’s policies and regulations through both discretionary and ministerial permitting. Our team works closely with other review professionals to ensure that quality development is permitted in a timely, clear, equitable manner.

Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of the City's land use codes and environmental codes, as well as state and federal laws that inform our daily work. In-depth experience in one or more of the following areas is required: plan review, discretionary permitting, or property subdivision.

The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative team setting and demonstrate the ability to manage highly visible and occasionally controversial projects with professionalism, tact, and sensitivity. To effectively navigate in a complex organization, the candidate will possess strong interoffice and interagency relationship building and management skills, as well as a nuanced understanding of organizational decision-making and operation. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics, including Washington's Growth Management Act (GMA) and the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) are needed to perform this role. A strong background in project management and plan review is desired. In-depth experience in one or more of the following areas is required: plan review, discretionary permitting, or property subdivision.

Our Ideal Candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Organized, self-starter with strong ability in the prioritization and management of projects and work tasks.
• Ability to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity, and build partnerships and maintain effective relationships with other local and regional agencies, the private design and development community, and the community at-large.
• Ability to make high-level public presentations before the hearing examiner, elected officials, and the public.
• Able to readily adapt to constantly changing and multiple business needs and projects, resulting in frequent re-prioritization of project tasks and timelines.
• Excellent public speaking and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex processes in an understandable way.
• Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to our organization and has an outstanding ability to relate to diverse audiences.

Essential Duties:
The following are illustrative examples of the essential functions of the job.
Depending on position/assignment, a Senior Planner typically:

• Reviews residential and commercial building permits, pre-application requests and land-use discretionary applications.
• Coordinates with Regulatory Compliance staff to support the resolution of zoning and land use code compliance issues.
• Manages, coordinates and facilitates public meetings for land use permit applications.
• Represents the City on assigned land-use applications before the Hearing Examiner and, as appropriate, in Superior Court proceedings.
• Assists with the development, refinement, and application of GIS mapping tools in support of land-use review and analysis. Participates in and supports community planning initiatives (e.g., Home in Tacoma, green building, open space, tiny homes).
• Leads, mentors, and coaches professional planning staff.
• Explains and interprets complex codes, policies and operating procedures to applicants, staff, decision-makers, and the public.
• Develops solutions and/or recommendations on complex land use and development issues.
• Coordinates work within the division and collaborates with other divisions, departments, and external agencies to ensure integrated project review and implementation.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings as required.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (TRAINING AND EDUCATION):

• Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, public administration, urban design, engineering or closely allied field and four (4) years of progressively responsible planning experience
  
  OR
  
  
• Master's degree with two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning profession
  

**Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education**

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

• Depending upon assignment a WA driver's license may be required
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is desired but not required

Knowledge & Skills

Technical Knowledge
Theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process with an understanding of the interrelationships of land use, transportation, economy, environment, health, human services with plans and regulations; including one or more planning disciplines, such as land use, design, environmental science, survey, growth management, or housing; federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics; technical research and analysis, report development, budget management; and City government organization, policies and procedures. Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, project management applications and GIS.

Consulting
Employ expertise, credibility, and effective partnering to help clients identify, evaluate, and resolve complex or sensitive issues, problems, and service needs. Identify resources and potential solutions that are practical and effective, understanding when, where and how to implement those options. Excel at helping the customer navigate through complex or sensitive issues, advising on best practices and important trends. Think and act proactively about service issues, following up to make sure desired outcomes are realized.

Analysis
Use information in clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions. Judge or infer appropriate responses to a set of information on the basis of clear guidelines or procedures. Form accurate conclusions regarding actions to be taken.

Workload Management
Effectively manage multiple, high-priority assignments or issues simultaneously and meet firm deadlines; effectively and sensitively oversee highly visible/controversial projects or involving competing priorities and analyzing situations to develop a course of action to produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time.

Communications Effectiveness
Effective communication both verbal and in writing including the compilation of reports, presentations and records; and interacting respectfully and sensitively with individuals and groups to develop and maintain productive relationships and achieve results. Sustaining public trust while improving accountability; interacting with all levels of staff, public, various officials and others. Technically edit and provide oversight for the preparation of technical reports; use discretion and sound judgment handling assignments and workplace situations.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Application Process

Interested individual should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Examination Process:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 5-11 reviewed by a committee of subject matter experts. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.

Candidates who pass the test will be placed on an Eligible List for potential interview and hiring consideration.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $47.08 - $60.08

Annual Salary: $97,926.40 - $124,966.40

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 1/20/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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