Associate Planner job in Olympia

Community Planning and Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency.

The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated full time Associate Planner to join our Development Services Division. Under the Development Services Planning Manager or assigned Senior Planner, the Associate Planner is responsible for coordinating more complex current planning and permitting processes as well as mentoring other team members. Work may include hearings before the Hearings Examiner, Planning Commission, and Board of County Commissioners.

The Development Services Division has a significant role in supporting Thurston County's strategic initiative to balance development with preservation of the County's rural character, natural areas, and open spaces. As an Associate Planner for the Development Services Division you will work closely with CPED team members in both current and long-range planning and will provide journey level professional expertise and guidance on current planning issues. You may serve as the County's representative on local and statewide issues depending on your assignments.

To apply for this postion, please go to our recruitment site.  The position currently closes on August 23, 2020, but may be extended.  

To see the full requirements for an Associate Planner at Thurston County, please see our class specification.

The Development Services team is responsible for the County's permitting needs in several areas including:

Planning:

• Land use regulation implementation
• Review of land use proposals
• Review of Environmental permit applications
• Public Hearings

Building:

• Land use and building inspections
• Review of building permit applications
• Code Compliance:
• Identifying violations

Building Development Center:

• Providing customer service
• Application intake

Our Associate Planner essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work with applicants and other organizations at the request and on behalf of their supervisor, Planning Manager, and Department Director as assigned.
• Provides mentoring for junior staff and journey level expertise relating to the review of all land use and environmental aspects of the full range of development proposals, and in analyzing public policy issues.
• Advises appointed and elected officials on public policy issues, planning procedures, land use regulation and permitting, code compliance, and other regulatory ordinances.
• Prepares and presents reports to hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of planning and development on the community.
• Scopes and reviews the technical work of staff, consultants, contracting agencies, and other organizations as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, environmental science or studies, earth science, public administration or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience within a planning process related to urban or regional plans, comprehensive plans, or a facet of community development.
• Must have valid Washington State Driver's License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.

Other Position Related Information

Questions regarding this opportunity?

Contact: Jeremy Davis, Operations Manager | 360.867.2103

This position is:
- Represented by a Union
- NOT Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:
- Application
- Cover Letter
- Resume