Associate Planner - Current Planning Position (Planner 2)

After the required training, the telework schedule can be considered.

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

The Planning and Public Works (PPW) Department has an exciting opportunity for someone looking to diversify their planning background. Our Associate Planner will review a variety of land use applications, ranging from shoreline projects to subdivision applications. You will provide guidance to our permitting customers by conveying the requirements of our Development Regulations and remain proactive throughout the application process to completion. The wide exposure to State and local development codes and opportunities you receive will give you the tools you need to solve complex development proposals while maximizing community engagement in the planning process. Come make a positive impact and be an active participant in the growth of Pierce County!

Why It's a Great Department: 

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 atwww.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

Strong analytical skills, strong judgement, the ability to communicate well using Plain Talk, and excellent customer skills will be key. Ideally, we want a candidate who can think outside the box and strives to understand the nexus with other reviewing divisions and external agencies. Any experience you have with the State Shoreline Management Act or a local Shoreline Master program is a bonus. If you are ready to develop a culture of inclusion in the planning process within PPW, Pierce County Government, and with the citizens of Pierce County, then this is the job for you!

Throughout the training process, you will meet with your supervisor 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. Pierce County offers professional development throughout your career to ensure your success.

Your Future in this Role: 

You will have an ideal opportunity to work alongside a team of talented engineers, planners, biologists, and community leaders to problem solve and look for efficiencies and strategies to provide improved public service in Pierce County. As the Planner assigned to a project, you will oversee the reviews being completed by other County staff to ensure effective, overall project review. Your work will directly impact your community, and it offers a great foundation for future positions within the Planning and Public Works Department and Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Review applications for compliance with local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines.
• Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, and evaluate land use applications.
• Provide assistance, prepare reports and may present information to Pierce County Hearing Examiner, departments, and external entities regarding a wide range of land use applications, planning functions and other related areas.
• Review land use applications for compliance with State and local SEPA requirements and prepare environmental determinations on individual applications.
• Interact with the public on a wide range of regulatory issues.

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

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Two years of relevant planning work
• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in local, county/city, or state planning

Special Requirements/Qualifications: 

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain the license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.

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.

How to Apply:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. 

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style. 

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews. 

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity. 

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: 

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service. 

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.