Senior Land Use Planner 3 – Limited Duration

• The Limited Duration Senior Land Use Planner 3 position will be valid through 12/31/27, with the potential to extend through 12/31/28.
• 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.

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

In this role with the Long Range Planning Division, you will be part of a dynamic team working on drafting and delivering significant long range plans, code change packages, and reports. You will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of topics, including the 2029 comprehensive plan progress report, annexations, data centers, community planning, planning for other land use issues in the County, and much more. You will also engage with other divisions across Planning and Public Works and interact directly with the Executive’s Office and Council staff in relation to the preparation of and submission of code packages.

Check out some of our work here: Comprehensive Plan.

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.

This position will be managed by the Long Range Planning (LRP) division. LRP is responsible for development of the Comprehensive Plan, development code updates, and special projects.  

How to be Successful in the Role: 

Our team is looking for a seasoned planner to lead significant land use planning efforts and conduct outreach and engagement with communities across Pierce County. Additionally, you will be skilled in project management, community engagement, and navigating multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Collaboration on large projects involving multiple stakeholders will be key. You will have extensive experience with Word and writing and editing large documents. Finally, you will have interest and knowledge in local planning and community service-oriented values.

Your Future in this Role: 

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 leading planning processes and carrying out community engagement.
   
Throughout the onboarding process, you will meet with the long range planning 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.

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned planning projects and programs.
• Interpret local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stay abreast of various legislative changes.
• Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, collect and analyze various statistical and/or technical data to apply to a wide range of planning functions.
• Represent the Department at internal and external meetings.
• Work with others across departments and organizations on the development of various plans.
• Effectively persuade, inform, educate, train, solicit information, motivate and direct a wide variety of individuals or groups.
• 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.

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

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.