Planner (Assistant/Associate/Senior Level)

Shape the Future of Sequim. Build Your Planning Career.

Whether you are beginning your planning career or ready to take the next step in professional responsibility, the City of Sequim offers the opportunity to grow, learn, and make a lasting impact in both the community and in your profession.

The City of Sequim is seeking motivated candidates to join its Department of Community and Economic Development. We currently have one opening, which may be filled at the Assistant Planner, Associate Planner, or Senior Planner level depending on the successful candidate’s education, experience, demonstrated qualifications, and ability to perform at the assigned classification level.

We are looking for planners who are collaborative, curious, accountable, and committed to public service. Whether you are an early-career planner eager to learn, a professional ready to manage planning assignments independently, or an experienced planner prepared to provide technical guidance and leadership, you will join a supportive team that values integrity, sound judgment, continuous improvement, and service to the community.

Located on Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Sequim offers an exceptional quality of life, a welcoming community, and outstanding access to outdoor recreation. If you are looking for more than your next planning position and want to build a rewarding career while helping shape a community’s future, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: in order to be considered, all candidates must submit a cover letter and one or more writing samples along with the online application form. Writing samples should illustrate the applicant's technical expertise, writing skills, and ability to convey complex ideas to varied audiences.

Salary Ranges:

Assistant Planner: $34.69 to $41.37 per hour
Associate Planner: $39.05 to $46.56 per hour
Senior Planner: $42.67 to $50.88 per hour

Per the collective bargaining agreement, new hires will start in the lower end of the range for their respective position. This position is eligible for longevity pay, which entitles the employee to a 2% pay increase for every five years employed at the City, to a maximum of 8% after 20+ years.  Taking these numbers into account, the salary for this position could ultimately range from $34.69-$54.95 per hour, with the upper pay appropriate for an employee with 20+ years of longevity.  Assistant Planner

This position assumes minimal guidance, as assigned, for ordinance development and future planning projects related to the Growth Management Act and other State and federal mandates, development regulations, environmental protection, and land use permitting.  

1. Assists staff to represent various advisory committees on current development projects as assigned, e.g. rezoning, variances, conditional use permits, street vacations, subdivisions, planned unit developments, design review matters and shoreline permits; 
2. Assists with ordinance development and future planning projects relating to the Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, Sequim Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code, and the State Environmental Policy Act;
3. Plans, organizes and conducts research studies regarding planning issues;
4. Develops recommendations and prepares reports regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing, environmental issues and other local regulations or policies;
5. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements;
6. Provides initial review of land use applications and permits, reviewing applications and site plans for compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; 
7. Prepares written, oral, and visual reports, graphics and maps for hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain City policy and the impact of planning and development on the community;
8. Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to research, analyze, create, maintain, and interpret spatial data, maps, and visual materials in support of land use planning, development review, long-range planning, environmental analysis, public outreach, and decision-making;
9. Coordinates planning department activities with those of other City departments and offices to assure a consistent approach that is in compliance with policies, procedures, City ordinances and Council directives;
10. Provides initial contact for the current planning and permitting services, including the land use permit system, procedures, permit records and filing systems.
11. Actively identifies and recommends improvements in department programs, activities, policies and objectives; Assists in the preparation of grant applications. 
12. Operate a City vehicle or personal vehicle, as authorized, to conduct site visits and attend meetings, public hearings, inspections, and other work-related activities at locations outside the Civic Center.
13. Maintains consistent and timely in-person attendance to support the work of the team.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Associate Planner

This position assumes minimal guidance, as assigned, for ordinance development and future planning projects related to the Growth Management Act and other State and federal mandates, development regulations, environmental protection, and land use permitting.  

1. Researches and analyzes technical data to apply planning and zoning regulations to development, construction, and land use issues.
2. Provides technical assistance to the public and other agencies.
3. Assists senior planning staff with complex cases by gathering and analyzing data, assisting in the preparation of reports and documents for board reviews and appeal hearings. 
4. Assists staff to represent various advisory committees on current development projects as assigned, e.g. rezoning, variances, conditional use permits, street vacations, subdivisions, planned unit developments, design review matters and shoreline permits; 
5. Assists with ordinance development and future planning projects relating to the Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, Sequim Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code, and the State Environmental Policy Act;
6. Plans, organizes and conducts research studies regarding planning issues;
7. Develops recommendations and prepares reports regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing, environmental issues and other local regulations or policies;
8. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements;
9. Provides initial review of land use applications and permits, reviewing applications and site plans for compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; 
10. Prepares written, oral, and visual reports, graphics and maps for hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain City policy and the impact of planning and development on the community;
11. Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to research, analyze, create, maintain, and interpret spatial data, maps, and visual materials in support of land use planning, development review, long-range planning, environmental analysis, public outreach, and decision-making. 
12. Coordinates planning department activities with those of other City departments and offices to assure a consistent approach that is in compliance with policies, procedures, City ordinances and Council directives;
13. Provides initial contact for the current planning and permitting services, including the land use permit system, procedures, permit records and filing systems.
14. Actively identifies and recommends improvements in department programs, activities, policies and objectives; 
15. Assists in the preparation of grant applications; 
16. Operates a City vehicle or personal vehicle, as authorized, to conduct site visits and attend meetings, public hearings, inspections, and other work-related activities at locations outside the Civic Center.
17. Maintains consistent and timely in-person attendance to support the work of the team.
18. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Senior Planner

This position assumes independent responsibility, as assigned, for ordinance development and future planning projects related to the Growth Management Act and other state and federal mandates, development regulations, environmental protection, and land use permitting.  

1. Serves as senior staff representative to various advisory committees on current development projects as assigned, e.g. rezoning, variances, conditional use permits, street vacations, subdivisions, planned unit developments, design review matters and shoreline permits; 
2. Assists with ordinance development and future planning projects relating to the Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, Sequim Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code, and the State Environmental Policy Act;
3. Plans, organizes and conducts research studies regarding planning issues;
4. Develops recommendations and prepares reports regarding complex land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing, environmental issues and other local regulations or policies;
5. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements;
6. Processes land use applications and permits, reviewing applications and site plans for compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; 
7. Prepares written, oral, and visual reports, graphics and maps for hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain City policy and the impact of planning and development on the community;
8. Coordinates planning department activities with those of other City departments and offices to assure a consistent approach that is in compliance with policies, procedures, City ordinances and Council directives;
9. Oversees current planning and permitting services, including the land use permit system, procedures, permit records and filing systems.
10. Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to research, analyze, create, maintain, and interpret spatial data, maps, and visual materials in support of land use planning, development review, long-range planning, environmental analysis, public outreach, and decision-making;
11. Actively identifies and recommends improvements in department programs, activities, policies, regulations and objectives; 
12. Assist Director and oversee Department functions and operations as directed; 
13. Operate a City vehicle or personal vehicle, as authorized, to conduct site visits and attend meetings, public hearings, inspections, and other work-related activities at locations outside the Civic Center.
14. Maintains consistent and timely in-person attendance to support the work of the team; and
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Assistant Planner

1. Knowledge of principles, practices and regulations in the field of municipal land use planning including land use, transportation, economic development, social impact, environmental impact and other related fields;
2.  Knowledge of research methods and ability to compile and analyze original data based on surveys, analysis, citizen participation and agency consultation; 
3.  Knowledge of government organizations, regulations and procedures, and of permit records management;
4. Working knowledge of GIS principles, spatial data, and mapping applications; ability to use GIS software to query, analyze, interpret, and present geographic information accurately and clearly for staff, applicants, the public, and decision-makers;
5. Ability to read site development and building plans as well as subdivision plats and articulate the details of those plans both orally and in writing; 
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals and sensitive issues;
7. Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure while under pressure;
8. Strong planning and organizational skills in facilitation, problem solving, decision making, and meeting deadlines while working on multiple projects;

9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and the public regarding complex and controversial public policy issues or regulations; to demonstrate initiative using sound judgment to adapt strategy to changing conditions;

10. Ability to direct or coordinate work efforts with other planning and City staff;
11. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, utilizing appropriate visual media, in clear and concise language appropriate for the audience and purpose;
12. Ability to work within approved budget with a focus on conserving organizational resources, and to develop and implement cost saving measures; 
13. Proficiency using computer programs including spreadsheet calculations, database development, graphic/imaging software, and GIS mapping; and

14. The ability and willingness to engage in ongoing learning about new software and Artificial Intelligence, with an understanding of their potential applications within the workplace to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Associate Planner

1. Knowledge of principles, practices and regulations in the field of municipal land use planning including land use, transportation, economic development, social impact, environmental impact and other related fields;
2. Knowledge of research methods and ability to compile and analyze original data based on surveys, analysis, citizen participation and agency consultation; 
3. Knowledge of government organizations, regulations and procedures, and of permit records management;
4. Working knowledge of GIS principles, spatial data, and mapping applications; ability to use GIS software to query, analyze, interpret, and present geographic information accurately and clearly for staff, applicants, the public, and decision-makers.
5. Ability to read site development and subdivision plats and articulate the details of those plans both orally and in writing; 
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals and sensitive issues;
7. Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure while under pressure;
8. Strong planning and organizational skills in facilitation, problem solving, decision making, and to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects;

9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and the public regarding complex and controversial public policy issues or regulations; to demonstrate initiative using sound judgment to adapt strategy to changing conditions;

10. Ability to direct or coordinate work efforts with other planning and City staff;
11. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, utilizing appropriate visual media, in clear and concise language appropriate for the audience and purpose;
12. Ability to work within approved budget with a focus on conserving organizational resources, and to develop and implement cost saving measures; 
13. Proficiency using computer programs including spreadsheet calculations, database development, graphic/imaging software, and GIS mapping; and

14. The ability and willingness to engage in ongoing learning about new software and Artificial Intelligence, with an understanding of their potential applications within the workplace to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Senior Planner

1. Advanced knowledge of principles, practices and regulations in the field of municipal land use planning including land use, transportation, economic development, social impact, environmental impact and other related fields;
2. Advanced knowledge of research methods to compile and analyze original data based on surveys, analysis, citizen participation and agency consultation; 
3. Advanced knowledge of government organizations, regulations and procedures, and of permit records management;
4. Working knowledge of GIS principles, spatial data, and mapping applications; ability to use GIS software to query, analyze, interpret, and present geographic information accurately and clearly for staff, applicants, the public, and decision-makers.
5. Ability to read site development and building plans as well as subdivision plats and articulate the details of those plans both orally and in writing; 
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals and sensitive issues;
7. Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure while under pressure;
8. Strong planning and organizational skills in facilitation, problem solving, decision making, and to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects;

9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and the public regarding complex and controversial public policy issues or regulations; to demonstrate initiative using sound judgment to adapt strategy to changing conditions;

10. Ability to direct or coordinate work efforts with other planning and City staff;
11. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, utilizing appropriate visual media, in clear and concise language appropriate for the audience and purpose;
12. Ability to work within approved budget with a focus on conserving organizational resources, and to develop and implement cost saving measures; 
13. Proficiency using computer programs including spreadsheet calculations, database development, graphic/imaging software, and GIS mapping; and

14. The ability and willingness to engage in ongoing learning about new software and Artificial Intelligence, with an understanding of their potential applications within the workplace to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Assistant Planner

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning with at least six months internship or work experience in urban or regional planning.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as environmental studies or social sciences with at least one year of internship or work experience in urban or regional planning. 

A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered.   

A valid Washington State driver’s license is required (or ability to obtain within 30 days).  

Associate Planner

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, environmental studies, social sciences or other closely related field, with 2-3 years of experience in urban or regional planning, is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.  A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered.  A valid Washington State driver’s license is required (or ability to obtain within 30 days).  

Senior Planner

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning with at least five years’ experience in urban or regional planning, or at least seven years in local planning with a degree in a related field such as environmental studies or social sciences, is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desired.  A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered. A valid Washington State driver’s license is required (or ability to obtain within 30 days).  

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting, as well as at events and meetings throughout the community. Some evening and/or weekend work for meetings, presentations, and out of town travel and overnight seminars/meetings may be required. The employee may be required to sit at a work station for extended periods of time, frequently using a computer and/or the phone. This individual must have the ability to hear at a normal level; verbally communicate in person and by telephone; stand, walk, and drive as needed throughout day; and occasionally lift and carry parcels weighing up 25 pounds.