Stewardship Supervisor (Planner 4)

Why It's a Great Opportunity: 

Planning and Public Works (PPW) has an exciting opportunity at the supervisory level in our Sustainability Division. The Office of Resilience and Climate Action oversees the County's Sustainability, Natural Resources, and Environmental Education efforts. You will have the opportunity to lead the implementation of the Land Conservation Plan, which calls for conserving 100,000 acres of land by 2044. You will supervise members of the Stewardship Team who work on forest, fish, and agriculture policy issues for the County. You will also run the Conservation Futures program for the County. The Office of Resilience and Climate Action is committed to implementing the Sustainability 2030 Plan to make Pierce County a more equitable and healthier place to live. If you have a passion for sustainability and natural resources and are ready to supervise a team focused on conservation projects, then this is the job for you!

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 at www.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.

How to be Successful in the Role: 

The position requires you to work across Department divisions, County departments, agencies, and stakeholders to address topics such as growth management, affordable housing, environmental impacts, land conservation, climate change, social and health needs, and much more. Ideally, we want a candidate who is skilled in data collection and analysis as well as public outreach and facilitation. 

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 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 developing foundational guiding policy documents that guide County programs and plans over time.

Core Daily Responsibilities: 

• Supervise and coordinate work assignments for an assigned work unit to assure adherence to prescribed timelines and compliance with departmental procedures.
• Coordinate work with others across departments and organizations on the development of various plans.
• Participate in and supervise 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.
• Conduct performance evaluations, and develop and establish performance measures and standards.
• Oversee development, preparation and presentation of department staff reports, including draft policies and regulations.  
• Provide leadership over assigned projects and programs.

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

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field.
• Four years of local, county, or state planning work.
• One year of lead worker and/or supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree. 

• Please attach a copy of your cover letter and resume.

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.