JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you a highly motivated person who is passionate about working with diverse community members to solve complex problems and building great communities? The City of Tacoma's Planning & Development Services Department is looking for an experienced planner to join our team as a Senior Planner. This is the second level in the Planner Series, within the Current Planning section of the Department.

Our Ideal Candidate will possess the following competencies:

• Organized, self-starter with strong ability in the prioritization and management of projects and work tasks.
• Ability to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity, and build partnerships and maintain effective relationships with other local and regional agencies, the private design and development community, and the community at-large.
• Ability to make high-level public presentations before the hearing examiner, elected officials, and the public.
• Able to readily adapt to constantly changing and multiple business needs and projects, resulting in frequent re-prioritization of project tasks and timelines.
• Excellent public speaking and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex processes in an understandable way.
• Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to our organization and has an outstanding ability to relate to diverse audiences.

Essential Duties:

The following are illustrative examples of the essential functions of the job.

Depending on position/assignment, a Senior Planner typically:

• Reviews residential and commercial building permits, pre-application requests and land-use discretionary applications.
• Coordinates with Regulatory Compliance staff to support the resolution of zoning and land use code compliance issues.
• Manages, coordinates and facilitates public meetings for land use permit applications.
• Represents the City on assigned land-use applications before the Hearing Examiner and, as appropriate, in Superior Court proceedings.
• Assists with the development, refinement, and application of GIS mapping tools in support of land-use review and analysis. Participates in and supports community planning initiatives (e.g., Home in Tacoma, green building, open space, tiny homes).
• Leads, mentors, and coaches professional planning staff.
• Explains and interprets complex codes, policies and operating procedures to applicants, staff, decision-makers, and the public.
• Develops solutions and/or recommendations on complex land use and development issues.
• Coordinates work within the division and collaborates with other divisions, departments, and external agencies to ensure integrated project review and implementation.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings as required.
• Performs related work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, public administration, urban design, engineering or closely allied field and four (4) years of progressively responsible planning experience

OR

• Master's degree with two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning profession

Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

• Depending upon assignment a WA driver's license may be required
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is desired but not required

Technical Knowledge

Theory, principles and techniques of the planning profession and development process with an understanding of the interrelationships of land use, transportation, economy, environment, health, human services with plans and regulations; including one or more planning disciplines, such as land use, design, environmental science, survey, growth management, or housing; federal, state and local laws, ordinances and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics; technical research and analysis, report development, budget management; and City government organization, policies and procedures. Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, project management applications and GIS.

Consulting

Employ expertise, credibility, and effective partnering to help clients identify, evaluate, and resolve complex or sensitive issues, problems, and service needs. Identify resources and potential solutions that are practical and effective, understanding when, where and how to implement those options. Excel at helping the customer navigate through complex or sensitive issues, advising on best practices and important trends. Think and act proactively about service issues, following up to make sure desired outcomes are realized.

Analysis

Use information in clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions. Judge or infer appropriate responses to a set of information on the basis of clear guidelines or procedures. Form accurate conclusions regarding actions to be taken.

Workload Management

Effectively manage multiple, high-priority assignments or issues simultaneously and meet firm deadlines; effectively and sensitively oversee highly visible/controversial projects or involving competing priorities and analyzing situations to develop a course of action to produce work products that are accurate, thorough and on time.

Communications Effectiveness

Effective communication both verbal and in writing including the compilation of reports, presentations and records; and interacting respectfully and sensitively with individuals and groups to develop and maintain productive relationships and achieve results. Sustaining public trust while improving accountability; interacting with all levels of staff, public, various officials and others. Technically edit and provide oversight for the preparation of technical reports; use discretion and sound judgment handling assignments and workplace situations.

BENEFITS

https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/

BENEFITS

https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/