What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Planner position at City of Gig Harbor, WA?

Salary : $113,193.60 - $141,606.40 Annually

Location : Gig Harbor, WA

Job Type : Full-time

Job Number : 24-00028

Department : COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Division : PLANNING

Opening Date : 02 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 24 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific

GENERAL OVERVIEW

The senior planner performs advanced level planning within current and advanced planning programs for the City of Gig Harbor, as well as the tasks associated with the land use and environmental codes. When the principal planner is not available this position may serve as acting principal planner, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Responsible Official, and / or shoreline administrator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

Provides basic and comprehensive information and interpretation of applicable city land use and development codes to the general public, the development community, employees of the city, and elected officials.
Researches, analyzes, develops, and implements long-range, comprehensive plans and special studies, including code revision and amendments, topical elements, and sub-area plans; prepare and administer grants.
Reviews and analyzes development applications relative to complex commercial and largescale multi-family, public, and quasi-public developments including : environmental review and issuance of threshold determinations; processing of shoreline permits; conditional use permits and variances; zoning code amendments and rezones; development agreements; and comprehensive plan updates, amendments, site plans, and subdivisions.
Prepares staff reports and conducts public hearings and meetings before the city council, city planning commission, city design review board, and city hearing examiner.
Evaluates and interprets compatibility of complex proposals against applicable design codes, ordinances, and criteria including the relationship of the proposal to site, adjoining area, landscape, and site treatments, building architecture, lighting, and signs.
Prepares or reviews environmental documents, provide technical assistance in the analysis, coordination, and implementation of environmental requirements and regulations under the city environmental code.
Implements effective and trackable procedures for reviewing the processing of approved development plans, construction plans, and construction performance to assure compliance with city codes.
Prepares public notices, meeting agendas, and reviews meeting minutes.
Coordinates assigned activities, which may include functional supervision of assigned staff; serves as project manager; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; and meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Serves as liaison for and coordinates department activities with those of other departments, outside agencies and organizations; ensure Certified Local Government requirements are met with respect to historic preservation activities.
May act as a technical and functional lead for professional and technical planning staff.
May support in leading part-time, temporary, or intern personnel within the division.
Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Ability to :

Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.

Exercise interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, patience, respect, courtesy, and discretion in work, including balancing confidential matters and transparency.

Work comfortably with resident advisory commissions, elected officials, and ad-hoc resident groups in a conference environment as well as in public assemblies and meetings, with sensitivity to the public process.

Prepare and present effective technical reports.

Collaborate across division and department lines, as well as be a resource for the public.

Read and interpret site plans, building plans, landscape plans, construction drawings, and compare them with construction in progress.

Operate computer hardware and software including internet applications, database management, GIS, and graphics.

Wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain and snow gear, hard hat, hearing protection, respirators, boots, goggles, and gloves.

Skilled in :

Developing professional working relationships with the general public, the development community, city employees, city officials, and other municipal and agency officials and resolving or de-escalating complaints.

Detail-oriented review of highly visible and / or controversial projects.

Interpreting research data for reports and apply mathematic techniques in practical situations.

Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials and to apply them accordingly.

Use of project management techniques and ability to apply those skills to several high-profile projects or issues simultaneously, to meet firm deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office or conference room setting with a moderate / minimal noise level. The employee may be exposed to dissatisfied customers. Occasionally the employee is exposed to outdoor inclement weather and normal transportation and construction activity. This may include high noise levels, moving vehicles and heavy machinery, dust and mud, or other physical hazards.

Schedule : Typical business hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm with a one-hour meal break. In-person presence is required for assigned days working at the front counter. Attends night and weekend meetings and community events. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the principal planner following the probationary period.

Driving and Travel : Driving would typically be less than 5 hours a workweek. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, trainings, and / or conferences as needed. Overnight travel is possible a few times per year, typically for annual conferences that relate to the position.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, use hands for keyboarding, talk, hear, read, stand, and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Clear speaking and adequate hearing sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately both in person and remotely. Repetitive motions for computer and telephone use. Must be able to walk for site visits, including walking uphill, navigating uneven terrain, and traversing exposed or insecure walkways.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Community Planning, or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the principles of design, effective site planning, and architectural design.

Work experience with a government agency preferred.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.

A valid Washington State driver's license and at least two years of driving experience.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city's motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.

Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

At the City of Gig Harbor, our aim is to extend salary offers that fall within the range from the minimum to the midpoint. These offers will be determined by assessing the applicant's relevant experience in alignment with the requirements of the applied position at the city, alongside a comprehensive evaluation of pay rates for our existing employees engaged in comparable roles. It's important to note that our salary ranges are currently under review and may be subject to adjustment.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters 117.

If you need assistance and / or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at

To be considered you must submit and complete an online application through that reflects all relevant education and experience which addresses how you meet the minimum and / or preferred qualifications for this position.

Applications will be screened the week of February 24 with interviews scheduled March 10.

Best Commuter Business 2023

The City of Gig Harbor has been recognized as one of Pierce County's leading commuter-friendly businesses by Ride Together Pierce! The silver level Best Commuter Business recognition honors Gig Harbor's commitment to supporting sustainable transportation in Pierce County.

The City of Gig Harbor is a receipient of the 2024 WellCity Award!

This is awarded by the Association of Washington Cities and recognizes those that place employee well-being among their core values and demonstrate that futher by developing healthy workplace cultures and promoting employee health and wellness. As a reward, the City recieves a 2% discount on all medical premiums.

The City of Gig Harbor offers generous employee benefits to eligible employees. Learn more about the City's .

I understand that I must include all educational and experience information in the application responses AND in supplemental question responses.

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Community Planning, or closely related field from an accredited college or university?

Do you have five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the principles of design, effective site planning, and architectural design?

Required Question

Salary : $113,194 - $141,606

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