Principal Long Range Land Use Planner (PPM IV)
Principal Long Range Land Use Planner (PPM IV)
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Job Description
Summary
Join our Team! The Department of Local Services is hiring a Principal Long Range Land Use Planner (Project/Program Manager IV). Were looking for a seasoned planner to lead longrange land use policy code amendment initiatives and subarea planning projects that shape the future of King County.
As a Principal Planner you will lead a portfolio of projects mentor and/or supervise staff assist in prioritizing projects as requested by elected and department leaders and execute high profile and complex land use planning projects. You will develop land use policies and codes that respond to countywide and regional needs including a focus on urban and rural planning. Youll lead projects that align land use permitting housing and environmental goals with community and county priorities. Youll have the opportunity to work closely with community members colleagues and department leaders to assess needs analyze data manage projects and craft legislation. Our work is grounded in equity guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan and shaped by the communities we serveespecially historically underrepresented groups.
Were seeking a proven planner and project manager with experience navigating complex political environments and processes and delivering effective plans policies and codes. Strong communication skills attention to detail and an understanding of how government services vary across urban and rural areas are essential. This role involves some evening and weekend meetings including public presentations. Youll collaborate with DLS teams the Office of Regional Planning and other agencies to support inclusive strategic and futurefocused planning.
Our commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering Equity Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to True North values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate embrace and celebrate the distinct experiences viewpoints and perspectives of our people partners and the communities we serve. Through this work we dismantle systemic barriers address inequities and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.
Job Duties
Planning & Project Management
- Lead and develop land use policy and code development projects for the Department of Local Services which includes the Directors Office Permitting Division and Road Services Division collaborating with colleagues across King County government.
- Undertake and lead subarea planning projects in both rural and urban unincorporated areas continuously refining processes to improve outcomes for communities.
- Serve as a technical resource on subarea planning and provide expertise on specific plan content including executing land use and zoning amendments.
- Develop code amendments to address land use housing environment and the range of services provided by King County.
- Coordinate closely with planners and professionals from the King County Permitting Division Roads Division Office of Regional Planning and other departments.
Community Engagement & Equity
- Develop and implement innovative public engagement and communications strategies to foster meaningful dialogue with diverse communities.
- Undertake equityfocused analysis and engagement including work with Black Indigenous and other People of Color as well as other underrepresented groups to develop inclusive plans and policies.
Research Writing & Policy Development
- Prepare clear accurate and logically sound written materials including legislative materials for consideration by elected leaders.
- Conduct thorough research and analysis using demographic financial and geographic data to inform planning and policy decisions.
- Collaborate with department staff to draft and review legislation policies and reports.
- Assist in resolving legal issues related to proposed legislation in partnership with the Prosecuting Attorneys Office the King County Executives Office and King County Council staff.
- Ensure consistency between King County Comprehensive Plan policies and related regulations and support updates to the Comprehensive Plan as needed.
Ongoing Coordination & Support
- Stay informed on land use trends activities legislation and other key issues affecting unincorporated areas.
- Provide staff support for interdepartmental and interjurisdictional teams as well as community outreach efforts.
- Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address projectrelated challenges.
Professionalism & Customer Service
- Manage individual workload effectively adapting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service and uphold the reputation of King County and the department.
- Fulfill commitments to customers and stakeholders with integrity and respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from county residents.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills
Education & Core Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in planning urban studies or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Professional expertise in longrange land use planning including crafting policies and guiding government actions to address community development needs and align with countywide goals and service delivery practices.
- Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes requirements and economics as well as best practices for code standards design guidelines and plan policies that support community and government goals.
- Knowledge of Washingtons legal planning framework including the Growth Management Act Shorelines Act and State Environmental Policy Act.
Policy Code and Legislative Experience
- Track record in drafting legislation analyzing supporting data crafting reports and communication materials and delivering compelling presentations to elected officials.
- Experience contributing to legislative processes including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decisionmakers.
- Strong understanding of land use law including legal theory and principles with the ability to identify issues assess risks and seek appropriate legal guidance when needed.
Community Engagement & Equity
- Demonstrated experience leading inclusive outreach and engagement strategies particularly with Black Indigenous and other People of Color as well as other historically underrepresented groups.
- Proven ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds including people of color immigrants refugees women LGBTQ individuals people with disabilities and veterans.
- Skilled in building partnerships and working across interests establishing strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Project & Communication Skills
- Experience managing complex projects using project management best practices to meet deadlines and deliver highquality outcomes.
- Exceptional communication skills including the ability to listen actively provide constructive feedback negotiate outcomes and deliver concise effective oral presentations.
- Advanced presentation experience including speaking to legislative bodies jurisdictional partners and the public.
- Outstanding writing skills both technical and nontechnical with the ability to tailor content for a wide range of audiences.
Technical Proficiency
- Proficient in Microsoft Office SharePoint and other common desktop tools used to support planning and policy work.
- Proficiency with GIS Adobe InDesign strongly preferred.
Desired Qualifications:- Masters degree in planning or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five years experience managing staff and/or managing a portfolio of projects that include longrange planning and code development projects.
- Experience leading communitybased planning projects that includes equitable engagement approaches land use analyses and recommendations interdisciplinary policy recommendations legislative actions and implementation strategies.
- Effective interpersonal communication skills demonstrated through the ability to unite individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds.
- Experience in using GIS to develop maps and undertake analysis.
- Experience designing public education materials for a land use planning process.
- Knowledge of economic and social factors that influence decisions and practices around development construction design and use of land.
- Knowledge of the King County government its mandates and functions and wellversed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County.
- Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues regional initiatives and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.
- Second language proficiency in one of King Countys most spoken languages.
Supplemental Information
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE:
Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 45minute virtual interview the week of 5/19/25.WHO MAY APPLY:
APPLICATION PROCESS:
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicantsand may be used to fill current and or/future career service termlimited temporary shortterm temporary and or/special duty positions over the next six months.
A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter summarizing how you meet the experience qualifications knowledge and skills for the position.Applicants will be screened for clarity completeness and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
WORK SCHEDULE:
The work week is normally Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS:This position has been designated NonMission Critical Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed suspended or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive department director or agency head all employees regardless of designation are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.
UNION MEMBERSHIP:This position is nonrepresented.
TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position will include regular and ongoing inoffice work. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.Forbes named King County as one of Washington States best employers.
Together with leadership and our employees were changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a differenceCome join the teamdedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live work and play.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race color religion national origin sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) age genetic information disability veteran status or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions including but not limited to recruitment hiring selection for training promotion transfer demotion layoff termination rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
For more information regarding this recruitment please contact:
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
