Principal Planner

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the Hiring Process section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint however we may go slightly higher based on experience internal equity and market.

Were looking for a Principal Planner to join our Land Use Division and provide highly specialized expertise in key functional areas and regional initiatives informed by City Council priorities. This senior-level position performs most functions independently and exercises a high degree of professional judgment in advancing implementing and integrating complex planning and policy initiatives. The Principal Planner serves as a technical leader within the division providing expert-level planning services and guidance on complex policy development and high-priority development proposals while acting as a key liaison to the Code and Policy Division to support the development and implementation of Land Use Code Amendments (LUCAs). This role leads and participates in cross-divisional efforts to streamline permitting processes supports strategic initiatives aligned with City Council and State mandates and regularly advises department leadership city management boards and commissions City Council and diverse stakeholders. While not a formal supervisory position the Principal Planner provides mentorship and technical direction to planning staff oversees and coordinates the work of multidisciplinary project teams and workgroups and may serve as a project manager and manage consultant contracts. The work performed in this role is highly visible and has both immediate and long-term impacts on the implementation of plans and the advancement of city initiatives.

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and core team member on Land Use Code Amendments under the Land Use Policy Improvement (LUPI) framework.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Land Use Division and the Code and Policy Division to ensure alignment between policy development and project implementation.
• Conduct reviews of draft Land Use Code Amendments (LUCA) text prior to adoption to identify potential conflicts and opportunities.
• Lead or participate in cross-divisional process improvement initiatives to enhance permitting efficiency and customer service.
• Review and provide recommendations on complex development proposals that may include Master Development Plans and Design Reviews applications.
• Collaborate with Planning Managers to ensure consistency and quality of planning work products.
• Mentor junior planning staff and contribute to professional development within the division.
• Represent the department in meetings with developers community stakeholders and elected officials as needed.

• Bachelors degree in Urban Planning Public Administration Architecture or a related field or any equivalent combination of education experience and training that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities. A masters degree is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in land use planning strategic planning implementation policy development and complex development review processes within the area(s) of expertise including supervisory experience.
• Experience working in or with local government planning departments.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage high-profile projects.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Urban planning principles and techniques and the socioeconomic implications of urban planning
• System modeling analysis
• Federal State and local laws regulations policies and procedures applicable to urban planning
• City and community-based organizations and general organizational principles and practices

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials.
• Critically analyze and resolve internal work-related problems.
• Analyze situations from a variety of contexts including social economic and political; observe and evaluate trends; analyze data; draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing including preparation and delivery of public presentations.
• Interpret administrative guidelines and apply them to the work situation.
• Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple demands; effective problem solving and negotiation.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Policy Analysis
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Communication and Facilitation
• Problem Solving
• Leadership and Mentorship

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name address and other demographics. To help us please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter resume writing sample and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background checkprior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL) licensures or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions our interactions and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service Stewardship Commitment to Employees Integrity Innovation and Diversity Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative collaborative future focused and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work live and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation marital status national origin genetic information disability age veteran status or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office at or .If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

any technical difficulties with your application please contact the NEOGOV support line at .

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