Long Range Planner IV

Seattle, OR - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 123947 - 157110

Posted on: 22 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

The Department of Local Services- Directors Office is looking for a seasonedLong Range Planner IV to support long-range land use policy code amendment initiatives comprehensive planning and subarea planning projects that shape the future of King County.

As a Long Range Planner IV you will help lead a portfolio of projects subarea planning efforts mentor other 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 conducting planning for urban and rural communities. Youll lead projects that align land use permitting housing and environmental goals with community and county priorities.

Youll 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 staff across King County and other agencies to support inclusive strategic and future-focused planning.

Our Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice
The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fosteringEquity Racial and Social Justice in every aspect of our work. 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

Applyingequity racial and social justice principlesis a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values behaviors and practices to all aspects of the work.

Planning & Project Management

Develop create and implement King Countys long range vision for growth by developing land use policy and code amendments for unincorporated King County.
Develop create and implement King Countys long range vision for growth by developing land use policy and code amendments for unincorporated King County by collaborating with colleagues across King County government.
Help shape the direction of subarea planning and complete subarea plans for rural and urban unincorporated areas continuously refining processes to improve outcomes for communities.
Develop comprehensive plan land use and zoning studies and amendments.
Undertake comprehensive planning tasks including annual dockets mid-point and periodic updates of the King County Comprehensive Plan.
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 DLS Permitting and Roads Divisions and other departments.

Community Engagement & Equity

Develop and implement innovative public engagement and communications strategies to foster meaningful dialogue with diverse communities.
Undertake equity-focused analysis and engagement centering the needs of communities most affected by planning decisions and historically 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 research and analysis using demographic financial and geographic data to inform planning and policy decisions.
Collaborate with department staff within DLS and across the County 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.
Participate in interdepartmental and interjurisdictional teams as well as community outreach efforts.
Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address project-related 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.

Values

Serve with integrity.
Show initiative and work hard.
Prioritize outcomes over optics
Center those most impacted and put boots on the ground.
Solve problems with a yes and mindset
Work as one adaptable mission-driven team

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.
Five years or more of professional experience in long-range 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 economics as well as best practices for zoning code standards design guidelines and plan policies that support community and government goals.
Knowledge of Washingtons planning framework including the Growth Management Act Shorelines Act and State Environmental Policy Act.

Policy Code and Legislative Experience

Experience drafting legislation analyzing supporting data crafting reports and communication materials and delivering presentations to elected officials.
Experience contributing to legislative processes including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decision-makers.
Understanding of land use law 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 parties.

Project & Communication Skills

Experience managing complex projects using project management best practices to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.
Strong 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 non-technical 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.
Experience with GIS Adobe InDesign strongly preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

Masters degree in planning or a related field or equivalent experience.
Five years managing a portfolio of projects that include long-range planning and code development projects.
Experience leading community-based 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 well-versed 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.

Supplemental Information

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited for a virtual interview in the week ofMarch 16 2026.

Final interviews will be in-person on the week of March 23 2026.

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) career service position and to create an eligibility pool to fill additional vacancies in the same classification that may occur within the next six months.

Who May Apply:This position is open to all qualified applicants.

Forms and Materials:A completedKing County Applicationis required. A resumeand cover letterdetailing your interest in the position your background and describing how you meet or exceed the required qualifications knowledge skills and experience listed in this job announcement is also required.

Selection Process:Applicants will be screened for clarity completeness and competitiveness. Minimum qualifications and answers to supplemental questions must be demonstrated in your application materials. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews. Reference checks and file reviews will be conducted.

For interviewing tips please see the STAR-LA method:

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 on the weekends. 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 as:

Non- Mission Criticalin an Emergency Employees: Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed suspended or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized

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.

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:
We will work in the office at least three days a week to foster connection and responsiveness arrive prepared and on time and structure meetings with clear goals and next steps.

Work Location:

Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. The employee will report to work at King Street Center(201 S. Jackson Seattle WA 98104)

Employees must reside in Washington Stateand 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 where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

King County has a robust collection oftools and resourcesto support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work in a hybrid environment.

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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment please contactSonali SharmaHR Analyst by email at or by phone at .

Summary The Department of Local Services- Directors Office is looking for a seasonedLong Range Planner IV to support long-range land use policy code amendment initiatives comprehensive planning and subarea planning projects that shape the f...