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City of Sequim

Associate/Senior Planner

City of Sequim, Sequim, Washington, United States, 98334

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Salary :

$78,852.80 - $102,752.00 Annually Location :

Sequim, WA Job Type:

Full Time Job Number:

25-00015 Department:

Dept. of Community Development Opening Date:

08/11/2025 Closing Date:

Continuous

Job Summary

Join the dynamic Community Development team at the City of Sequim, where your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of our vibrant community. We are seeking a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for community-driven urban development.

We are recruiting for an Associate Planner or a Senior Planner, depending on final candidate qualification level.

This position is open until filled, with first review of candidates on September 8, 2025. Under general direction, this position is responsible for providing a variety of professional planning functions related to both long range and current planning. The Associate/Senior Planner must be oriented toward community service, be sensitive to the public process and able to uphold the professional ethics inherent to the field of planning. This position, with staff assistance, works with various advisory committees including the Planning Commission, community organizations and other civic groups, and makes presentations to the Planning Commission regularly and the City Council periodically. The Associate/Senior Planner is expected to be present during normal business hours, and some evening or weekend work may be required for meetings, presentations, community events and other opportunities to engage citizens in planning activities. BASE WAGE RANGE:

Associate Planner: $37.91 - $45.21 per hour Senior Planner: $41.42 - 49.40 per hour

According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, new hires will start at the bottom end of the range. This position is eligible for longevity pay, which entitles the employee to a 2% pay increase for every five years employed at the City, to a maximum of 8% after 20+ years. Taking longevity and experience into account, the full salary range is $37.91 - $53.35 per hour, with the upper pay appropriate for a Senior Planner who had served in the position for 20+ years. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position assumes minimal guidance, as assigned, for ordinance development and future planning projects related to the Growth Management Act and other State and federal mandates, development regulations, environmental protection, and land use permitting. Researches and analyzes technical data to apply planning and zoning regulations to development, construction, and land use issues. Provides technical assistance to the public and other agencies. Assists senior planning staff with complex cases by gathering and analyzing data, assisting in the preparation of reports and documents for board reviews and appeal hearings. Assists staff to represent various advisory committees on current development projects as assigned, e.g. rezoning, variances, conditional use permits, street vacations, subdivisions, planned unit developments, design review matters and shoreline permits; Assists with ordinance development and future planning projects relating to the Growth and Shoreline Management Acts, Sequim Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code, and the State Environmental Policy Act; Plans, organizes and conducts research studies regarding planning issues; Develops recommendations and prepares reports regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing, environmental issues and other local regulations or policies; Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; Provides initial review of land use applications and permits, reviewing applications and site plans for compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; Prepares written, oral, and visual reports, graphics and maps for hearing bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain City policy and the impact of planning and development on the community; Coordinates planning department activities with those of other City departments and offices to assure a consistent approach that is in compliance with policies, procedures, City ordinances and Council directives; Provides initial contact for the current planning and permitting services, including the land use permit system, procedures, permit records and filing systems. Actively identifies and recommends improvements in department programs, activities, policies and objectives; Assists in the preparation of grant applications; Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of principles, practices and regulations in the field of municipal land use planning including land use, transportation, economic development, social impact, environmental impact and other related fields; Knowledge of research methods and ability to compile and analyze original data based on surveys, analysis, citizen participation and agency consultation; Knowledge of government organizations, regulations and procedures, and of permit records management; Ability to read site development and subdivision plats and articulate the details of those plans both orally and in writing; Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals and sensitive issues; Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure while under pressure; Strong planning and organizational skills in facilitation, problem solving, decision making, and to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and the public regarding complex and controversial public policy issues or regulations; to demonstrate initiative using sound judgment to adapt strategy to changing conditions; Ability to direct or coordinate work efforts with other planning and City staff; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, utilizing appropriate visual media, in clear and concise language appropriate for the audience and purpose; Ability to work within approved budget with a focus on conserving organizational resources, and to develop and implement cost saving measures; and Proficiency using computer programs including spreadsheet calculations, database development, graphic/imaging software, and GIS mapping.

Minimum Qualifications

For Associate Planner: Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, environmental studies or related field, with 2-3 years of experience in urban or regional planning, is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered.

For Senior Planner: Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning with at least five years' experience in urban or regional planning, or at least seven years in local planning with a degree in a related field such as environmental studies, is required. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desired. A combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability may be considered. A valid Washington State driver's license is required (or ability to obtain within 30 days). The City of Sequim offers employees a comprehensive benefits package.

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees may not be eligible for the below benefits with the exception of mandatory sick leave.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions: Health Benefits:

Medical Plan A Dental Plan A Vision Plan EXT Life and Accidental D&D Insurance Plan B Time Loss Benefit Plan C All Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust benefits are 87.5% paid by Employer / 12.5% paid by Employee.

Retirement Plans : Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS or LEOFF), depending upon eligibility. Deferred Compensation Program (457): Optional participation in a supplemental Deferred Compensation Program that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options. Additional Benefits Include:

Teamsters Pension Trust 12 paid holidays per year plus one floating holiday Paid vacation and sick days Tuition Reimbursement Longevity Pay Paid Bereavement Leave Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Flexible Benefits Plan (health care/dependent care) Life Flight air ambulance service membership subsidy

Paydays

- The City of Sequim pays employees on the 7th and the 22nd of each month (24 pay periods per year). 01

What draws you to this particular position and the City of Sequim? 02

Please select the answer that best describes your years of increasingly responsible experience in professional land use planning work.

7 or more years of experience 5-7 years of experience 2-5 years of experience 1-2 years of experience Less than 1 year of experience No experience

Required Question