Associate Planner

Job Description:

Associate Planner

Description

Position Description

The City of Tacoma's Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) is seeking a customer-service driven, community-minded person to join our Land Use Team as an Associate Planner. This Planner will work on a combination of discretionary land use permits, environmental review, and building permits. This person also staffs the customer service counter and supports our code enforcement team. The Associate Planner is the first step in the Planner series and reports to the Principal Planner/Supervisor for Current Planning.

The successful candidate will:
Be proficient with multiple technology platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Chat, SharePoint, e-mail, Adobe, GIS Mapping platforms, and electronic permitting. Be able to manage a diverse range of permits with competing deadlines. Show ability to research permit history using multiple methods, such as County records, City records, historic files, scanned documents, etc. Field phone calls and e-mails from developers, homeowner, neighbors, etc.; and answer questions about permit process and land use regulations.

Under general supervision, a person in this position would be responsible to perform first-level professional planning assignments, working under the regular guidance of a higher-level planning professional or manager. A supervisor typically reviews work in progress as well as outcomes and assists with work prioritization. However, staff in this position often works independently in making decisions regarding work processes or methods which will be used. Assignments are typically reoccurring, of limited scope, and/or involve a portion of a project. Assignments require analysis of a variety of laws, rules, policies, procedures and standards, and development of strategies to resolve problems consistent with established standards. Staff in this position coordinate work within a department, between departments, and with the public and/or other governmental entities.

Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate will have a broad understanding of local land use codes and environmental codes, as well as state and federal laws that inform our daily work. This person will thrive in a dynamic work environment, be energized by daily interaction with other department staff, residents, developers, architects, consultants, and homeowners. This person must find balance in a workload with competing interests and should enjoy managing multiple tasks within prescribed timelines. This person must be committed to following detailed procedures and writing detailed staff reports. In addition, the ideal candidate will come to work each day committed to:

• Building confidence and trust with others through honesty, integrity, and authenticy.
• Relishing in opportunity to build relationships with the community we serve and our customers.
• Approaching projects with curiosity (lots of curiosity) and seeking understanding from all stakeholders.
• Being aware of your own biases and showing a willingness to adjust communication/collaboration accordingly.
• Valuing the input of different perspectives and cultures bring to our organization.
• Approaching the administration of our codes and process as a "navigator" rather than a "regulator".

What to Expect:
The City of Tacoma continues to operate using a hybrid model. This person will work in office a minimum of two days a week with up to four days per week during training.

The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny , has a workforce of dedicated, talented and open-minded employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement in all that we do. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

The Department Mission:
The Planning & Development Service Department’s (PDS) mission is to partner with the community to build a livable, sustainable, and safe City by providing strategic, timely, predictable, cost-effective planning and development services with a culture focused on community engagement, customer service, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Essential Duties listed below are from the general Associate Planner Classification. Please refer to the Position Description and Candidate Profile for a more detailed description:

• Develops or assists in the development of studies, reports, correspondence, related to all permit review functions.
• Reviews or assists in the review of development applications and site plans for completeness and conformance with policies, codes, plans, and regulations, coordinates review with other City departments and governmental agencies.
• Assists with updates and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
• Coordinates environmental review of plan and code amendments and/or development applications and determines impact mitigation and requirements for compliance with codes and development standards.
• May prepare and make presentations on development or planning issues or proposals to governmental bodies, the Hearings Examiner, Planning Commission, citizen groups, other advisory bodies, City Council and the public.
• Researches, collects and analyzes a variety of statistical and/or technical data to apply to planning, regulation, zoning or land use issues.
• Evaluates and prepares or assists in the evaluation and preparation of reports analyzing rezonings, conditional use permits, shoreline/environmental permits, variances and other discretionary permit applications.
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Regulatory Code, the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans/permits.
• Coordinates community review of public and private development projects and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations.
• Assists senior planning staff with complex cases by gathering and analyzing data, assisting in the preparation of reports and documents for hearings and appeals and/or for review by advisory bodies, and/or appointed or elected officials.
• Responds to inquiries on problems, questions, and complaints and assists in resolving citizen issues.
• Provides information and technical assistance to the public, other agencies, and City staff.
• May attend evening and weekend meetings.
• Maintains records and files and performs routine administrative tasks.
• Performs other work as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (TRAINING AND EDUCATION):

Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, public policy, urban design, public administration, engineering or related area of study.

OR

Four (4) years of work experience relating to the functions of an Associate Planner.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

• Depending upon assignment, a WA driver's license may be required.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge and Skills:

• Applicable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies
• Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office products, Internet applications, GIS

Competencies:

• Analysis
  Use data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions.
• Verbal Communication
  Effectively express information through the spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
• Written Communication
  Effectively convey ideas and information in writing using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader.
• Customer Focus
  Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the services provided by the City of Tacoma.
• Coordinating and Organizing
  Effectively coordinate activities, services, and schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operation of work.
• Adaptability/Flexibility
  Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Adjust approach, goals and methods when needed to achieve successful solutions and results in dynamic situations.
• Relationship Building
  Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual regard.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Application Process

Interested individual should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 5-15 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.

Candidates who obtain a passing score will be ranked on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $39.79.60 - $48.36

Annual Salary: $82,763.20 - $100,588.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 11/6/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$82,763.20 - $100,588.80 Annually