Associate Planner
Closes: The position is open until 9:00am PDT Monday, December 11, 2023.
Status: Regular Full-time, 40 hours per week; Exempt FLSA status.
Salary: The starting salary range is $83,000 – $87,000 annually, DOE, with full benefits.
Location: Puget Sound Regional Council, Downtown Seattle, Washington; The position may be eligible for hybrid or remote work (within Washington state).
The Puget Sound Regional Council is the regional transportation, growth management, and economic development planning agency serving Seattle and the central Puget Sound. The thriving region is home to over 4 million people and is one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. PSRC brings together the region’s diverse counties, cities and towns, native tribes, ports, the state of Washington and civic interests to understand the challenges facing our region’s future and make plans for the region to continue to succeed. The agency serves as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization and also plays the leading regional role in growth management, transportation, and economic development under state and federal laws. Visit www.psrc.org to find out more. PSRC is an equal opportunity employer.
The strength of our region is rooted in our diversity. Barriers to opportunity and achievement for people of color and other marginalized groups only undermines the talent and resources available to our region, limiting our ceiling for excellence. Regions that remove barriers and reduce disparities maximize the ability of every resident and jurisdiction, creating stronger economies, more engaged communities, and improved outcomes for all residents. At PSRC, we’re striving to create a region where all people have the means to attain the resources and opportunities that improve their quality of life and enable them to reach their full potential; where differences in life outcomes cannot be predicted by race, class, or any other identity. In order for us to accomplish this, our workforce has to reflect the communities we serve. We’re committed to creating an agency where all of our employees can thrive. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
THE POSITION:
PSRC is seeking an Associate Planner to join the Growth Management planning team within the Planning Department. In this position, work will focus on the agency’s housing work program and implementing the Regional Housing Strategy. This will include research of housing strategies; collecting, monitoring, and reporting housing data; supporting the housing work of local jurisdictions, including providing guidance on housing policy, regulations, and development; and coordinating with other housing agencies. Work will also include support of the agency’s transit-oriented development work program and review of local comprehensive plans. Work may also involve other planning issues.
The position provides support for PSRC’s boards and committees, prepares and presents reports, provides professional analysis, conducts research, and coordinates across PSRC departments and with city, county, and other agency staff. The position supports the planning work of member jurisdictions including the development of planning guidance, best practices, and educational materials. The position also conducts outreach and engagement with planning professionals and the general public, and represents PSRC at meetings and events.
Every staff member is encouraged to work on an aspect of PSRC’s Racial Equity Action Plan, as part of PSRC’s commitment to making the central Puget Sound region one where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Growth Management planning team members have a key role in ensuring VISION 2050’s equity goal is advanced throughout the region.
A qualified applicant for this position will have enthusiasm for regional planning and housing policy, and strong analytic and communications skills. The position will be responsible for various quantitative and qualitative analyses in support of planning including, but not limited to the following program areas: comprehensive planning, housing, growth allocations and growth management, transit-oriented development, racial equity, buildable lands, economic development, and performance monitoring.
Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.
THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate will have:
• Experience researching, writing, and presenting information about regional and local planning.
• Knowledge of current public policy, planning strategies and legislation related to regional planning issues, including implementation of the Washington State Growth Management Act.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Experience managing complex planning projects.
• Experience working professional meetings and providing technical expertise on planning issues to the public and member agencies.
• Experience providing support to committees, boards, councils, or other advisory or decision-making bodies.
• Desire to serve the public, collaborate with other agencies and departments, and work closely with other planning team members.
• Familiarity with methodologies for collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data for planning and policy-related research.
• Experience with GIS mapping, graphic presentation, and database management is desirable.
• Ability to perform other related duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Typical ways in which incumbents acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, social science, or related field. AICP certification preferred.
• Two years increasingly responsible experience in urban planning and/or public administration.
• Or, any combination of lived and educational experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform the job.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Applicants will receive credit for all qualifying experience, volunteer or paid.
TO APPLY:
To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process and apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/psrc.
OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO POSITION:
• PSRC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran, or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at hrdept@psrc.org.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.
• PSRC office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm with work hours determined upon hiring.
Job Type: Hybrid.
Link to Job Description (PDF): Click Here
