Position Description
The office
The Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) ensures that City departments are aligned and coordinated in planning and advancing equitable development for Seattle’s future growth. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The fields of urban planning and community development have often failed to reflect the experiences and identities of people affected by development decisions and outcomes, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Immigrants, Refugees, People with Disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage people with these identities or from other marginalized communities to apply.
The job
Do you want a chance to create a real and lasting impact on Seattle? Our Land Use Policy and Strategic Initiatives Division is recruiting for a Senior Planner with broad capabilities and strengths in the following areas:
- Land use, zoning and growth management expertise
- Community engagement experience with BIPOC communities
- Planning and policy research and analysis skills
You will play a key role in projects like:
- Supporting zoning changes to implement the Comprehensive Plan update
- Supporting completion of six regional centers sub-area plans due by 2026, which include plans to address public services, transportation, economy, housing, land use and development patterns, environment and climate change
- Advancing incentives, zoning changes, and urban design strategies to promote high quality Transit-Oriented Development in urban centers
Specifically, in the short term, major projects related to the Comprehensive Plan zoning implementation will include leading a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and working on a package of changes for greater density within walking distance of high-capacity transit stations in Seattle’s existing Urban Centers. This work includes significant community engagement and must reflect community-based priorities, values and voices.
Future projects are likely to be related to housing policy and programs, Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) or neighborhood scale planning associated with new light rail stations, or other land use topics.
Job Responsibilities
To be successful, you are committed to:
- Public service, and being a part of a team at the forefront of innovation for equitable and sustainable development
- Working cross-culturally to convene partners and elevate the needs and priorities of community members
- Listening and communicating complex information clearly using graphic and verbal tools - one on one, with groups, and making presentations
To be effective, you have:
- Applied experience leading one or more previous Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) processes for projects of scale
- Direct experience working with elected officials in development of municipal policies
- Knowledge and understanding of Washington State land use regulations and SEPA
- Policy analysis skills for urban planning
- Experience facilitating community-based visioning and/or goal setting
- Cultivated and facilitated effective partnerships with diverse communities, landowners, organizations, service providers, and others
- Applied urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, or real estate development principles to the built environment
- Managed grants or contracts
- Performed spatial analysis and/or mapping with geographic information systems
Qualifications
A successful applicant will have lived experience and/or a professional career that reflects a commitment to building collaborative, productive, and respectful partnerships among community members, public institutions, and an array of organizations. This career orientation should be complemented by proven technical knowledge and expertise in:
- Community-based planning and policy analysis and research
- Community engagement with BIPOC communities
- Land use, zoning and growth management
- Anti-racist, equity-based approach to planning and the built environment
- Collaboration and relationship building
- Working in complex political environments
- Compelling and engaging communication - writing, and presentation skills
Additional Information
This job is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, Engineering & Plans Review and is covered by the Civil Service System. The salary range for this classification is $48.19 – 72.23. The target salary for this job is $60-66.00.
Work Location and Hours: This position may occasionally involve work on nights and weekends for meetings and events, but typically follows a standard 8-5 or 9-6 work hours.
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management.
Application Process: To complete the application at please attach:
- A cover letter expressing your curiosity about the position and the personal or professional work you have done which is most closely aligned.
- A PDF of your current resume
Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
This position is open to all applicants that meet the qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
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