Assistant Planner Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Note: Job is open until filled with first review of applicants to occur on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The role of the Assistant Planner is to act as a customer liaison for the Planning Division of the Planning & Building Department. Implements the mission of the Department to assure the orderly growth of the City. Undertakes and coordinates planning services involving providing public information about City planning policies, regulations, and activities, conducting technical plan review, and processing minor administrative development applications.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level classification in the Planner series. The incumbent follows routine procedures and guidelines in the application of prescribed duties and works under close supervision with work frequently reviewed by a superior. Assistant level work is performed under close to basic supervision and assignments are accompanied by clear, detailed, and specific instruction. This classification is distinguished from the Planner in that the latter performs more complex technical duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides information about the City's development regulations and policies to the general public and permit applicants - over the telephone, at the counter, through e-mail, and at meetings. Routes inquiries concerning specific development permits to project planners.
• Conducts technical review of single-family and other minor residential and commercial building permit applications.
• Processes minor administrative development applications to ensure compliance with City development regulations and policies, and conditions of approval for prior discretionary development permits.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Accepts development permit applications for filing, reviews for completeness, calculates and receipts fees, enters permits into permit tracking software and routes to supervising planners for further processing.
• Ensures that the public counter information is up to date, including City codes, maps, and forms.
• Supports Code Enforcement, including code analysis and site visits.
• Performs research tasks as assigned.
• Prepares standard City legal documents associated with building permits and minor administrative development applications.
• Works with other members of the Department in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Why Kirkland?

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent customer service/public relations skills.
• Knowledge of land use codes and land use practices.
• Ability to analyze code provisions.
• Knowledge of basic environmental functions and values.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to operate personal computer programs, including those involving word processing and permit tracking.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Experience in providing customer service.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in planning or related field is desired.
• General knowledge of planning and/or zoning.
• Ability to perform site visits.
• Possession of a valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to secure a reasonable transportation accommodation to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position

Other

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

Job includes extensive customer contact at the counter and on the telephone, as well as desk work. May involve attendance at meetings in City Hall or occasionally off-site and before or after normal working hours. Reports and correspondence are typically prepared at the computer terminal. This position encounters foot hazards as defined by the WAC, which may include any of the following: falling objects, rolling objects, piercing/cutting injuries, or electrical hazards. Frequent site visits to building sites or vacant properties can occasionally involve rugged and dirty conditions.

Position requires a resume and cover letter noting how you meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of application. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled with first review of applicants by August 19, 2026.

The City of Kirkland is a welcoming community where every person can thrive and grow. We value diversity, inclusion, belonging, and work together to support our community. We do this by solving problems, focusing on the customer, and respecting all people who come into the City whether to visit, live, or work. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to creating a workforce that does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. We encourage qualified applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply to our job postings. Persons with a disability who need reasonable accommodations in the application or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 425-587-3210 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 711.

Final candidates for this position will be required to successfully complete a background check, consistent with applicable law.