Temp Plan Review Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Principal Planner (COM4) At the Department of Commerce, we're reimagining what's possible in government. We're builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we're turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency's strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

Let's build what's next, together. The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs.

It also provides grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities. This position works within the Growth Management Services (GMS) Unit of LGD. This position serves as the state's technical expert on the periodic update process required by RCW 36.70A.130 and provides advanced expert level program administration, technical assistance, policy and regulatory guidance

It also provides technical assistance to counties and cities in Washington State through the review of comprehensive plans, critical areas ordinances, and development regulations on a statewide basis ensuring the GMS Plan Review system does not develop a backlog of review work. This position is based in Eastern Washington and requires travel throughout a jurisdictional assignment in SE Washington. Duties Lead the unit's programmatic outreach and guidance for the periodic update process: Serve as the GMS unit's designated statewide subject matter expert on one the periodic update process of the GMA per RCW 36.70A.130

Develop and maintain the GMS unit's guidance and checklists related to the periodic update process. Develop, schedule and coordinate informational workshops on the update of comprehensive plans, development regulations, and critical areas ordinances pertaining to the periodic update and other topics. Seek out technical experts to present on relevant topics.

Schedule and advertise the workshops. Advises on requests for technical assistance related to the GMA periodic update (RCW 36.70A.130) are received, independently determine needs then provide appropriate technical assistance concerning the request. Requests may be received from any Washington county, city, or other stakeholders on issues related to the assigned technical specialty/specialties

Complete and draft legislative bill analyses related to the periodic update, as assigned; this may include drafting testimony to the legislature. Serve as the lead for rulemaking as it pertains to the periodic update. Travel to conferences, forums, or workshops to present technical specialty topics.

Report observations, questions received and/or recommend improvements based on feedback to Eastern Regional Manager. Technical Assistance to Assigned Jurisdictions in the Eastern Region: Review and analyze comprehensive plans, critical areas ordinances, and development regulations submitted to the state for review by assigned jurisdictions and provide technical assistance related to those submittals as needed. Use independent, critical thinking to determine appropriate technical assistance and, as needed, provide plan review comments and prepare letters or other communication and feedback to local governments on items reviewed.

When requests for GMA-related technical assistance are received from assigned jurisdictions in the Eastern Region outside of a submittal to the state for review, then independently determine appropriate level of technical assistance and respond accordingly. Determine existing need then communicate with supervisor about alleviating temporary plan review workflow and bottleneck issues as they arise. Develop and maintain ongoing professional relationships with staff in assigned jurisdictions such as scheduling phone calls and/or attending meetings.

Assist program coordinators in the coordination of GMA Short Courses, Planners' Forums or conferences, meetings and training opportunities in assigned jurisdictions. Assistance may include but is not limited to presenting the content of the short course, identifying topics of interest and securing suitable speakers for planner forums. Managing Grants, Loans, and Contracts: Provide contract management for Growth Management and/or other planning grants administered by Commerce.

Develop, negotiate, and monitor financial packages for local governments, including a scope of work and a budget. Oversees, reviews and approves the expenditure of funds and the adequacy of deliverables against the contracted scope of work and budget. Plan Review Backup Support: Analyze and review comprehensive plans, critical areas ordinances and development regulations from counties and cities in Washington State, outside of assigned jurisdictions, in order to alleviate temporary plan review backlogs experienced by the Western Team, Eastern Team, and/or GMS unit during periodic update cycles or at other times as needed.

Use independent, critical thinking to determine appropriate plan review comments, as needed, and prepare letters or other communication and feedback to local governments on items reviewed. Determine existing need then communicate with supervisor about alleviating temporary plan review workflow and bottleneck issues as they arise. Qualifications Required Position Qualifications: Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education as described below: Experience working in local or regional government planning in two or more of the following areas or work related to the position: Writing and/or administering zoning code or development regulations Coordination and consultation with public officials and departments Conducing data collection and analysis Analyzing and reviewing policies, rules and laws Education involves urban and regional planning or related field.

Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience. Examples of how to qualify: 8 years of experience 7 years of experience and one year of education 6 years of experience and two years of education 5 years of experience and three years of education 4 years of experience and four years of education 3 years of experience and five years of education 2 years of experience and six years of education Preferred/Desired Qualifications: Experience with Washington State planning and plan implementation procedures. Familiarity with local governance structures, including experience working with elected officials and staff at the local government level.

Experience with administration of state or federal grants. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or ability to obtain AICP certification within two years of appointment. Required Position Competencies: Strong working knowledge of Washington State's Growth Management Act (GMA), 36.70A RCW

Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office Suite products including OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook Displaying Professional Expertise: Keeps their technical skills current; effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with their job; shares technical expertise with others. Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives. Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple projects on track.

Handles uncertain situations professionally and reasonably; recognizes that ambiguity is inevitable in some processes and accepts that some risks must be taken to make progress. Thinking Critically: Effective at thinking through complex problems and information, using traditional and innovative approaches, to identify effective solutions. Seeks to accept and build off the ideas of others for solutions others may not have considered.

Makes confident, timely, fact-based, decisions drawing on a broad range of resources. Acts on decisions with a sense of calculated risk-taking. Ensures others understand the decision before moving forward.

Communicating Effectively: Shares information. Listens and involves others. Clearly conveys ideas in a manner that engages others and helps them understand and retain the message.

Changes interpersonal style and approach based on circumstance or audience; works hard with all kinds of people and workgroups; does not judge others. Customer Focus - Provides timely and professional service to both internal and external customers; is responsive to customer needs and requests; is always courteous to the customer and considers the needs of the customer when making decisions. Creating and Maintaining Networks - Makes strong impressions; forms lasting relationships; has a positive and kind demeanor.

To be considered for this position, the following are needed: A complete and detailed online application. A cover letter (enter online). At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message. Supplemental Information Work from Anywhere in Washington State This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction

Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages).

DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov. Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity

Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.