Senior Planner - Long Range

The City of Burien is committed to achieving racial justice and ensuring the fair treatment of people of all races and identities. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. While the City of Burien elevates race, we also recognize and honor the complexity of each unique identity and center on the under-resourced and underrepresented.

Our commitment to achieving and sustaining racial justice requires us to be transparent, proactive, and deliberate in all decision-making. We take these steps to help better meet our vision of creating a vibrant and creative community, where residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment.

The first review of applications will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. The position will remain open until filled.

General Position Summary

Fully skilled senior level professional planner responsible for managing the most complex and politically sensitive planning programs and functions with an emphasis on long-range planning.

Essential Functions

• Supports and models the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Develops, coordinates and monitors work programs and budgets for highly complex and/or controversial projects.
• Performs complex planning activities and studies.
• Oversees and establishes methodologies for data collection, analysis, and complex studies related to land use, transportation, annexation, growth management, economics, environment, or urban design.
• Develops and conducts public engagement strategies to inform planning initiatives.
• Leads and/or participates in public workshops, meetings and other public participation activities.
• Researches and prepares background data, correspondence, and reports regarding planning projects and programs demonstrating expert knowledge of all phases of project management.
• Develops comprehensive and long-range planning recommendations.
• Supervisory role, serving as primary mentor and trainer for staff in the Assistant Planner role.
• Drafts and presents staff reports and policy recommendations.
• Serves as primary staff contact to the Planning Commission.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding long-range planning documents and proposals.

Secondary Functions

• Provides mapping and data analysis.
• Performs site visits.
• May develop work schedules to assure proper staffing levels.
• May supervise staff work assignments, evaluate performance, and provide regular feedback on job performance.
• Provides recommendations to Department Director for staff hiring and termination.
• Provides current planning support.
• May serve as department director in the director's absence.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, or related field AND a minimum of five years related work experience; OR a combination of education, training and practical experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the position. A Master's degree in urban and regional planning, geography or public administration is desirable. Combination of private sector and municipal experience preferred. AICP preferred.

• The City of Burien believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• The City of Burien is an Equal Opportunity Employer and assures equal employment practices regardless of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, State or Federal law.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and related experience. Highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in interviews. Candidates may be asked to respond to supplemental questions in writing and to supply illustrative examples of work. A test may also be administered to assess relevant skills. Additional references may be requested of finalists.
• If you need special accommodation in the application or examination process, please contact Human Resources at (206) 248-5504.
• The City of Burien has a no smoking policy in all City facilities and all City vehicles.