Agriculture and Conservation Planner (Planner 3)

Description

This is a hybrid in-office/telework position.

Position Summary

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As a seasoned planner with experience in developing and implementing agricultural tourism regulations and food policy, you will have the opportunity to lead a diverse team across a variety of professional planning projects. You’ll have a direct hand in helping farmers be successful and stay on their farms. You will work with the county’s Agriculture Advisory Commission and with other regulatory bodies to move forward policy that protects farmland and working farms.

We have a great team and are looking for someone to support planning activities by problem solving and developing innovative solutions to ensure the best services possible for the citizens of Pierce County. Your work will directly shape how Pierce County communities grow by developing foundational guiding policy documents that guide County programs and plans over time.

Learn more about our farming support here.

Why It's a Great Department

PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County’s road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here .

How To Be Successful In This Role

We are looking for someone who has excellent organization, communication, and project management skills. Experience and knowledge in project prioritization, executing contracts, monitoring progress, resolving issues, developing partnerships, facilitating meetings, and establishing goals will be a strong component of this work. Ideally, you are a candidate who can work effectively and productively with others and who has strong customer service skills such as handling sensitive and difficult issues with tact and patience.

Your Future In These Roles

Throughout the training process you will meet with your supervisor regularly to discuss expectations and set goals for yourself as well as introduce you to the current policies and procedures, technology/software, and Pierce County Code. Pierce County offers professional development/leadership courses throughout your career to ensure your success.

Core Daily Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and technical expertise, and training to staff.
• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned planning projects and programs.
• Review and monitor various programs, projects and applications to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.
• Participate in and lead the preparation and presentation of reports and information and present to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas.
  
  

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

Recruiting Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field; AND
• Three years of related planning work OR
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience
• Upload a Resume and a Cover Letter
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain the license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years’ experience in local, country/city, or state planning
• Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education, and/or training
  
  

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

To Be Considered For This Opportunity Please

• Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
  
  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.