Senior Planner

Summary Under general supervision, the Senior Planner coordinates and monitors long and short-range planning projects and oversees specialized planning functions for development proposals.

Essential Functions Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Oversees and coordinates the investigation, analysis, and preparation of documents to include reports and comprehensive briefings for public policy issues, community planning, and project specific developments.
• Reviews and responds to emails regarding projects submitted by applicants and other City staff.
• Conducts research to determine the economic, and environmental impacts of proposed projects.
• Reads technical reports, maps, and other documents to verify code compliance; prepares reports outlining deficiencies and areas of noncompliance.
• Prepares notices, staff reports, and other publications for administrative and legislative purposes and projects; drafts code amendments, comprehensive plan materials, and other legislative materials as needed.
• Attends and presents information at various meetings and hearings to include City Council, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and Design Board reviews.
• Communicates and interacts regularly with the public, elected officials, and administrators of public agencies and departments, and private organization executives to analyze, evaluate, resolve, and provide information on public policy issues, land use regulations, and project specific issues.
• Conducts project site visits and inspections as needed.
• Assists and advises Code Enforcement Officers and other staff with the interpretation of City codes and prior approvals; reviews and approves drafts prepared by junior staff members.
• Responds to and assists with the fulfillment of public records requests; conducts various project related research as requested by City departments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, or related field AND five (5) years of progressively responsible planning and project management experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• General office policies, procedures, and equipment.
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of urban planning.
• Conflict management and mediation methods.
• Planning purpose and functions involved with growth management, development codes, land use, transportation, and shoreline and coastal management programs.
• Comprehensive plan updates and amendments.

Skill In

• Maintaining accurate records and filing systems.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Calculating dimensional requirements.
• Analyzing site plan and building measurements.
• Reading and accurately interpreting and explaining codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Understanding and applying the principles and practices of urban planning.
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

Application Process Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application. First review of applications will take place on July 20, 2026. For additional information, or a complete job description, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mtvernonwa/classspecs

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment. The City of Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
• Gym Membership reimbursement.
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

01

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Studies or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have any experience in managing quasi-judicial permit applications?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered yes to question # 2 above, how many years’ experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

04

Do you have any experience in managing land use legislative proposals?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered yes to question #4 above, how many years’ experience do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 or more years
• Required Question