Planner - Assistant or Associate

Jeffersoncountypublichealth; Port Townsend (WA); On-site; USD 43,793 - 53,864; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance including dental and vision

11 vacation days to start

Retirement through Washington State DRS

Job summary

Jefferson County Public Health in Port Townsend is excited to announce an opening for a Planner on our Planning Team. Planners will review applications, support housing projects, and enforce environmental regulations.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field and experience in planning principles. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current and long-range planning principles.
• Experience with land use regulations in Washington State.
• Ability to interact with the public for information sharing.

Responsibilities

• Review permits and advise property owners.
• Support housing projects and apply environmental regulations.
• Collaborate across disciplines in planning projects.

Skills

Urban Planning

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field

Job description

Job Opportunities

Jefferson County encourages all people to apply. Please call 360-385-9140 if you are interested and have any questions.

To submit an application, click the “Apply Here” button on the right of this page. Then:

• Complete the application form, being sure to indicate the position you’re applying for on the application
• Attach a resume and cover letter
• Include three professional references
• Save your submittal, which will automatically forward your application packet

The Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD) is excited to announce an opening on our Planning Team. Depending on qualifications and experience, applicants may be hired at either the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level.

Working out of our office in Port Townsend, planners at DCD tackle work that is anything but boring. You will work across the full planning spectrum: reviewing permits, advising property owners, supporting housing projects, helping businesses find a path forward, and applying environmental regulations in ways that are rigorous but workable. Our planners spend time in the field, work directly with applicants, and collaborate across disciplines. No two days are the same.

The issues you will engage with include affordable housing, rural land use, shoreline and critical areas, wetlands and forests, and targeted growth in our expanding UGA. This is the kind of planning job where your work is visible: helping property owners navigate fair and transparent processes, communities to build the housing they need, and stewarding landscapes and working lands with thought and care.

At Jefferson County, our planners are trusted professionals and key contributors to the community’s future. Our team works collaboratively, values innovation and continuous learning, and provides opportunities to gain experience in everything from permit review and environmental regulation to housing, long‑range planning, and community development. If you are looking for meaningful, varied work that combines technical expertise, problem solving, and public service, we would love to hear from you.

Qualifications / Requirements:

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Performs professional level work in the fields of current and long‑range planning by the application of planning principles in the administration and development of planning programs and policy, particularly as related to the Growth Management Act and local project review requirements. This position may include project planning or ordinance development consistent with the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan.

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four‑year college or university with a major course of study in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Community Development, Public Administration or a related field; and one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay Range: UFCW Grade 30, $31.79 per hour – $39.10 per hour, DOE. Additional generous benefits package described below.

Performs professional‑level work with a minimum of supervision in the fields of current planning and/or long‑range planning. Work involves the application of planning principles in the administration and development of planning programs and policy, particularly as related to land use regulations in Washington State, including but not limited to the Shoreline Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, the Planning Enabling Act, and the Growth Management Act. Planners have significant daily contact with the public for the purpose of information sharing and problem resolution. Planners also have daily contact with other County staff for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem resolution.

Bachelor of Arts or Sciences from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, or a closely related area; and three years of demonstrated experience in land use planning, natural resource planning, environmental review, community development, public administration, or a related field with at least one year of local government experience is required or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay Range: UFCW Grade 33, $35.47 per hour – $43.62 per hour, DOE. Additional generous benefits package described below.

For more information see Associate Planner:

Minimum Qualifications:

Individual needs to be able to perform this job successfully in each essential duty. The requirements are listed on the attached job descriptions and are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Medical insurance including dental and vision. 11 vacation days to start, 11 paid state‑recognized holidays, floating holiday, sick leave and bereavement leave. Retirement provided through Washington State DRS.

Work Week:

These positions are full‑time; the work week is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm with a one‑hour lunch.

How to Apply:

To submit an application, click the “Apply Here” button on the right side of this page. Then:

• Complete the application form being sure to indicate the position you’re applying for on the application
• Attach a resume and cover letter
• Include three professional references
• Save your submittal, which will automatically forward your application packet