Principal Planner (COM4)

State of Washington

Spokane (WA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 110,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Washington State Department of Commerce seeks a Principal Planner (COM4) to join the Growth Management Services Unit in the Local Government Division. You will serve as the statewide expert on the GMA periodic update, provide technical assistance to counties and cities, and lead planning reviews and rulemaking efforts to support smart growth across Washington.

This role requires eight years of planning experience or a related degree, strong collaboration with local governments, and willingness

Qualifications

Eight (8) years of combined experience and/or education in local or regional planning.
Experience in two or more planning areas: zoning, coordination, data analysis, policy review.
Education in urban and regional planning or related field.
AICP certification preferred or ability to obtain within two years.

Responsibilities

Serve as statewide SME on the periodic update process.
Develop guidance and checklists for the periodic update process.
Coordinate informational workshops on updates to comprehensive plans and ordinances.
Provide technical assistance to counties and cities on GMA updates and related requests.
Lead for rulemaking pertaining to periodic updates.

Skills

GMA knowledge

Policy analysis

Effective communication

Education

Urban & regional planning degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Principal Planner (COM4)

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

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.

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) involving urban and regional planning or related field do you have?

Less than 1 year
More than 1 year but less than 2 years
More than 2 years but less than 3 years
More than 3 years but less than 4 years
More than 4 years but less than 5 years
5 or more years

How many professional years of experience do you have working in local or regional government planning in two or more of the following areas:

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
Less than 2 years of experience
More than 2 years of experience but less than 3 years of experience
More than 3 years of experience but less than 4 years of experience
More than 4 years of experience but less than 5 years of experience
More than 5 years of experience but less than 6 years of experience
More than 6 years of experience but less than 7 years of experience
More than 7 years of experience but less than 8 years of experience
8 or more years

If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below]

Can you commit to being based in Eastern Washington and traveling around the SE area of Washington state?

Do you have a strong working knowledge of Washington State's Growth Management Act (GMA), 36.70A RCW?

Please Describe How You Meet The Required Position Competencies.

Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.

Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?

If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.

Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.