Senior Planner

Sowela; Oregon; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sowela is seeking a Senior Planner to support Clean Water Services (CWS), local jurisdictions, and other planning activities. The role focuses on coordinating long‑range planning with CWS partners and stakeholders.

You will review land use applications for consistency with CWS plans, develop policies and guidance, and serve as a liaison between CWS and Washington County. The position requires strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and ability to work across disciplines to advance CWS

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in land use planning and regional transportation planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local planning regulations.
• Experience coordinating with multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Review and recommend on CWS, local, and other plans for consistency.
• Manage planning projects from initiation to completion, including budgets and IGAs.
• Provide technical assistance and interpret planning regulations.
• Track and oversee various planning efforts, including master and regional plans.
• Coordinate meetings and assist with public outreach and materials.
• Represent CWS at meetings with stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Provide planning support to partner cities and Washington County.
• Help develop cross-disciplinary strategies to advance CWS programs.

Skills

Planning & coordination

Project management

Public engagement

GIS analysis

Communication

Education

Urban planning degree

Tools

GIS software

MS Office

Job description

The Regional Utility Services department is seeking a Senior Planner. This position provides support for Clean Water Services (CWS), local jurisdictions, and other planning activities. Assists in coordinating long-range planning efforts in collaboration with CWS partners and stakeholders. Contributes to the development of policies, standards, and guidance that support CWS goals and objectives. Serves as a point of coordination between CWS and Washington County. Reviews and provides feedback on land use applications submitted to partner jurisdictions to ensure consistency with CWS plans, goals, and projects.

Essential Functions:

(This section outlines the essential functions assigned to the position. The essential functions listed below are not intended to include all duties that may be assigned to this classification. CWS may modify, add, or remove duties or functions at its discretion.)

1. Reviews and makes recommendations on CWS, local, and other plans and reports. Collaborates with representatives from relevant stakeholder groups to gather information, address questions, and ensure clarity and consistency throughout the review process.
2. Manages planning projects from initiation through completion, including proposal and scope development, budget and contract tracking, invoice and deliverable review, consultant management, project coordination, and schedule monitoring. Facilitates the development and administration of project-specific intergovernmental agreements (IGAs).
3. Provides technical assistance and responds to inquiries from stakeholders. Explains applicable codes, policies, standards, procedures, and regulations as they relate to local and long-range planning activities.
4. Provides administrative, logistical, and technical oversight by tracking and monitoring various planning efforts, including concept, comprehensive, master, transportation, and regional plans.
5. Provides logistical support to planning efforts by scheduling and coordinating meetings, preparing agendas and supporting materials, documenting meeting outcomes, and assisting with the development of public outreach and stakeholder engagement materials.
6. Represents CWS at public and private meetings with development professionals, community stakeholders, partner agencies, and city and county staff. Participates in technical advisory groups.
7. Provides technical planning support within CWS, to partner cities, and Washington County. Serves as a point of contact for employees and external partners with questions regarding planning activities, processes, and coordination efforts.
8. Assists in developing and implementing strategies to increase coordination among land use, transportation, economic development, environmental, and other planning disciplines to support CWS programs, initiatives, and long-range goals.
9. Conducts research and analysis of land‑use, housing, economic, and other planning‑related data to support policy development, planning initiatives, decision‑making, and organizational objectives.
10. Participates in studies, technical evaluations, and analysis related to land‑use, buildable lands, infrastructure planning, and other factors that influence current and future CWS planning and development activities.
11. Prepares staff reports, recommendations, issue papers, presentations, and ordinance exhibits related to planning activities and the coordination of local, regional, and CWS standards, policies, and requirements.
12. Maintains a positive, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture to improve the understanding and recognition of diversity and foster multidisciplinary and integrated team approaches.
13. Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work‑related purposes.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Principles and practices of integrated planning, including land use, transportation, economic development, and environmental planning Utility and infrastructure planning and their relationship to local, regional, and long‑range planning activities Principles and practices of project planning, development, scheduling, coordination, and management Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations County and city land‑use planning processes, permitting requirements, policies, and procedures GIS and related analysis Public engagement, stakeholder involvement, and intergovernmental coordination practices

SKILL IN: Planning, organizing, coordinating, managing, and monitoring projects and priorities to meet CWS objectives and regulatory requirements Reading, interpreting, and applying development codes, regulations, policies, plans, maps, and technical documents Maintaining records and files in both digital and hard copy formats Conducting research and analysis of related planning data Utility and infrastructure planning and its role in land‑use‑related planning Identifying issues, evaluating alternatives, and developing practical and innovative solutions within available resources Preparing technical reports and correspondence Use of computer software and technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, GIS, and project management tools

ABILITY TO: Coordinate and manage multiple projects to completion within scheduled deadlines and allocated budgets Understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and technical information Prepare and maintain records, files, reports, and project documentation Prepare statements and reports related to the permitting process Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, contractors, vendors, community groups, and the general public Operate effectively in a team environment Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSES

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

3 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Land use planning and development Regional transportation planning City or community planning; College‑level coursework in urban planning, public administration, geography, environmental science, or a related field.

OR

2 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Land use planning and development Regional transportation planning City or community planning; Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, geography, environmental science, or a related field.

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state‑issued driver’s license.