Sewer and Water Utilities Senior Planner 3 – Long range planning and agreement lead

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County is seeking a Senior Utility Planner to lead long-range planning and agreements for the Sewer and Water Divisions. The role offers remote work with in-office attendance at least one day per week and occasional travel to various sites.

You will coordinate with County staff, jurisdictions, and stakeholder groups to advance sustainable utility projects. The position emphasizes developing plans, agreements, and legislative updates, while expanding knowledge of utility operations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field.
• Three years of related planning work experience.
• Two+ years of experience in utility planning (local/county/state).

Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert for planning projects and programs.
• Interpret local, state, and federal laws, regulations and guidelines related to planning responsibilities.
• Lead preparation and presentation of reports to County Officials and the public on planning functions.
• Develop planning documents including drafting code amendments, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Represent the Department at internal and external meetings.
• Perform research and prepare studies with data analysis for planning functions.
• Work with other departments on developing various plans.
• Prepare, submit and obtain grants.

Skills

Strong communication

Project management

Utility planning experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

This position is currently primarily remote, with the option to work in the office. In person attendance at required at least one day per week. Occasional travel to various work sites, businesses, and meeting locations is also expected.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

As our Senior Utility Planner focused on long range planning and agreements, you will have a wonderful opportunity to lead the development of long range plans, prepare agreements and support the division’s legislative updates. You will also be able to continue honing your understanding of utility operations and management, while coordinating with the others to help plan for long term sustainability of the Utilities.

Why It's a Great Department:

Planning and Public Works (PPW) stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer and water 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 at www.piercecountywa.gov/ppw.

How to be Successful in the Role:

We are looking for someone with strong communication skills who can effectively advocate for the Sewer and Water Division through the development of plans and agreements. Someone who is a lifelong learner and highly motivated to dig deep and understand the "why" behind the given topic and ensure that the utility is taking the appropriate next steps. We need you to reach out to and establish strong working relationships with County staff, local jurisdictions, and stakeholder groups.

The successful candidate will have experience in long range utility planning, legal agreements and code updates and associated briefings and technical memorandums.

Your Future in this Role:

You will have an opportunity to work alongside a team of talented engineers, planners, and community leaders to support comprehensive sewer planning and sustainability, problem solve and look for efficiencies and strategies to provide improved public service in Pierce County. Your work will directly impact your community and it offers a great foundation for future positions within the Planning and Public Works Department and Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned planning projects and programs.
• Interpret local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stay abreast of various legislative changes.
• Participate in and lead the preparation and presentation of reports and information and present to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the general public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas.
• Develop, and prepare planning documents including drafting code amendments, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Represent the Department at internal and external meetings.
• Perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, collect and analyze various statistical and/or technical data to apply to a wide range of planning functions.
• Work with others across departments and organizations on the development of various plans.
• Prepare, submit and obtain grants.

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

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience
• A Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field
• Three years of related planning work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in utility, local, county, or state planning
• Experience with project management
• Experience with sewer or water utility work

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.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.