Parks Associate Planner

Salary : $90,045.00 - $124,303.50 Annually
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 25-00059
Department: Parks and Community Services
Division: PCS Parks Planning+Development
Opening Date: 02/26/2025
Closing Date: 3/9/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.
Job Summary
Bellevue Parks & Community Services is seeking a creative, forward-thinking individual to serve as Associate Planner within the Planning, Design and Project Management (PDPM) division. The PDPM division implements all aspects of planning, design, and development of park spaces and facilities; crafts the department's long-range planning and policy documents; acquires additional land and property rights for the system; and collaborates with local and regional partners to support and enhance the parks, recreation, trail, and open space system. The Associate Planner position has a key multi-disciplinary role, engaging the public and working closely with staff from other departments and agencies to advance the department's mission to build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, open spaces, recreation, cultural arts, and community services.

Specifically, the Associate Planner furthers long-range planning and policy efforts within the department and participates in high-profile citywide planning initiatives that shape the growth and development of Bellevue. The Associate Planner assists in planning and design of public park spaces through community and stakeholder outreach, data analysis, and planning and design review. Finally, the Associate Planner supports the inventory, needs assessment, site planning and development of parks and open space system facilities.

With over 2,700 acres of parks and open space, Bellevue is known as "A City in a Park." The city is dynamic, international and multicultural, future-focused, diversity driven, and high performing with a vision for a livable, vibrant, and equitable community. Consider joining a team dedicated to realizing a vision where, in Bellevue, everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of the department's planning and policy documents, including the Parks and Open Space System Plan, Recreation Program Plan, the Diversity Strategic Plan, and other strategic and programmatic plans.
• Conduct or support the planning and design processes for specific park sites or community facilities through needs assessment, public engagement, feasibility and siting analyses, plan review and/or permit submission.
• Actively participate in citywide long-range planning initiatives led by other departments, contributing professional expertise on parks, natural resources, recreation, and community services.

• Gather, coordinate, and interpret quantitative data and information for park system properties and facilities, such as property inventory, facility typologies, and user data analytics.
• Conduct or coordinate complex public engagement processes on highly visible projects, such as long-range planning documents and park plans, using qualitative methods such as public meetings, surveys, focus groups, or interviews to collect, analyze and report findings.
• Understand and track community interests related to the parks, recreation, and open space system through collaboration with various department divisions, city departments, public and non-profit partners, and the general public.
• Write or assist others in writing successful grant submittals, budget proposals or other fundraising efforts.
• Occasionally present to and regularly support the work of the City Council and other city boards, commissions, and advisory committees.
• Act as a resource for all divisions within Parks & Community Services on strategic planning and program development.
• Perform original research and prepare written findings for parks and public space related topics to inform policy development.

• Provide official responses to inquiries from residents, and other local, state, federal, and tribal entities.

• Contribute to development of department performance indicators and performance management systems.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• The successful applicant may work on aspects of more complex assignments, generally under the direction of a more senior individual. They may also participate as a team member on larger projects with more complexity. On an ongoing basis, the work will consist of medium size projects requiring the exercise of fundamental planning principles and responsibilities.
• The successful applicant will work independently to deliver certain tasks. As comprehensive knowledge of project management is developed, they will have opportunities to lead cross-functional teams on a variety of small to medium projects.
• While this position doesn't provide formal leadership, the successful applicant will work collaboratively with others on substantive, technical and process issues to achieve city goals. Additionally, this position influences others in the successful accomplishment of goals and objectives by answering questions and providing know-how on technical, planning and process issues; demonstrating initiative and creativity on their projects.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of planning processes and program development in the fields of parks, recreation, natural resource and habitat preservation, and community services.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, regulations, and techniques applicable to parks, natural resources, recreation, park property acquisition and development, is preferred.
• Demonstrated strength in writing.

• Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes.

• Ability to support the preparation of plans through analysis of data, public engagement, policy assessment and other influencing factors.
• Ability to develop and maintain trust-based working relationships with employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations and grant agencies, property owners, neighboring jurisdictions, City officials, and the public.
• Ability to build consensus with diverse groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations.
• Ability to think conceptually; observe and evaluate trends; analyze data; draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, geography, real estate, public administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field. Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years of experience related to planning principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to parks, open space and recreation, the environment, community services or other related areas.
• Or any demonstrated combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information
Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/orcarryobjectsupto40pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.
• Occasional work outside the office walking or traversing property, including areas with uneven ground.

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.
** Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.**
The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:
Medical
Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the City's self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).
Dental
Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.
Vision
Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employee's Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:
More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note that the City does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program, and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan. Any social security benefits earned at other places of employment may be reduced because they are subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the City's non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
01

Do you have a minimum of three years of professional experience in parks, natural resource or land use planning, urban design, land development, or community services or engagement?

• Yes
• No

02

Please explain why you are interested in this position with Bellevue Parks & Community Services. How does your previous experience make you a qualified candidate? Within, briefly describe an aspect of planning for parks, open space, recreation, and community services that is of particular interest. The City of Bellevue screens applicants anonymously, so please refrain from using any personal identifiers.
03

Please describe a community engagement process that you were involved in as part of a planning initiative. What was your role? What made it successful? What challenges or learning opportunities did you experience?
04

Briefly describe a park, trail, community facility, or other public area in which you enjoy spending time. What exactly about the place makes it a quality community space?
Required Question