Planner 3 - Wastewater Utility
Apply NowCompany: Pierce County
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary: $46.14 - $59.09 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-00201
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW Utilities
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 3/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
This position is hybrid.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Planning and Public Works (PPW) has an excited opportunity at the Senior Planner level. Senior Planners lead diverse teams on advanced professional planning work, various special projects, and the provision of public infrastructure. While each position is unique, all positions will be expected to present information to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas as well as assist in the review and monitoring of programs and projects to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.
As the subject matter expert for compliance with the County's Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP), you will provide guidance and technical expertise related to the CWSP to water purveyors and other agencies and implement program improvements or updates to the CWSP documents and code. You will have opportunity to work on diverse and important projects related to Sewer, Water, and Reclaimed water topics and influence how these systems support the greater Pierce County community.
Why It's a Great Department:
Planning and Public Works (PPW) is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provide unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the county road and levee systems, sewer systems, 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
How to be Successful in the Role:
We are looking for someone who is a lifelong learner and highly motivated to dig deep and understand the "why" behind emerging regulations and ensure that the utility is taking the appropriate next steps. We need you to establish strong working relationships with County staff, local jurisdictions, permit review staff, and stakeholder groups. You will have experience reviewing environmental and development permits, developing planning documents, preparing 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 utility planning and sustainability, problem solving, efficiency improvements, 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:
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found
Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
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.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
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. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program 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 Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
01
Please describe your highest level of education.
02
How many years of related planning work experience do you have?
03
After closely reviewing this job announcement, why do you believe you would be an outstanding candidate for this opportunity?
04
Did you upload a cover letter to this application?
Required Question
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25-00201
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW Utilities
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 3/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
This position is hybrid.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Planning and Public Works (PPW) has an excited opportunity at the Senior Planner level. Senior Planners lead diverse teams on advanced professional planning work, various special projects, and the provision of public infrastructure. While each position is unique, all positions will be expected to present information to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the public regarding a wide range of planning functions and other related areas as well as assist in the review and monitoring of programs and projects to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.
As the subject matter expert for compliance with the County's Coordinated Water System Plan (CWSP), you will provide guidance and technical expertise related to the CWSP to water purveyors and other agencies and implement program improvements or updates to the CWSP documents and code. You will have opportunity to work on diverse and important projects related to Sewer, Water, and Reclaimed water topics and influence how these systems support the greater Pierce County community.
Why It's a Great Department:
Planning and Public Works (PPW) is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provide unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the county road and levee systems, sewer systems, 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
How to be Successful in the Role:
We are looking for someone who is a lifelong learner and highly motivated to dig deep and understand the "why" behind emerging regulations and ensure that the utility is taking the appropriate next steps. We need you to establish strong working relationships with County staff, local jurisdictions, permit review staff, and stakeholder groups. You will have experience reviewing environmental and development permits, developing planning documents, preparing 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 utility planning and sustainability, problem solving, efficiency improvements, 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.
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found
Qualifications
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience
- A Bachelor's Degree in Planning or related field
- Three years of related planning work
- Submit a cover letter with your application
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two or more years of experience in local, country/city, or state planning
- Experience with full-service sewer or water utility
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
- Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license, or the ability to obtain the license within 30 days of employment, or otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position.
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.
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
- Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County place people are proud to call home?
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
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. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our , and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of and , , staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave)
After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.
Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days
During years 4-7, 16 Days
During years 8-13, 20 Days
During years 14-18, 23 Days
During years 19, 24 Days
During years 20, 25 Days
During years 21, 26 Days
During years 22, 27 Days
During years 23, 28 Days
During years 24, 29 Days
During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.
Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January
President's Day - Third Monday in February
Memorial Day - Last Monday in May
Juneteenth - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - First Monday in September
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program 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 Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy
**All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
01
Please describe your highest level of education.
- Less than a High School Diploma or GED
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associates Degree in planning or closely related field
- Associates Degree in a unrelated field
- Bachelors Degree in planning or closely related field
- Bachelors Degree in a unrelated field
- Masters Degree in planning or closely related field
- Masters Degree in a unrelated field
02
How many years of related planning work experience do you have?
- I have no experience
- I have 6 months but less than 1 year of related work experience
- I have 1 year to less than 2 years of related work experience
- I have 2 years to less than 3 years of related work experience
- I have 3 years to less than 4 years of related work experience
- I have 4 years but less than 5 years of related work experience
- i have 5 years but less than 6 years of related work experience
- I have 6 years but less than 7 years of related work experience
- I have 7 years but less than 8 years of related work experience
- I have 8 years but less than 9 years of related work experience
- I have 9 years but less than 10 years of related work experience
- I have over 10 years of related work experience
03
After closely reviewing this job announcement, why do you believe you would be an outstanding candidate for this opportunity?
04
Did you upload a cover letter to this application?
- Yes
- No
Required Question