Principal Long Range Land Use Planner (PPM IV)

Salary: $119,465.01 - $151,428.99 Annually
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week
Job Number: 2025EY24324
Department: DLS - Dept. of Local Services
Division: DLS-Directors Office
Opening Date: 04/24/2025
Closing Date: 5/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Z3 : KC Personnel Guidelines
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time

Summary
Join our Team! The Department of Local Services is hiring a Principal Long Range Land Use Planner (Project/Program Manager IV). We're looking for a seasoned planner to lead long-range land use policy, code amendment initiatives, and subarea planning projects that shape the future of King County.

As a Principal Planner, you will lead a portfolio of projects, mentor and/or supervise staff, assist in prioritizing projects as requested by elected and department leaders, and execute high profile and complex land use planning projects. You will develop land use policies and codes that respond to countywide and regional needs, including a focus on urban and rural planning. You'll lead projects that align land use, permitting, housing, and environmental goals with community and county priorities. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with community members, colleagues, and department leaders to assess needs, analyze data, manage projects, and craft legislation. Our work is grounded in equity, guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan, and shaped by the communities we serve-especially historically underrepresented groups.

We're seeking a proven planner and project manager with experience navigating complex political environments and processes, and delivering effective plans, policies, and codes. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of how government services vary across urban and rural areas are essential. This role involves some evening and weekend meetings, including public presentations. You'll collaborate with DLS teams, the Office of Regional Planning, and other agencies to support inclusive, strategic, and future-focused planning.

Our commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

The Department of Local Services is deeply dedicated to fostering in every aspect of our work. Our commitment to "" values which ensures every person has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential and forms the core of our mission and purpose. Our pledge is to cultivate, embrace, and celebrate the distinct experiences, viewpoints, and perspectives of our people, partners, and the communities we serve. Through this work, we dismantle systemic barriers, address inequities, and actively confront prejudices and biases. We acknowledge this journey is ongoing, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to create a positive impact for our employees and communities alike.

Job Duties
Applying is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

Planning & Project Management

• Lead and develop land use policy and code development projects for the Department of Local Services which includes the Director's Office, Permitting Division, and Road Services Division, collaborating with colleagues across King County government.
• Undertake and lead subarea planning projects in both rural and urban unincorporated areas, continuously refining processes to improve outcomes for communities.
• Serve as a technical resource on subarea planning and provide expertise on specific plan content, including executing land use and zoning amendments.
• Develop code amendments to address land use, housing, environment, and the range of services provided by King County.
• Coordinate closely with planners and professionals from the King County Permitting Division, Roads Division, Office of Regional Planning, and other departments.

Community Engagement & Equity

• Develop and implement innovative public engagement and communications strategies to foster meaningful dialogue with diverse communities.
• Undertake equity-focused analysis and engagement, including work with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as other underrepresented groups, to develop inclusive plans and policies.

Research, Writing & Policy Development

• Prepare clear, accurate, and logically sound written materials, including legislative materials for consideration by elected leaders.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis using demographic, financial, and geographic data to inform planning and policy decisions.
• Collaborate with department staff to draft and review legislation, policies, and reports.
• Assist in resolving legal issues related to proposed legislation, in partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the King County Executive's Office, and King County Council staff.
• Ensure consistency between King County Comprehensive Plan policies and related regulations, and support updates to the Comprehensive Plan as needed.

Ongoing Coordination & Support

• Stay informed on land use trends, activities, legislation, and other key issues affecting unincorporated areas.
• Provide staff support for interdepartmental and interjurisdictional teams, as well as community outreach efforts.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address project-related challenges.

Professionalism & Customer Service

• Manage individual workload effectively, adapting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service and uphold the reputation of King County and the department.
• Fulfill commitments to customers and stakeholders with integrity and respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from county residents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Education & Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional expertise in long-range land use planning, including crafting policies and guiding government actions to address community development needs and align with countywide goals and service delivery practices.
• Demonstrated practical understanding of development permitting processes, requirements, and economics, as well as best practices for code standards, design guidelines, and plan policies that support community and government goals.
• Knowledge of Washington's legal planning framework, including the Growth Management Act, Shorelines Act, and State Environmental Policy Act.

Policy, Code, and Legislative Experience

• Track record in drafting legislation, analyzing supporting data, crafting reports and communication materials, and delivering compelling presentations to elected officials.
• Experience contributing to legislative processes, including analysis and preparation of supporting documents for decision-makers.
• Strong understanding of land use law, including legal theory and principles, with the ability to identify issues, assess risks, and seek appropriate legal guidance when needed.

Community Engagement & Equity

• Demonstrated experience leading inclusive outreach and engagement strategies, particularly with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as other historically underrepresented groups.
• Proven ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans.
• Skilled in building partnerships and working across interests, establishing strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Project & Communication Skills

• Experience managing complex projects using project management best practices to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, negotiate outcomes, and deliver concise, effective oral presentations.
• Advanced presentation experience, including speaking to legislative bodies, jurisdictional partners, and the public.
• Outstanding writing skills, both technical and non-technical, with the ability to tailor content for a wide range of audiences.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and other common desktop tools used to support planning and policy work.
• Proficiency with GIS, Adobe InDesign strongly preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in planning or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years + experience managing staff, and/or managing a portfolio of projects that include long-range planning and code development projects.
• Experience leading community-based planning projects that includes equitable engagement approaches, land use analyses and recommendations, interdisciplinary policy recommendations, legislative actions, and implementation strategies.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through the ability to unite individuals with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Experience in using GIS to develop maps and undertake analysis.
• Experience designing public education materials for a land use planning process.
• Knowledge of economic and social factors that influence decisions and practices around development, construction, design, and use of land.
• Knowledge of the King County government, its mandates, and functions, and well-versed in the regional and local policy landscape impacting King County.
• Experience working in an organization or agency dealing with complex rural and urban issues, regional initiatives, and diverse interjurisdictional relationships.
• Second language proficiency in one of King County's

Supplemental Information
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE:
Those applicants who pass the initial screening will be invited to participate in a 45-minute virtual interview the week of 5/19/25.

WHO MAY APPLY:
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicantsand may be used to fill current and or/future career service, term-limited temporary, short-term temporary, and or/special duty positions over the next six months.
APPLICATION PROCESS:A full and complete King County application is required. You may also provide a resume and cover letter, summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.

Applicants will be screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more interviews.
WORK SCHEDULE:
The work week is normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but may at times require work outside of normal business hours. This position is Exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.

EMERGENCY DESIGNATION STATUS: This position has been designated Non-Mission Critical - Employees who staff county functions or services that may be delayed, suspended, or diverted in an emergency while essential functions are prioritized Mission Critical. Unless otherwise directed by the County Executive, department director or agency head, all employees, regardless of designation, are expected to report to work or request leave during an emergency or inclement weather.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is non-represented.

TELEWORKING REQUIREMENT:

This is a hybrid position. The work associated with this position will be performed by teleworking, onsite work and meetings as needed. The responsibilities of this position will include regular and ongoing in-office work. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:

Erika Yanak
Senior HR Analyst
206-477-0320
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

02

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
03

Are you willing to work up to 3 days per week in the office?

• Yes
• No

Required Question