Planning Supervisor (Planner 4) - Development Services
Apply NowCompany: Pierce County
Location: Tacoma, WA 98444
Description:
Salary: $101,868.71 - $130,899.66 Annually
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Job Number: 25-00387
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW Development Services
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
This position works in an office environment and may include occasional field visits. Travel to various work sites, businesses, and/or meeting locations is required.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
The Planning Supervisor (Planner 4) provides program management, supervision, and advanced professional planning work. You will be responsible for supervising professional planning and program management work in a wide variety of planning functions. Work affects a wide range of activities relating to the administration of County plans and ordinances, and often relates to activities of major public concern. Your work will involve applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures including principles and practices of public planning such as the Growth Management Act, Shoreline Master Act, SEPA, and RCW 58.17 Plats Subdivisions and Dedications.
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, 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 has great customer service and can handle sensitive and difficult issues with tact and patience. You will establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other County employees so effective communicative skills are a must. You will also present to the general public, the Hearing Examiner, and elected officials. Additionally, bring in your knowledge and skills in site plan reviews for residential, commercial, and industrial projects where you can analyze information and draw valid conclusions. You will research techniques and the source, validity, and availability of information and use applicable computer software so skills in the use of drafting, graphic, and illustrative software equipment will be key.
Your Future in this Role:
You will have an ideal opportunity to work alongside a team of talented planners, engineers, and community leaders to problem-solve and look for efficiencies and strategies to provide improved public service in Pierce County. You will oversee the reviews being completed by other County staff to ensure effective, overall project review. 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:
Qualifications
Supplemental Information
To be considered for this opportunity please:
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 a 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 experience do you have performing local, county or state planning work?
03
How many years of lead worker and/or supervisory experience do you have?
04
Do you have experience in implementing land use, SEPA and platting regulations.
05
After closely reviewing this job announcement, why do you believe you would be an outstanding candidate for this opportunity?
06
Have you attached a cover letter and resume? Failure to attach this will result in an incomplete application.
Required Question
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Career Service - Full Time
Job Number: 25-00387
Department: Planning and Public Works
Division: PPW Development Services
Opening Date: 04/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
This position works in an office environment and may include occasional field visits. Travel to various work sites, businesses, and/or meeting locations is required.
Position Summary
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
The Planning Supervisor (Planner 4) provides program management, supervision, and advanced professional planning work. You will be responsible for supervising professional planning and program management work in a wide variety of planning functions. Work affects a wide range of activities relating to the administration of County plans and ordinances, and often relates to activities of major public concern. Your work will involve applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures including principles and practices of public planning such as the Growth Management Act, Shoreline Master Act, SEPA, and RCW 58.17 Plats Subdivisions and Dedications.
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, 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 has great customer service and can handle sensitive and difficult issues with tact and patience. You will establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other County employees so effective communicative skills are a must. You will also present to the general public, the Hearing Examiner, and elected officials. Additionally, bring in your knowledge and skills in site plan reviews for residential, commercial, and industrial projects where you can analyze information and draw valid conclusions. You will research techniques and the source, validity, and availability of information and use applicable computer software so skills in the use of drafting, graphic, and illustrative software equipment will be key.
Your Future in this Role:
You will have an ideal opportunity to work alongside a team of talented planners, engineers, and community leaders to problem-solve and look for efficiencies and strategies to provide improved public service in Pierce County. You will oversee the reviews being completed by other County staff to ensure effective, overall project review. 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:
- Supervise and coordinate work assignments for an assigned work unit to assure adherence to prescribed time lines and compliance with departmental procedures.
- Conduct performance evaluations, and develop and establish performance measures and standards.
- Oversee the professional development of employees and provide guidance and technical expertise, and training to staff.
- Oversee development, preparation and presentation of department staff reports, including draft policies and regulations.
- Supervise the review and monitoring of various programs, projects and applications to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the general public.
Qualifications
- Additional education or experience may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in planning or related field.
- Four years local, county, or state planning experience.
- One year of lead worker and/or supervisory experience.
- Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education, and/or training.
- Please submit a copy of your cover letter and resume. Failure to attach this will result in an incomplete application.
- A Masters' Degree is preferred.
- 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.
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.
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 a 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 High School Diploma or GED
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College, no degree
- Associates Degree in an unrelated field
- Associates Degree in planning or related field
- Bachelors Degree in an unrelated field
- Bachelors Degree in planning or related field
- Masters Degree in an unrelated field
- Masters Degree in planning or related field
02
How many years of experience do you have performing local, county or state planning work?
- None
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years but less than 10 years
- More than 10 years
03
How many years of lead worker and/or supervisory experience do you have?
- None
- 1 year to less than 2 years
- 2 years to less than 3 years
- 3 years to less than 5 years
- 5 years but less than 10 years
- More than 10 years
04
Do you have experience in implementing land use, SEPA and platting regulations.
- Yes
- No
05
After closely reviewing this job announcement, why do you believe you would be an outstanding candidate for this opportunity?
06
Have you attached a cover letter and resume? Failure to attach this will result in an incomplete application.
- Yes
- No
Required Question