Opportunities

This page includes jobs, internships and other planning-related opportunities of interest to PAW members and friends. Please help us by providing information about any such opportunities that you are aware of. You can reach us at pawoff@aol.com.

Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED) Local Government Division/ Growth Management Program (Spokane, Washington)
Senior Planner-Growth Management (Salary range: $4,033- $5,289 per month)
Serves as the primary Growth Management Planner for several counties in eastern Washington, determines their needs with respect to land use planning under the GMA and establishes and maintains effective working relationships with these local governments. Provides on-site technical assistance on land use issues and the requirements of the GMA and related laws through site visits, meetings and telephone contacts. Helps local government staff and officials interpret, understand and apply these laws in developing, updating and adopting their GMA county-wide planning policies, comprehensive plans, development regulations and other related work programs. The candidate will have excellent knowledge and experience in Land Use Planning under the Growth Management Act. This planner will serve as CTEDs policy specialist on the development of the rural element under the GMA and on the special issues facing rural areas as they plan under the Growth Management Act. The candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or closely related field and two years of professional experience with land use planning. Alternatively, master's degree in urban planning or closely related field and one year of professional experience with land use planning. AICP certification is desirable. For additional information, please contact Linda Weyl, Growth Management Services at (360) 725-3066 or lindawe@cted.wa.gov. The complete bulletin to apply, will be available on the CTED web site: www.cted.wa.gov.

Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED) Local Government Division/ Growth Management Program (Wenatchee, Washington)
Senior Planner-Growth Management (Salary range: $4,033- $5,289 per month)
The candidate will have excellent knowledge and experience in transportation and land use planning and will serve as the technical expert on integrating transportation planning with land use planning under the Growth Management Act. Uses expertise in the principles, practices and techniques of land use and transportation systems planning. Serves as liaison between CTED and major transportation planning organizations and represents CTED in policy deliberations related to transportation planning and growth management. Serves as the CTED liaison to Chelan, Kittitas, Douglas and Okanogan counties and their cities and towns. As assigned, reviews proposed amendments to plans and regulations from these jurisdictions and within the position's area of technical specialty. Manages and oversees grant contracts between CTED and assigned jurisdictions. Keeps management informed of significant planning and growth management issues in assigned jurisdictions. The candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or closely related field and two years of professional experience with land use planning. Alternatively, master's degree in urban planning or closely related field and one year of professional experience with land use planning. AICP certification is desirable. For additional information, please contact Linda Weyl, Growth Management Services at (360) 725-3066 or lindawe@cted.wa.gov. The complete bulletin to apply, will be available on the CTED web site: www.cted.wa.gov.

Whatcom County, Washington
Planner I, Planner II and Senior Planner Positions (Salary range: Salary varies depending on experience & qualifications)
Whatcom County Planning & Development Services, in Bellingham, WA, has a number of Planner positions available. We have opportunities for entry-level Planner I positions as well as Planner II and Senior Planner positions. Whatcom County offers a Skill Enhancement Program (SKEP) for Planners as a tool to advance your career. Our SKEP program allows for employee growth, both in terms of job assignments and pay. A higher level job vacancy is not required for advancement. These positions include excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for employee and family, plus life insurance for employees. Whatcom County offers attractive paid leave provisions including vacation, sick leave, and an average of 12 holidays per year. County employees participate in the Washington State Retirement System, and optional deferred compensation programs are available. For additional information about these positions, and to obtain our required application materials, please visit our website at www.whatcomcounty.us/jobs or call Human Resources at 360-676-6802. To learn more about our beautiful area visit our County www.whatcomcounty.us website or www.bellingham.org. Whatcom County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of Puyallup, Washington
Planner (Salary range: $3,642 - $5,207 / MONTH DOQ)
The City of Puyallup has an opening for a Planner in our Development Services department. The position will be classified as either an Assistant or Associate depending on the candidate's years of related planning experience. See education and experience requirements below. DEFINITION: This is a professional position with principal responsibilities in long range planning. Work assigned to this position includes research and report writing, coordination of special studies, oral presentations, public information and assistance, and primary data collection and analysis. GIS map preparation may be requested. The work requires compliance with frequent deadlines and occasional oral presentations at meetings. Normal attention to work is required to prevent errors. Work will be overseen and directed primarily by the Long Range Senior Planner. The employee has a considerable amount of contact with the public over the phone and in person. Work is performed in an office setting, but may require fieldwork. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Assists with the processing of long range planning studies, including area plans, code amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, vacant land analysis, and related special studies. Work involved includes good writing and analytical skills, and knowledge of planning methodology, as well as familiarity with development plan review, and the application of zoning, subdivision, critical area, and shoreline management regulations and state environmental review requirements. As needed, this position may be requested to prepare maps and performing related research; some GIS training available. May prepare, or assist in the preparation of staff reports and presentations to the Planning Commission for various projects. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: * Bachelor or advanced degree in urban planning or related field required; * Two years of progressively responsible relevant planning work experience is necessary to meet the requirements of the Associate Planner. * Hands-on experience with the preparation of mapping products using an ARC-GIS system desired. TO APPLY: A City of Puyallup Employment Application and Supplemental Questionnaire must be completed by 5 p.m. on the closing date (faxes not accepted - postmarks will be accepted). Applications are available from our employment web site at www.puyallupjobs.org. Application packets are also available at the City Administrative Office Building, 330 Third Street SW, Puyallup, Washington 98371, or by calling (253) 841-5596; please press 5 when prompted. MAY 12, 2008 (1ST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS)

Washington State Department of Ecology
Senior Shoreline Planning Specialist (Salary range: $4,131 - $5,426 per month)
The Washington State Department of Ecology has an opening for an Environmental Planner 4 (salary range 59 - $4,131 - $5,426 per month) in the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance (SEA) Program. This permanent, full-time position will be based out of Ecology's Headquarters Office in Lacey. This senior-level position provides shoreline planning analysis and technical support to local governments and Ecology staff. The position will: * Develop policy positions for statewide planning under the Shoreline Management Act (SMA). * Work statewide with Ecology staff and management, local government, the Attorney General's Office, external stakeholders and other state and federal agencies to further the development and implementation of state shoreline planning-related policies. * Develop guidance and deliver training on developing and other shoreline management laws and rules. * Lead SMA planning projects including developing and implementing new rules and leading stakeholder workgroups to advance shoreline planning policy or guidance. We are looking for candidates with strong analytical abilities, knowledge of shoreline management and local planning processes, excellent verbal and oral communication abilities, and good organizational practices. Our ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and interpersonal strengths. They will also have experience in local planning, shoreline management, and rule interpretation. The following skills are also desired: group facilitation, relationship building, project management, and negotiating agreements. The position also requires occasional travel to Ecology's Regional offices and various communities in Washington State. HOW TO APPLY: You must apply for this position electronically at www.careers.wa.gov (Requisition Title 4610 542U EP4 NB00011181). For more information, see: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/jobs/NB00011181.pdf Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2008.

City of Stanwood, WA
Senior Planner (Salary range: $4800 - $6200)
The City of Stanwood, a fast growing Snohomish County community, is seeking a Senior Planner to perform professional land use and urban planning work including current and long range planning, implementation of the general plan, review of complex zoning and development applications, and coordination of special projects; may assist in the organization, supervision or review of subordinates, professional, technical, and office support staff; performs other duties as required. Five years of experience in planning and a bachelor’s degree in a related field required. This position closes on January 11th, 2007. Please go to www.ci.stanwood.wa.us and click on the employment link or call Mathew Pruitt at 360-629-2181.

Opportunities for Students

For 35 years, the Planning Association of Washington has pursued its mission to provide an inclusive forum for sharing problems and solutions, developing land use planning knowledge and putting this knowledge into the hands of citizens and their elected officials. PAW currently has two opportunities open to students.

Student Representative to the Board of Directors
The Student Representative attends Board meetings and other PAW events and provides the Board with the perspective of those currently entering the planning field. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know practicing planners and learn more about planning in Washington. Anyone interested in this opportunity should provide a short statement describing their interest and contact information to PAW First Vice President Sandra Davis, sandra@ecoresourcegroup.com or (206) 855-0590.

Sponsored Student Memberships
In addition, PAW currently has a limited number of complimentary Student Memberships available, thanks to the sponsorship of PAW members. PAW members receive the journal The Western Planner (including PAW News), the PAW Roster, support the Short Course on Local Planning and other activities. Any student interested in a complimentary PAW membership should contact the PAW office at pawoff@aol.com. Any student who has questions about joining PAW should contact PAW First Vice President Sandra Davis, sandra@ecoresourcegroup.com or (206) 855-0590.