Senior Planner

Salary : $94,364.16 - $111,511.44 Annually
Location : 345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA
Job Type: REGULAR FULL-TIME
Job Number:
Department: Community Development
Division: Current Planning
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 1001 - Management & Professional

General Function
A cost-of-living increase of 3.8% has been approved for 2027.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planner to assist in complex long-range planning efforts, including comprehensive plan updates, land-use policy development, and the creation of zoning regulations that shape the community's future growth and development.

Reporting to the Planning Manager, administers and performs complex community development work programs, plans, studies, and planning processes. Work requires considerable independence in selecting courses of action and resolving complex or unique issues within established department policies, procedures, and codes. Work is performed under limited direction and reviewed in coordination with the Planning Manager to ensure effective plan development and compliance with division goals, policies, and regulations as determined by the Director of Community Development.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Positions in the Senior Planner classification are distinguished from other planner classifications by the greater degree of responsibility for supervisory, technical, administrative, and public policy functions within the department's work program. The position requires advanced communication, collaboration, and customer service skills to support coworkers, elected officials, customers, and community members in manner that represents the interests of the Department and City.

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are intended to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.

Long-Range Planning & Policy Development.

• Assists in preparation, amendment, and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, subarea plans, development regulations, functional plans, and other long-range planning initiatives.
• Prepares professional staff reports, recommendations, and supporting analyses for review and decision by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Hearing Examiner.
• Formulates planning programs by analyzing background information, developing plan concepts and goals, organizing public participation, coordinating with other departments and local, state, regional, and federal agencies, and preparing substantive and defensible information to support planning decisions.
• Identifies and evaluates proposed and amended legislation, regulations, policies, and ordinances affecting community development; recommends changes as appropriate; and drafts and presents proposed ordinances and policy amendments to the Planning Manager, Director, Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Designs, prepares, and delivers presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, Hearing Examiner, Design Review Board, community groups, elected officials, regional committees, and other public or private organizations.
• Provides technical and administrative support to boards, commissions, and committees and may serve as staff planner for assigned bodies.

Advanced Current Planning & Development Review.

• Reviews complex land use applications and site plans, conducts field inspections, and evaluates projects for compliance with applicable local and state regulations, plans, and policies. Provides technical guidance to other planners and oversees application review from pre-submittal through hearings and final action, including the collection and analysis of supporting information.
• Prepares professional staff reports, recommendations, and supporting analyses for review and decision by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Hearing Examiner.
• Advises community leaders, elected officials, boards, commissions, and the public on planning policies, procedures, the Comprehensive Plan and its components, development regulations, capital programs, and other community development matters.
• Coordinates planning and development review with other City departments, agencies, consultants, applicants, and community stakeholders to facilitate effective project review and implementation.
• Reviews planning studies, technical reports, and other materials prepared by staff, consultants, applicants, and partner agencies for consistency with City goals, policies, plans, and regulations.
• Assists in developing work assignments, reviewing written materials, and establishing policies and procedures to support efficient and effective division operations.

Grant Administration & Program Management.

• Performs professional grant administration functions including researching funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, and presenting funding proposals to federal, state, and other external funding agencies.
• Administers grant-funded programs and projects, including coordinating grant activities, monitoring implementation progress, ensuring compliance with grant agreements and regulatory requirements, maintaining program documentation, and preparing required financial and performance reports.
• Serves as lead project manager on assigned grant-funded initiatives and provides guidance and technical direction to less experienced staff members

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

Knowledge of and Skill in

• Principles and practices of municipal planning, community development, and program development.
• Land use planning, development permitting, and related review processes.
• The Washington State Growth Management Act and its application to municipal planning and community development.
• The State Environmental Policy Act and other applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Comprehensive plans, subarea and functional plans, ordinances, development regulations, design standards, environmental review, and appeals processes.
• Municipal, county, state and federal planning and environmental laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Land use case law, Hearings Board decisions, and other legal principles related to governmental authority for land use regulation.
• State, local, and applicable building and development codes and their administration.
• State-mandated permitting procedures and timelines.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Public relations and community engagement practices.
• Computer applications used in community development, including geographic information systems and permitting software.

Ability to:.

• Maintain a professional, respectful, and cooperative approach when working with coworkers, applicants, stakeholders, and the public, including during difficult or stressful situations.
• Perform current planning, long-range planning, or other community development projects as assigned.
• Independently manage complex assignments, evaluate issues, and develop or recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Analyze planning programs, policies, regulations, and operational needs and recommend appropriate changes.
• Conduct research, evaluate information, and prepare clear, accurate, and defensible reports and recommendations.
• Interpret and administer plans, ordinances, and regulations consistently, tactfully, and impartially while maintaining positive relationships with the public.
• Communicate effectively through verbal, written, and graphic methods with a diverse range of individuals, officials, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrate advanced communication, collaboration, and customer service skills when working with coworkers, applicants, consultants, public officials, and members of the public.
• Identify and respond appropriately to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs.
• Establish priorities, coordinate multiple projects, and meet deadlines with limited direction.
• Assist in supervision, training, mentoring, and evaluation of staff.
• Guide meetings, public processes, and other events toward established goals.
• Use technology effectively to improve individual and department productivity and efficiency.

Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or a closely related field
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including two (2) years of program management, supervisory, or lead responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Planning or closely related field
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, except where a license or certification is required by law or regulation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily sedentary and requires sustained concentration, logical reasoning, creative thought, and a high degree of mental focus. Field visits and attendance at public hearings and meetings are required. Must have sufficient vision, with or without corrective lenses, to read fine print and distinguish shades of color; sufficient hearing, with or without a hearing aid, to communicate by telephone and in person; and sufficient manual dexterity to write clearly.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent travel to meetings, conferences, and project sites. Meetings and public hearings may require evening work. During periods of increased operational demands, additional working hours may be required to meet departmental needs and deadlines.

Examination Process and Required Documents
Applicants must apply on-line at This posting will remain open continuously until the position is filled, with a first review of applications on October 1st.
Required Application Materials:

A completed City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete applications packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their application materials reflect the minimum qualifying experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as listed on the job posting.
Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications or transcripts to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position.
Application process after submittal - What to expect:
Initial screening - Once the position closes, the HR Department will review and evaluate your application materials to determine whether your materials reflect and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required to meet the minimum qualifications.
Invitation to Interview - After initial screening and additional review by the hiring department, if it is determined that you exceed the minimum qualifications, you may be contacted and invited to interview with a hiring panel.
References - After the interview, if it is determined that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, references will be sent electronically to the individuals listed on your application.
Pre-employment Requirements - If/when applying for safety-sensitive positions, pre-employment physicals and/or drug testing may be required prior to any final offer of employment.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you require an accommodation at any point during the application process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 473-5348 or