Salary : $106,997.04 - $144,439.78 Annually
Location : City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA
Job Type: Regular, Full-time
Job Number:Department: Planning
Division: PLANNING
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The Senior Planner is responsible for leading complex land use, zoning, and development planning activities, ensuring that growth and development align with the City's adopted plans, regulations, and strategic goals. Working under general direction, the Senior Planner independently develops analyses and recommendations, coordinates multi-disciplinary review, and prepares clear and well-supported work products for decision-makers. The position may provide direction, technical guidance, and mentorship to junior staff but does not exercise formal supervisory authority.
Note: As part of the application process, we are asking all candidates to submit a resume and cover letter.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES - Serves as a planning project/program lead in areas such as: storm water, watershed, parks, transportation, human services, environmental/ecological, land use, development review, comprehensive and long-range planning, developing policies and processes, and coordinating efforts to advance the City's initiatives and vision
- Responsible and accountable for activities related to development, evaluation, amendment and implementation of the program criteria, policies and management plans; defining scope of projects, conducting technical research and studies, collecting and analyzing data, evaluating and formulating options and solutions in relation to operational directives, preparing staff reports, and presenting recommendations
- Project management, including such things as, defining scope of work and consultant selection, steering and refining project design, refining project plans and specifications, managing project implementation
- Prepares technical reports on comprehensive plan updates, zoning and other code updates, functional plans, master plans, and technical studies.
- Coordinates and communicates with internal departments and external agencies; persuades and resolves issues related to planning procedures, policies and codes
- Communicates with City Council and members of boards and commissions
- Facilitates and attends public outreach meetings related to programs and projects assigned
- Explains and answers inquiries related to program and project issues
- Performs code research and provides technical assistance in the interpretation of codes and regulations related to assigned programs
- Reviews, processes and works with land use or zoning permit applicants/developer to ensure compliance with comprehensive plan, applicable codes and regulations; conducts field audits as necessary
- Explains and provides information related to codes, policies and procedures
- Staffs and coordinates meetings for commissions and boards, adjusting and preparing schedules, agenda and material for discussion and working effectively with commission and board members
- May identify and underwrite grant applications for programs assigned, including coordinating activities necessary to secure the grants and coordinating grant administration
- May review and evaluate work, products, processes and methods of consultants and contractors, including negotiating and monitoring contracts and authorizing payments
- May assist department management in budget development and resources allocation for the biennium process and assist in formulation of department goals and work programs
Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of and Skills in
- Principles, practices and techniques of urban design, site design, land use, subdivision, urban planning, community development, environmental management, or transportation planning
- Governmental processes and techniques and Federal, State and local regulations and policies with regard to land development, development review, subdivision, community planning, growth management, transportation, environmental management or historical preservation
- Use of GIS and associated software, as well as a variety of contemporary office software, hardware and business machines
- Statistical and forecasting research methodology and techniques
- Methods and techniques of community involvement
- Grant writing and coordination of grant funded projects
Ability to
- Develop and carry out program and project assignments to advance the City's vision and interests; formulate, organize and implement program activities and improvements
- Partner and collaborate effectively with a variety of people
- Communicate effectively in written, oral and graphic formats to other staff, elected officials, media and the public, including communication of topics that are complex and controversial
- Effectively staff boards and commissions
- Plan, organize and carry out work to meet deadlines and expectations for quality
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers
- Effectively prioritize and resolve problems and controversial issues
- Define and conduct research related to projects and issues assigned; gather and analyze data for compilation
- Define, conduct and interpret qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Conduct analysis and prepare and communicate recommendations in relation to the City's operational directives complying with applicable Federal, State or local regulations
- Present recommendations and resolve issues in public settings involving diverse groups of audiences
- Facilitate public outreach and community development meetings, including those that are highly controversial
QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in urban planning, urban design and development, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, environmental science, natural resources management, transportation, public policy, engineering or related discipline.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Four (4) to six (6) years of professional experience in the above fields;
- Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
Licenses and Certificates
- Valid Washington State Driver's License and a driving record that meets city standards
OtherThis class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the job.
Please review the job description for more information about the knowledge, skills, abilities, working conditions, and physical requirements.
BENEFITSOur employees earn competitive wages and enjoy an exceptional benefits package that includes:
- MEDICAL INSURANCE - Choice of two plans for employees and their eligible dependents: Premera or Kaiser Permanente. All employee healthcare premiums paid for by the City of Redmond.
- PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE - Included with each medical plan
- DENTAL INSURANCE - For employees and their eligible dependents
- VISION INSURANCE - For employees and their eligible dependents
- OTHER INSURANCE - Life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, optional employee-paid voluntary life insurance
- FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - For tax savings on healthcare and dependent care expenses
- PAID VACATION & HOLIDAYS - with (13) paid holidays per year
- EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
- RETIREMENT PLANS - Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) plus additional options that include: Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (Social Security replacement plan) and MetLife 457 Plan
- Annual COLA adjustments
- Annual merit increases of up to 5%
To learn about benefits at the City of Redmond, please visit C2MB (ajg.com)Please visit to learn about benefits at the City of RedmondBenefit rates are subject to change without notice due to federal and state mandates and contractual changes as applicable.
01
Please select your highest level of education.
- High School or GED
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree or higher
02
As part of the application process, we ask all candidates to submit a resume and cover letter. Did you complete this requirement?
03
Describe your experience managing high-profile or complex development applications. Include the project types, your role, and how you ensured a timely, coordinated review.
04
Provide an example of a challenging code interpretation or policy issue you have encountered. How did you analyze the issue and arrive at a defensible conclusion?
05
Describe your experience preparing staff reports and decision documents. What steps do you take to ensure clarity, accuracy, and legal defensibility?
06
Describe your experience coordinating across multiple departments during a development review. How do you resolve conflicting requirements or priorities?
07
Provide an example of a difficult interaction with an applicant. How did you handle the situation and move the project forward?
08
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Required Question
