Community Planning & Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency.

The Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) department is seeking a highly motivated Associate Planner to join our Natural Resources Program Under the guidance of a Natural Resources Program Manager, the Associate Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating county-wide water resource policy issues, with a focus on water resource management and streamflow restoration planning.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The Associate Planner will use their skills to provide journey level expertise and guidance on water resource policy and planning issues.

The focus for this position will be on a number of planning projects related to water resource management, streamflow restoration, natural resources policy issues, including on forestry and agriculture, climate resiliency,  and salmon recovery.  

Being a great planning and policy analyst, communicator and experience with watershed planning is key for this position.  You will be working with elected officials, community members, and other organizations on your projects. Associate Planners in Thurston County:

• Conduct journey level research at the direction of a Senior Planner, Natural Resources Program Manager, or Community Planning Manager and provide detailed staff reports and recommendations.
• Manage grants and contracts related to water resource management and streamflow restoration projects
• Participate in regional watershed management planning
• Advise elected and appointed officials, including the Planning Commission, Water Resource Advisory Board, on planning and policy issues and projects.
• Prepare and present reports and information to advisory groups, committees, community groups, and private organizations.
• Hold or assist with open houses, workshops and stakeholder groups.
• Respond to public inquiries with information on the planning process and policy issues.
• Work collaboratively across disciplines and departments to problem-solve around water resource planning issues.
• Prepare and/or review proposed amendments to county codes or long range plans.

This is a great position for an experienced Associate Planner, or someone who is early in their career who is ready to take on new challenges and would like to take the next step in their career. 

Please see the Associate Planner classification for a full description of all essential functions. 

YOU WILL BE JOINING A DIVERSE AND DEDICATED TEAM

The Associate Planner will be joining an experienced, committed, and fast-paced team working on impactful conservation projects across four watersheds. As a part of our Community Planning & Economic Development team, you will have the opportunity to plan for Thurston County’s future and collaboratively solve complex community issues. The Community Planning team works with other county team members, landowners, community groups, the cities in Thurston County, state and federal agencies, and more.

The experts of Community Planning & Economic Development are on the leading edge of major issues affecting the residents of Thurston County including:

• Habitat Conservation
• Comprehensive Planning
• Stormwater Management
• Water and Climate Data Monitoring
• Rural Water Availability Planning
• Agriculture, Forestry, and Open Space Planning
• Joint Planning with the Cities in Thurston County
• Shoreline Management 

WHY CPED IS A GREAT DEPARTMENT

The team members of Community Planning & Economic Development make it a wonderful place to work and effect change. CPED is a department of highly motivated professionals working for the people of Thurston County and planning for its future. CPED works to conserve natural resources, plan for resilient communities, ensure buildings are safe and energy-efficient and plan for future growth.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE

You’ll enjoy a high quality of life here. Thurston County is located at the south end of the Puget Sound, roughly halfway between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two-hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands. With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Thurston County and its cities have something to offer for everyone. Locals enjoy hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, walking on dedicated trails, and eating great locally raised and grown food.
 
As the state capital, Thurston County is home to a unique blend of industries, including state government, health care, retail, military, education, construction, farming, fishing, and logging. You will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family, as well as generous leave programs.

The County boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned “Hands On Children’s Museum.” Our innovative schools are highly rated. Thurston County is also home to South Puget Sound Community College and two universities, The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University. Discover more about life in Thurston County at experienceolympia.com.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES

Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.

• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Benefits 2024 Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans website for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn a minimum of 12 paid vacation days per year in addition to 11 paid holidays
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program which allows full-time public service employees who have made 120 qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, biological sciences, public administration, ecology, environmental planning, or a related field.  Additional experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Three (3) years of professional level current, long range and/or environmental planning work experience, with an emphasis on public contact.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License or have obtained an appropriate accommodation.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Master’s degree in biological sciences, public administration, ecology, environmental planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of water resource management, streamflow restoration planning, or a related field.
• Knowledge of geospatial data analysis and interpreting environmental data.
• Ability to prepare budgets, familiarity with State and Federal funding opportunities to apply for grants and administer consultant contracts.
• Ability to quickly assess problems and act independently to positively resolve conflicts and coordinate efforts constructively and collaboratively to the satisfaction of elected officials, tribal partners, regulators, staff, local jurisdictions, consultants, contractors, and the community.
• Knowledge of conservation financing, land acquisition, and site management planning related to natural resource conservation programs.
• Experience in project management and giving presentations.
• Ability to conduct effective research and evaluate complex data to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports.
• Ability to develop and manage long-range conservation plans, short-range operational programs, and day-to-day property management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff, property owners, developers, contractors, public officials, the general public, and representatives of other agencies.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECRUITMENT?
The contact person for this recruitment is Andrew Boughan, Interim Operations Manager, (360) 522-0553.
 
This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Letter of Interest
• Resume