Planning Specialist

Seattle Design Commission – City of Seattle, housed within the Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD). OPCD ensures City departments are aligned and coordinated in planning and advancing equitable development for Seattle’s future growth through long-range planning, land use policy development, community planning, and community development, guided by Seattle’s newly adopted Comprehensive Plan.

About the role

We are recruiting a Planning Specialist to support the Seattle Design Commission, an independent body that promotes civic design excellence in capital improvement projects located on City land, in the City right-of-way, or constructed with City funds. This position is currently budgeted through 2028, with an expected extension based on current transit projects. The role involves evaluating and permitting Sound Transit plans for new light rail stations, including reviewing site plans, landscape plans, building elevations, and community engagement planning.

Responsibilities

• Support the evaluation and permitting of Sound Transit plans for new light rail stations
• Confirm and analyze site plans, landscape plans, and building elevations
• Develop and implement culturally responsive community engagement plans
• Communicate complex planning information clearly using graphic, verbal, and written tools for diverse audiences
• Create and share planning-related summaries in multiple formats
• Collaborate respectfully with internal and external partners
• Manage website design and content creation

Requirements

• Research, evaluate, and analyze site and landscape plans, as well as building elevations for public places and spaces
• Experience with public transit investments and their integration into neighborhoods
• Experience creating and implementing authentic, culturally responsive community engagement plans
• Experience with permitting processes
• Proficiency with MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Website management experience, including design and content creation

Qualifications

Required qualifications (or a combination of education, training, or experience which provides an equivalent background):

• Three years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development
• OR two years of such experience plus an associate's degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field
• OR one year of such experience plus a baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website.

Pay

$45.59 - $53.14 per hour

Contact: Michael Jenkins, michael.jenkins@seattle.gov