Associate Land Use Planner

Associate Land Use Planner

Salary

$92,431.19 - $127,587.20 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00216

Department

Development Services

Division

DS LandUse Housing

Opening Date

06/15/2026

Closing Date

6/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

Bellevue is building the city of the future. Our welcoming, multicultural, innovation-focused community attracts technology pioneers, outdoor enthusiasts, and family-focused professionals from around the world. At Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and being a part of the community vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of honesty, accountability, and commitment to service, and take pride in the work they do. You'll work in an environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future focused are the status quo. The City invests in its employees and encourages and rewards employee growth and development by building on our commonalities and our differences. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength and it's what makes Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Development Services is a department that unifies cross-departmental review functions including Building, Planning, Utilities, Transportation, and Fire disciplines into one line of business. This allows for one-stop shopping for information and permits needed for all development activity in Bellevue. We are code compliance officers, engineers, finance analysts, inspectors, planners, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff from the Land Use, Building, Fire, Transportation, and Utilities divisions. The 25-person Land Use Division consists of four work groups: Environmental Team, Neighborhood Development Team, Urban Design Team and Housing and Special Projects Team.

We are currently looking for an Associate Planner to join the Land Use Division on the Housing and Special Projects Team. Development review is the main focus of the Associate Planner level, and the scope of potential assignments is diverse, varied, and grows with experience. In addition to development review, the work includes consulting with potential applicants regarding possible future development and providing exceptional public service and information on polices, codes, review processes, and project proposals. Project types will include both residential and commercial and involve simple to complex project management of the review process. Projects may be subject to special design and environmental requirements that impact the complexity of the project and the review process. The associate planner position requires strong analytical ability and excellent customer service skills to engage and collaborate with a very diverse client base and interested public.

Some of the many benefits of working in Bellevue include:

• Hybrid work environment
• Exceptional benefits
• Commitment to Employees
• Focus on Equity and Inclusion
• Office location Downtown - close to transit, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

If you are a collaborative problem solver, are customer focused and have an interest and experience, apply today and join our team!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A successful candidate will have prior experience in land use planning and interest in issues pertaining to design, affordable housing and the environment. Those with experience in the following, including but not limited to: platting, conditional use permits, design review, critical areas, shorelines, sustainability, tree preservation, habitat restoration, mitigation, and landscape design are encouraged to apply. Field work is occasional in this role and most activities involve the review and evaluation of plans, technical materials, and consultant documents and reports. Public information meetings and/or presentations to the Hearing Examiner are also occasional and will require work after business hours. Candidates with strong analytical and writing skills and experience presenting technical information to nontechnical audiences are desired. Successful candidates should have experience with the following:

• Ability to review and project manage a myriad of development review projects predominantly focusing on medium range land use applications that have varying complexities, processes, and interest from the public.
• Substantive analysis of discretionary reviews of all types with modest direction from supervisors.
• Monitoring project review according to pre-agreed timelines. This may include project management of Affordable Housing projects eligible for expedited review.
• Coordinating and managing information received from technical reviewers into consolidated documents for transmittal to applicants.
• Using technical expertise to advise junior staff on complex and politically sensitive projects.
• Training and coaching junior staff in areas of expertise.
• Organizing and performing original research and preparation of written findings and recommendations for land use code or policy development.
• Working closely with senior management on policy development issues.
• Providing official responses to inquiries from local, state, federal, and tribal entities.
• Acting as a consultant to other departments within the city.
• Preparing and making presentations for councils, hearing examiner, boards and commissions, community groups, and private organizations.
• Ability to engage in independent routine problem solving, negotiation, and discretionary decision-making.
• Takes initiative in learning the Land Use Code and preparing in-depth analysis and written documentation of land use and environmental interpretations, decisions, and determinations with minimal assistance.
• Working effectively and predominantly with teams of consultants and City staff.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Applicable codes and policies used in land use review and the SEPA process.
• Comprehensive plan and development review processes.
• Development review and planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as they relate to land use, environmental , or transportation planning.
• Zoning laws and comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption, an enforcement.
• Local government and political decision-making processes.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret architectural, civil, and landscape plans and technical documents.
• Utilize computer programs created for the benefit of facilitating development services review including permit tracking, electronic plan review, timekeeping, GIS, and other applications.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial proposals and how the City's land use and planning policies apply.
• Explain complex code and review processes to architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees and the general public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, applicants, interested public, and members of state and federal agencies as applicable.
• Provide in-depth technical expertise in specialized area of planning such as development review, SEPA, landscaping, critical areas, architecture, urban design, or other related areas.
• Write clear and concise staff reports and communication that is understood by the anticipated audience.
• Ability to negotiate solutions to development review issues in a collaborative manner.
• Respond to internal and external customers within 24 hours within the prescribed timeline established for the Development Services line of business.
• Apply project management techniques to independently coordinate internal and external review teams to ensure development review deadlines are completed within established timelines.
• Ability to manage assigned workload ensuring completion of review within established timelines.
• Develop and implement system improvements related to assigned body of land use professional project types.
• Demonstrate leadership by staffing or chairing committees and internal improvement teams.

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, or a closely related field; or unrelated field and completion of an accredited professional planning certificate program.
• A minimum of three years' experience and comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to all functional areas of land use, environmental impacts, design review or other related areas and must include two years of project management and development review experience.
• Four or more years related professional experience in any of the following is preferred: land use planning, the development process, environmental planning, or urban design.
• Or any demonstrated combination of education and applicable experience which provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

This is a Union represented position. The terms of its wages and working conditions are currently being negotiated between the City and the Union.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, you may edit your application before submitting. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in land-use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies or a related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of professional experience do you have (excluding internships) of current planning/development review experience at either a public sector (city, county, etc.) or private sector (planning, architectural, engineering firm) establishment?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5 or more years of experience

04

In your previous experience, which of the following have you actively applied in the course of your work? (Select all that apply)

• Zoning codes or development regulations
• Comprehensive plans
• Site plans (architectural, civil, or landscape)
• Environmental review documents
• None of the above

05

Do you have professional experience reading, interpreting, and marking up architectural, civil, and/or landscape plans?

• Yes
• No

06

Which tools have you used in a professional setting? (Select all that apply)

• GIS software (e.g. Esri)
• Permit tracking software (e.g. Amanda)
• Plan review software (e.g. Bluebeam)
• Billing software
• Time tracking
• None of the above

07

Have you communicated technical or regulatory information to the public, applicants, or professionals (written or verbal)?

• Yes
• No

08

How would you rate your ability to author staff reports that include analytical and technical reviews to evaluate compliance with codes, guidelines, and approval criteria, while also integrating review comments from other departments?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert or mentor level

09

Which of the following types of development review work have you performed? (select all that apply)

• Design review
• Conditional use permits
• Subdivision or platting
• Critical areas review
• Shoreline review
• Affordable housing or expedited projects
• Environmental review/SEPA
• Urban design or architectural review
• None of the above

10

Which planning communication activities have you completed? (select all that apply)

• Presented to a Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, or similar body
• Held meetings with applicants or developers
• Responded to inquiries from the public
• Coordinated interdepartmental review teams
• Prepared official written responses for external agencies
• None of the above

11

Which specialized planning areas do you have experience with? (Select all that apply)

• Tree preservation or landscape design
• Habitat restoration or mitigation
• Affordable Housing
• Urban infill or mixed-use development
• Neighborhood planning or community engagement
• Cultural and/or historical preservation
• None of the above

12

Which best describes your comfort level working directly with applicants or members of the public?

• No experience
• Minimal experience
• Some experience - occasional interaction
• Very comfortable - regular part of my work

13

What interests you about this Associate Land Use Planner position? (Please be mindful that artificial intelligence tools, when used to assist in drafting responses, can produce similar language across the many applications submitted. Responses are more effective if they clearly reflect personal experience, specific examples, and individual voice.)

14

Tell us anything else about your background or interests that makes you uniquely qualified for this position. (Please be mindful that artificial intelligence tools, when used to assist in drafting responses, can produce similar language across the many applications submitted. Responses are more effective if they clearly reflect personal experience, specific examples, and individual voice.)

15

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/