Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Salary

$125,664.00 - $159,144.00 Annually

Location

33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

2600478

Department

Community Development

Division

Planning

Opening Date

06/08/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Community Development Director, this position:

• Provides supervision and mentoring for a team of professionals in the Planning Division.
• Collaboratively works with other managers and teams to define and implement work plan goals for the department.
• Supports improved processes including electronic plan review and customer service.
• Manages the development review process, coordinates planning and development transportation review activities, and analyzes and makes recommendations and some decisions using the Subdivisions and Zoning and Development Codes.
• Manages the long range planning function including the update and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and sub-area plans.
• Assists the Director in providing staff support to the City Council, the Planning Commission, the Hearing Examiner, and other Committees and Commissions as required.
• Leads by example and upholds the City's Vision and Guiding Principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversees and directs land use activities of professional staff including assigning tasks and resolving issues. Plans, organizes, coordinates and assures the efficient and effective utilization of personnel and resources for the planning division.

Makes land use decisions on proposals and policy as needed by planning, development transportation, and permit staff.

Advises the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and Director on Federal, State, and regional legislative issues affecting planning and development.

Plans, organizes, and coordinates the department's long-range and current planning work program. Supervises, trains, evaluates, and/or disciplines personnel as needed.

Evaluates situations to determine consultant requirements; selects consultants and negotiates contracts; oversees and coordinates special projects; administers contracts for services according to established guidelines; assures that contracted services are provided efficiently and effectively.

Coordinates department activities with those of other departments and offices to assure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests.

Responds to inquiries and counsels the public on problems, questions, and complaints regarding the comprehensive plan, zoning and other land use issues.

Assists in the preparation of department budget, monitors expenditures and revenue in division budget throughout the year including identifying hours necessary to complete various tasks.

Attendance at night meetings: City Council, Council Committee meetings, and Planning Commission.

Directs and oversees research and analysis of land use code and/or planning projects and programs.

Participates in the development of City land use policy.

Oversees and manages SEPA evaluation.

Reviews land use activities in determining compliance of land use actions adopted local, State and Federal laws and regulations.

Establishes standards of performance and analyzes productive output in order to disclose areas needing improvement and to forecast future requirements for personnel, supplies, services, and equipment.

Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in planning or related field and five (5) years of full-time, professional experience performing professional planning duties including policy review, development permitting and evaluation, and plan and code analysis, amendment, and recommendations, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

Master's degree in planning, public administration or closely related field, from an accredited college or university; and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification are preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Washington drivers license.

Knowledge and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Operations, organization, policies and objectives of land use planning, code enforcement, plan review, building inspection and development review processes and systems.
• Comprehensive planning principles, practices regulations and techniques related to land use, environmental impact, building inspection and code enforcement.
• Land use and zoning administration issues and techniques.
• Understanding of principles of transportation review and development proposals.
• Understanding of State land use laws (SEPA, Subdivision, GMA, Shoreline Management).
• Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training, workload planning & staffing.
• State grant funding process.
• Zoning and land use codes, laws and related ordinances.
• Negotiation, mediation and facilitation skills, techniques and procedures.
• Effective methods of organizing and utilizing data, equipment, personnel and resources.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and enforcement procedures.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Group dynamics and methods of encouraging citizen participation.
• City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Budget preparation and control.
• Basic Computer Skills and software to include Microsoft Office Suite and Blubeam.

ABILITY TO:

• Efficiently and effectively manage the operation of the Planning Division
• Supervise and direct the day-to-day activity of current and long-range work functions.
• Train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate personnel.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Assign, coordinate and assure proper completion of multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Prioritize and schedule work.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, codes, policies, procedures and ordinances.
• Negotiate, mediate and facilitate contracts and communications.
• Analyze and interpret data pertaining to planning and zoning.
• Prepare, organize and maintain a variety of reports, processes and systems.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Initiate creative improvements, manage change and stimulate collaborative problem-solving.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
• Develop and implement the division budget.
• Physical ability to perform the essential job functions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The City of Federal Way is currently working exclusively in-person at City Hall.

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with some field site inspection work required. Performs sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Fieldwork is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Position may require travel to a variety of locations to perform work or attend meetings. Employee may be exposed to conditions and hazards from obstacles, heights and open trenches associated with construction sites.

The City of Federal Way offers a complete benefits package to regular status full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Regular status part-time employees, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

Employer City of Federal Way

Address 33325 8th Ave S

Federal Way, Washington, 98003

Phone 253.835.2530

Website http://www.cityoffederalway.com