Code and Policy Associate Planner

We are seeking an Associate Planner to advance Council priorities, particularly related to the joint land use planning initiatives for the Development Services and Community Development Departments. This role will focus on updating the city’s sign code, responding to state mandates with necessary code changes, and supporting senior planners on housing-related projects, including developing code amendments to implement policy directions. The position requires collaboration and coordination throughout policy planning and code development, working closely with staff both within and outside the Development Services Department.

Bellevue’s Development Services Department is part of a multi-departmental line of business offering a one-stop solution for general information and permits needed for development activities in Bellevue and surrounding areas. Our team includes code compliance officers, engineers, finance analysts, inspectors, planners, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff from Development Services, Fire, Transportation, and Utilities departments. As a member of the Code and Policy team, you will work with staff from other city departments to develop city codes and regulations that guide and unlock future land uses, advancing the City’s vision. Currently, the Code and Policy team is engaged in several major projects, including the Wilburton Vision Implementation, Middle-Housing Code Amendments, implementing amendments related to the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy, aligning the code with the Periodic Update to the Comprehensive Plan, addressing State legislative changes, and various other code development efforts.

• Conduct complex technical analyses for various planning purposes, including updates to the city’s sign regulations, affordable housing strategy implementation, special initiatives, and associated processes. 
• Draft, process, and manage small to medium-scale amendments to the Land Use Code and other development regulations under the general supervision of the planning manager.
• Gather, interpret, and prepare studies, analysis reports, and recommendations for code amendment projects or other needs, and/or for the City Council and other advisory bodies.
• Maintain appropriate records for projects and work.
• Provide information to residents and community groups.
• Assist Code and Policy senior planners with large code amendment projects as needed.
• Work constructively in teams that span multiple departments and, occasionally, agencies, using communication and shared leadership skills to successfully collaborate and achieve multiple objectives.
• Communicate effectively with peers, the City Council, the Planning Commission, and other stakeholders on planning issues, fostering positive relationships and advancing understanding of the issues at hand.
• Represent the City on various committees, at neighborhood organizations, community meetings, and public hearings.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

• This position works under the general supervision of the Code and Policy Planning Manager.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities but may act as a lead for other staff.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, law, urban planning, or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience in the development and codification of regulations, public policy formulation, and legislative action/relations.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while inclusively collaborating with other City staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare regulatory code amendments that are understandable, defensible, and aligned with the Comprehensive Plan, community priorities, and desired outcomes.
• Proficiency in supporting the department's mission, vision, strategic direction, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and operations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, regional, and local issues impacting the planning environment.
• Ability to identify emerging issues, develop and implement new approaches, and anticipate and resolve problems before they escalate.
• Aptitude for maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive and political information; skill in human relations, diplomacy, tact, and negotiation.
• Ability to understand and navigate the City's political environment and sensitivities, and to function effectively within that context.
• Skill in researching complex issues, conducting administrative studies, and developing recommended actions; ability to prepare informative reports and deliver persuasive, succinct presentations to senior management, elected officials, and other audiences.
• Skill in clear, effective, and persuasive oral and written communication to individuals and groups.
• Ability to think strategically and convey information in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
• Proficiency in utilizing project management techniques.

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required 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:
Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.