Planner (Internal Applicants Only)

The City of Burien is seeking a Planner to join our Community Development Team!

This position is open for internal applicants only. Review of applicants will be on June 18, 2026.

General Position Summary

Fully skilled planner responsible for managing and reviewing permit applications, completing studies and other comprehensive planning projects.

Essential Functions

• Supports and models the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Development review and project management predominantly focusing on longer timeline discretionary applications requiring independent review.
• Reviews, prepares, and presents written reports regarding land use and development permits for proposals requiring administrative, hearing examiner, and city council approval.
• Reviews business license, building, or site development proposals for conformance with planning policies and zoning code requirements.
• Researches and prepares background data while engaging in independent routine problem solving, negotiation and decision making.
• Reviewing medium range development projects in which issues, complexities, and political sensitivities are evident.
• Researching and drafting preliminary ordinances for review by senior management and legal planner.
• Drafts correspondence and reports.
• Provides data gathering, mapping and data analysis.
• Responds to citizen inquiries regarding the comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision and land use.
• Coordinates project proposal review with other agencies and city departments; organizes and participates in meetings.
• Performs site visits.
• Presents staff reports and recommendations to various parties, including but not limited to the director, hearing examiner, City Council, Planning Commission, other boards & commissions and ad-hoc committees.
• Assists in the completion of the planning activities necessary for the update of the Burien Comprehensive Plan in compliance with the State Growth Management Act.
• Reviews development plans for compliance with local Code requirements.
• Training and coaching junior staff in areas of expertise.

Secondary Functions

• Researches, analyzes and assists in preparing reports and recommendations on comprehensive and long-range planning issues.
• Recommends Code and policy updates and modifications.
• Serves on and participates in various employee committees.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in land use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, or a closely related field AND a minimum of three years work experience with highly complex planning processes in a planning agency and/or planning consulting firm; OR a combination of education, training and practical experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the position. AICP preferred.

Notices

• The City of Burien believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• The City of Burien is an Equal Opportunity Employer and assures equal employment practices regardless of sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, State or Federal law.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and related experience. Highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in interviews. Candidates may be asked to respond to supplemental questions in writing and to supply illustrative examples of work. A test may also be administered to assess relevant skills. Additional references may be requested of finalists.
• If you need special accommodation in the application or examination process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
• The City of Burien has a no smoking policy in all City facilities and all City vehicles.