Associate Planner

The Grays Harbor Council of Governments (GHCOG) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Associate Planner (Planner II). We seek a motivated professional with interest in long-range planning within a rural setting to join our team. 

Are you a early/mid-career planning professional looking for a dynamic role where you can make a real impact? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued and your expertise is respected? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are currently seeking an Associate Planner (Planner II) to join our team.

In this role, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our community through strategic planning and development initiatives. You will work closely with stakeholders, elected officials, and community members to ensure that our planning efforts align with the needs and values of our community. This is a great opportunity to grow into a long-term or senior role within our community.

### Why Join Us?

– Impactful Work: Influence the countys growth and development through comprehensive planning that aligns the countys transportation infrastructure and leads long-range plans and policy development.

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– Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.

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– Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability, Basic life insurance, PERS retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick). This is a non-union, exempt position.

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– Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.

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– Work-Life Balance: 32-hour work week possible with corresponding salary. After orientation a part-time, remote work schedule can be considered. Flexible work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 13 paid holidays.

Compensation: Planner II, $67,000-$82,000 annually DOQ and full benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance coverage, participation in Washington States Public Employees Retirement System, paid sick leave, vacation and holidays. This is a non-union, exempt position. 32-hour work week possible with corresponding salary. After orientation a part-time, remote work schedule can be considered.

Background: Grays Harbor Council of Governments (GHCOG) is a regional planning agency located in Aberdeen, WA serving Grays Harbor County, all nine cities, Grays Harbor Transit Authority, the Port of Grays Harbor, Grays Harbor PUD, Timberland Regional Library, the Chehalis Tribe and the Quinault Indian Nation. Areas of planning work include transportation, brownfields, park and recreation, community development, mapping and data, and grant assistance.

Qualifications:  The ideal candidate for the Associate Planner position will have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning, urban planning, regional planning, public administration or a closely related discipline and hold a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university. Strong communication skills are a must. Knowledge and use of ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS online is desirable. Ability to satisfactorily pass a background investigation which shows no criminal activity that could directly impact the ability to perform the job.

Nature of Work: This positions responsibilities involve developing, coordinating and organizing planning activities and GIS/data as need to support those activities.

The Associate Planner performs professional short- & long-range planning work including research and analysis, plan development, grant research and writing, reports and presentations to councils, boa