Salary: $34.96 HourlyLocation : Tacoma, WAJob Type: Extra HireJob Number: 24-01060Department: Planning and Public WorksDivision: PPW Long Range PlanningOpening Date: 12/12/2024Closing Date: 12/23/2024 5:59 PM PacificDescription This position is hybrid and expected to last up to six months. Position Summary Why It's a Great Opportunity: As a recent graduate with an emphasis in Urban Planning and interest in agriculture, you will have the opportunity to develop and grow you skill set with hands on experience supporting the Agriculture and Natural Resources program. Some of the work you may support includes updating the Agricultural Industry Strategic Plan under the guidance of the planning manager and other agriculture staff. You will complete a final draft, and co-steward it through the country review process. You will also assist with the grant reviews and working with county grant subject matter experts.The Pierce County 'Right-to-Farm' research project has been a historically high priority issue for the Pierce County agricultural industry as championed by the Agricultural Advisory Committee / Commission. We need to strengthen regulations specifically protect working farms from neighboring activities. You will prepare a white paper in which Right to Farm regulations in other jurisdictions are compared to those Pierce County. The project may include some industry engagement, via the Agricultural Advisory Commission and with other industry partners to collect qualitative local data. Why It's a Great Department: PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County's road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few! Learn more about Planning and Public Works How to be Successful in the Role: We are looking for someone with strong analytical skills, good judgement, the ability to communicate well using Plain Talk, and excellent customer skills. Ideally, we want a candidate that can think outside, is self-motivated with a keen attention to detail.Your Future in this Role: You will have an ideal opportunity to work alongside a team of talented planners, engineers, and community leaders to problem solve and look for efficiencies and strategies to provide improved public service in Pierce County. Your work will directly impact your community and it offers a great foundation for future positions within the PPW Department and Pierce County. Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Perform research, collect, and analyze various statistical and/or technical data related to planning projects.
- Interpret local, state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as they relate to assigned responsibilities and stay abreast of various legislative changes.
- Provide assistance and information to County departments, contractors and the general public regarding a wide range of planning functions, and other related areas.
- May assist in the review and monitoring of programs, projects and applications to ensure compliance with various codes, plans, contracts, agency policies and procedures, and rules and regulations.
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in planning or related field OR any equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
- Positions in specific program areas may require program-related experience, education, and/or training.
- Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis.
- Resume and cover letter
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration. Supplemental Information To be considered for this opportunity please:
- Complete and submit an online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting APPLY above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
- Submit a current resume and cover letter with your application.
- If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at ...@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
- If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
- Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process, or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) ###-####, at least two days prior to the need.
This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews. At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family? We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.Our benefits:Sick LeaveExtra hires are eligible to receive sick leave in accordance with the WA State Minimum Wage Act. Extra hires are not eligible for other County benefits.Social SecurityAll Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Retirement and Deferred CompensationPro-tem Judges in District Court, Pro-tem Superior Court Commissioners, Extra Hires with Retirement, and Work Study Students with Retirement are eligible for Retirement and Deferred Compensation and Social Security.Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment may be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the web site.