Senior Planner - Parks at Whatcom County – Bellingham, Washington

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Whatcom County Parks and Recreation department is seeking an experienced professional to fill a vacant Senior Planner position.

Primary duties include:

• Develop, plan, and oversee implementation of major capital improvement programs
• Coordinate update, renewal, and implementation of Whatcom County's Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
• Manage recreational and natural resource planning for current and future parks, natural areas, trails, and recreational facilities
• Prepares master plans and resource management plans for park development
• Represent the Department in the community and manage robust and inclusive planning-related community input processes

Key traits of an ideal candidate:

• An accomplished park planner committed to excellence in design that is reflective of community needs
• Exceptional personal character and solid interpersonal relations skills
• Well organized written and oral communicator
• Ability to foster collaboration and work effectively with coworkers, community stakeholders, and the public

This is a leadership position within the Department as we guide future development and expansion of our existing system of nearly 74 properties across 16,200 acres of developed and undeveloped parkland, open space, reserves, miles of shoreline and over 79 miles of trails.

Supervisor: Park Design and Development Manager

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

For more information, please review the following:

• Job Description
• Parks & Recreation Website

Salary Range: MCBA Range 210.0

• 2025: $38.80 - $55.81

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

• Requires a bachelor degree in engineering (e.g., civil, transportation, structural), planning (urban, regional, transportation), landscape architecture or closely related field, AND five years of increasingly responsible experience designing and implementing regional and multi-modal path facilities including demonstrated experience with property acquisition, final design and engineering, community and partner engagement, and Federal grant procurement and management.
• Advanced level of computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, ESRI suite of GIS software including ArcMAP ArcGIS Pro, Arc GIS Online, database management, and project management/construction management applications required.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret design drawings, specification, maps, and other technical documents and/or reports required.
• Demonstrated ability using tools to prepare basic maps and visuals to communicate project information (GIS, Bluebeam, Adobe tools, AutoCAD, or Civil 3D) required.
• Knowledge of regional trail standards, specifications and regulatory requirements (AASHTO, FHWA, WSDOT, MUTCD, e.g.) required.

At its sole discretion, Whatcom County may consider combinations of education, experience, certifications, and training in lieu of specifically required qualifications contained herein.