Employment

Current Employment Opportunities –

Planner II Associate Planner – FT: Position open until filled.

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

Why Join Us?

  • Impactful Work: Influence the county’s growth and development through comprehensive planning that aligns the county’s transportation infrastructure and leads long-range plans and policy development.
  • Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement. This is a great opportunity to grow into a long-term or senior role within our community.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability, PERS retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick). This is a non-union, exempt position.
  • Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service. Work closely with stakeholders, elected officials, and community members.
  • 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 State’s 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 bachelor’s 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 position’s 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, boards and commissions, works with local agencies to develop comprehensive plans, capital facilities plan, park and recreation plans and other plans/studies as needed, including but not limited to transportation, land use, and infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude, be an effective communicator and be willing to be part of a small but collaborative work environment.

Description of Duties: 

The following duties are not inclusive of all duties, and the incumbent performs other related duties as required.

General

  1. Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Be organized and detailed oriented with strong interpersonal skills and demonstrate the highest degree of ethical behavior.
  2. Plan/conduct meetings/presentations with individuals and groups to guide the decision-making process; occasional evening sessions.
  3. Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook). Experience with Adobe Acrobat and ArcGIS is preferred.

Planning

  1. Research/prepare/present staff reports, planning documents and recommendations on planning and community development issues as requested by Member Agencies and assigned by the Executive Director. 
  2. Research, develop/edit grant applications for Agency and Member Agencies.
  3. Collect a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps.

Other Duties: Other duties as assigned.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.   

Requires knowledge sufficient to perform the full scope of responsibilities as illustrated by examples in the description of duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of the theories, practices, principles and techniques of public sector planning.
  • Knowledge of Washington State land use including the State Environmental Policy Act, Shoreline Management Act, Critical Areas Ordinances and other related policies and procedures is preferred.
  • Skills in project management.
  • Skills in public presentations, public hearings, meetings, and other public review processes.
  • Ability to perform individually and in a group setting.
  • Ability to prepare and/or assist in researching and compiling facts and data, organizing and writing project reports and studies, developing presentation graphics, progress reporting and record keeping.  
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, co-workers, Member Agency staff and the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.
  • Ability to organize work efficiently to meet deadlines and budget constraints.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in urban/regional planning or related field and TWO years of professional planning experience; or
  • Master’s degree in urban/regional planning or related field and ONE year of professional planning experience.
  • Ability to perform essential functions of the job independently.
  • Knowledge of planning principles, theory and practices required.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experiences sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.
  • Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s license and a driving record.

The Grays Harbor Council of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on disability, race, gender, religion, age or ethnic origin.

Application Requirements

  1. Letter of interest
  2. Detailed resume  
  3. Completion of Supplemental Questionnaire
  4. Two writing samples of planning work (see question #4 of Supplemental Questionnaire)
Submission:

Please submit all application materials in PDF format to:

Natalie Jensen, Office Coordinator, njensen@ghcog.org

Questions

Please contact Vicki Cummings, Executive Director

vcummings@ghcog.org or 360.537.4386

Living & Working in Grays Harbor

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Grays Harbor County is a hidden gem that offers a rare combination of natural beauty, a relaxed pace of life, and rewarding professional opportunities. Located in Aberdeen, WA, the Grays Harbor Council of Governments plays a vital role in enhancing the region through transportation and brownfield redevelopment projects. We invite you to consider joining our team, where you can contribute to meaningful community projects while enjoying a quality of life that’s hard to find in more crowded, metropolitan areas.

Grays Harbor County is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches. Here, you can explore miles of hiking and walking trails, kayak along serene waterways, or enjoy world-class fishing, mushroom foraging, surfing, and wildlife watching. The area’s small-town charm, coupled with its array of outdoor adventures, creates a unique environment where you can balance professional fulfillment with personal well-being. Take a look at the Top 10 Things to Do in Grays Harbor.

Living in Grays Harbor means enjoying a lower cost of living and escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life, while still having access to cultural and recreational amenities. With a welcoming community that takes pride in its rich history and natural surroundings, you’ll find that Grays Harbor is not just a place to work, but a place to truly call home. Check out the Top Five Reasons to Move to Grays Harbor.

Come be a part of a community that values both progress and preservation, and discover why Grays Harbor County is the perfect place to live, work, and thrive. Learn more from Greater Grays Harbor .