CLASS SUMMARY

Performs responsible supervisory, professional and management work in the administration of a division in the area of City planning, design, development implementation, zoning, or community development.

EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Outlines studies and directs the preparation of reports and plans for land use; neighborhood plans; the layout of subdivisions; recommendations on zonings, permits, PUD's, etc.; the location of special uses; the general layout of an arterial street system; living conditions, design of public buildings, correction of unhealthful housing conditions; and preparation of the comprehensive plan for the City.
  • Supervises the planning, developing and coordination of planning and development projects, including economic positioning, development master planning and project implementation.
  • Develops plans relative to the environment, urban economic positioning, the conservation, rehabilitation and redevelopment of residential and non-residential areas, for building studies and analysis, community development programs, growth management plans, capital improvement programs, economic development programs, annexation programs and the implementation of the comprehensive City plan.
  • Develops methods, and directs and participates in the compilation and analysis of planning data and research related to the development of the general plan of the City to include population, economic and land use trends, housing conditions, etc. Participates in the development of departmental policy.
  • Reviews and prepares recommendations on current and long-range planning problems and opportunities. Supervises studies on rezoning, development coding, population forecasts, growth management, economic development and annexation proposals, and prepares recommendations.
  • Participates in processing rezoning petitions, development applications and land subdivisions.
  • Answers inquiries and letters on urban development, meets the public in administering land use regulations; assists developers in design and development problems.
  • Coordinates with other departments and other agencies. Presents reports and recommendations.
  • Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Entry Requirements:

  • Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in a major field of study related to city planning or community development functions; AND
  • Experience: Completion of at least six years’ experience commensurate with the degree, including at least two years as a responsible senior supervisor.
  • Substitution: Completion of coursework toward an advanced degree in city planning or directly related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for non-supervisory experience.
  • License: Possession a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Promotional Requirements:

  • Experience: Completion of at least two years’ experience with the City as a Senior Planner (SPN 258).
  • License: Possession a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Note: Selection of a Senior Administrative Assistant, Rule V, Section 8, Rules of the Civil Service Commission, applies. "All candidates who pass the examination will be certified for the vacancy together in the order of their final scores and without regard to promotion preference."

EXAMINATION DETAILS

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, the City will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), with scoring weight assigned as follows:

  • T&E 100%

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Training and Experience examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

  • Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, June 23, 2025, and Monday, July 7, 2025, will test Thursday, July 10, 2025, through Monday, July 14, 2025.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION DETAILS:

  • Copies of your college or university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) may be a required part of this application and will be used to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications, as posted on the job announcement.
  • Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
  • Failure to complete all the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
  • Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
  • "See Resume" or "See above," etc., and copy/paste from a previous answer are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

BENEFIT COMPENSATION VALUE

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $31,097 - $38,667.

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.

Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical

Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.

Vision

Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental

Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only

Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)

Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account

The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC

Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.

LegalShield/ID Shield

Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.

Pet Insurance

Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

Continued Medical/Dental Insurance

Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Spokane Employees' Retirement System

The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.

Deferred Compensation

Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $150/month.

PAID TIME OFF

Official Holidays

The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Floating Holidays

48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.

Vacation Leave

Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Sick Leave

Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.

Other Leaves

The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.

Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program

The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.

Revised March 15, 2022

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Confirmed an hour ago. Posted 12 days ago.

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