Job Details

Salary : $117,929.45 - $162,763.89 Annually
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26-00026
Department: Development Services
Division: DS LandUse UrbanDesign
Opening Date: 01/16/2026
Closing Date: 2/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NONAFF

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.
Job Summary
We're looking for a Principal Planner to join our Land Use Division and provide highly specialized expertise in key functional areas and regional initiatives informed by City Council priorities. This senior-level position performs most functions independently and exercises a high degree of professional judgment in advancing, implementing, and integrating complex planning and policy initiatives. The Principal Planner serves as a technical leader within the division, providing expert-level planning services and guidance on complex policy development and high-priority development proposals, while acting as a key liaison to the Code and Policy Division to support the development and implementation of Land Use Code Amendments (LUCAs). This role leads and participates in cross-divisional efforts to streamline permitting processes, supports strategic initiatives aligned with City Council and State mandates, and regularly advises department leadership, city management, boards and commissions, City Council, and diverse stakeholders. While not a formal supervisory position, the Principal Planner provides mentorship and technical direction to planning staff, oversees and coordinates the work of multidisciplinary project teams and workgroups, and may serve as a project manager and manage consultant contracts. The work performed in this role is highly visible and has both immediate and long-term impacts on the implementation of plans and the advancement of city initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and core team member on Land Use Code Amendments under the Land Use Policy Improvement (LUPI) framework.
• Act as the primary liaison between the Land Use Division and the Code and Policy Division to ensure alignment between policy development and project implementation.
• Conduct reviews of draft Land Use Code Amendments (LUCA), text prior to adoption to identify potential conflicts and opportunities.
• Lead or participate in cross-divisional process improvement initiatives to enhance permitting efficiency and customer service.
• Review and provide recommendations on complex development proposals that may include Master Development Plans and Design Reviews applications.
• Collaborate with Planning Managers to ensure consistency and quality of planning work products.
• Mentor junior planning staff and contribute to professional development within the division.
• Represent the department in meetings with developers, community stakeholders, and elected officials as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A master's degree is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in land use planning, strategic planning, implementation, policy development and complex development review processes within the area(s) of expertise, including supervisory experience.
• Experience working in or with local government planning departments.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage high-profile projects.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of:

• Urban planning principles and techniques and the socioeconomic implications of urban planning
• System modeling analysis
• Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to urban planning
• City and community-based organizations and general organizational principles and practices

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials.
• Critically analyze and resolve internal work-related problems.
• Analyze situations from a variety of contexts, including social, economic and political; observe and evaluate trends; analyze data; draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including preparation and delivery of public presentations.
• Interpret administrative guidelines and apply them to the work situation.
• Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple demands; effective problem solving and negotiation.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Policy Analysis
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Communication and Facilitation
• Problem Solving
• Leadership and Mentorship

Supplemental Information
FLEXIBLE/HYBRID WORKING

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period. Remote work for this position is subject to the department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.
HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-###-#### or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-###-####.
** Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.**
The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:
Medical
Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the City's self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).
Dental
Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.
Vision
Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employee's Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:
More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the City's non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture or a related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or above

02

How many years of experience do you have of progressively responsible experience in land use planning, strategic planning, implementation, policy development and complex development review processes within the area(s) of expertise?

• Less than 6 years of experience
• 6-8 years of experience
• 8-10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience

03

Please select all that apply regarding your experience with Land Use Code Development.

• Drafting zoning code
• Revising zoning code
• Testing draft code
• Creating implementation plans
• None of these

04

Briefly describe your project management style. (limit response to 200 words)
05

Briefly describe your leadership roles, including mentoring, supervising, managing teams, or leading projects. (limit response to 200 words)
06

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question