Planning Specialist

Overview

Join us in shaping Seattle’s resilience! The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) partners with communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We promote public awareness, build community preparedness, and assess potential hazards to protect lives and property. OEM is nationally recognized for its innovative approach and equity-driven planning. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to help us create plans that reflect Seattle’s diverse communities.

We’re hiring for a Planning Specialist who excels in collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Your work ensures Seattle is ready for all hazards by building plans that reflect community needs and foster resilience. You’ll collaborate with diverse stakeholders, co-create innovative solutions, and work to advance equity in emergency management.

• Develop and maintain emergency plans

• Seattle’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)

• Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP)

• Hazard-specific plans and mitigation strategies

• Ensure plans are inclusive and equity-driven

• Align with the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative Ordinance

• Integrate demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic considerations

• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders

• City departments, regional partners, and community organizations

• Facilitate planning work groups and interdepartmental teams

• Support emergency operations

• Serve as a rotating Staff Duty Officer (24/7 on-call)

• Respond during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement

• Incorporate community feedback into planning

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and outcomes

• Professional experience in emergency management, planning, project management, or related fields

• Training or education in emergency management or a related field is beneficial

• Ability to innovate and improve processes while listening and incorporating feedback from stakeholders and community members

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly

• Collaboration and teamwork skills to engage diverse partners and integrate equity considerations

• Project management expertise to balance competing priorities and deliver results

• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social equity and ability to serve diverse communities with respect and empathy

• Ability to work evenings/weekends during emergencies and maintain composure under pressure

• Certifications such as ICS 100/200, IS 700/800, or FEMA Professional Development Series are preferred and may be required within 12 months of hire

• A valid Washington State driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 3 months of hire

This full-time, overtime-exempt position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, CL&PS, and reports to the Emergency Planning Program Manager. It is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC
17-Strategic Advisor Unit, and is part of the Civil Service. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. After a pay equity and budget analysis, the targeted salary for this role is $ annually ($60.30/hr).

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website. The retirement benefits guide is also available for review.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees are expected to be in-office 3 days per week. Tuesdays and Thursdays are currently in-office days. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. We are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Join us in building a Seattle where…