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 deep commitment to 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 — 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.

• As a Planning Specialist, you will:
• 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

Please note:

This job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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 (Download PDF reader). 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).

Benefits: 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 at: at:https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). You can learn more about the City’s retirement benefits by reviewing page 2 of the “2026 Most Employee Benefits-at-a-Glance (Download PDF reader)” guide.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees of the Office of Emergency Management are expected to be in-office 3 days per week. Tuesdays and Thursdays are currently the in-office days for the team. 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. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all.

Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!

We’re seeking an innovative, forward-thinking professional with a growth mindset — someone…