Senior Planner II

About the position Performs work of moderate to high complexity primarily in the functional area of development review, (may work in other functional areas such as long-range planning, transportation planning, zoning, natural and cultural resource program management, and/or historic preservation). Position requires frequent contact with the public, developers, officials, and other internal customers including divisions within Community Development, and other governmental & quasi-governmental agencies. Manages or assists projects of significant scale and visibility in collaboration with other County departments, including policy and code updates. Responsibilities • Coordinates, reviews, or manages applications and projects of moderate to high complexity; Lead reviewer and contact for site development plans, subdivision plats, special use permits, zoning map amendments, special exceptions, wireless communication towers, and other application types • Coordinates application review across the department and with several partner agencies • Prepares and delivers technical reports and presentations to the public and elected officials • Leads or assists with County policy updates, including the Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and Master Plans • Provides support to staff leadership with appointed committees, boards, and authorities • Interprets applicable zoning and subdivision regulations in order to provide accurate feedback to applicants • Researches and analyzes the physical, social and economic impacts of proposed development projects and develops appropriate recommendations • Represents the County in various public meetings, ranging from neighborhood meetings to Board and Commission meetings • Coordinates meetings with developers, the public, and Staff to begin the development review process. • Provides technical assistance, guidance, and information to the public, land developers, design professionals, associates, boards/commissions and other governmental agencies regarding the development review process, County regulations, long-range planning, application procedures and processing, and related issues • Analyzes demographic information; summarizes and presents information and trends; updates databases; Creates graphic representations of data, plans, diagrams, maps, design concepts, and processes; and creates graphic layout and text for templates, reports, presentations, and other related work products • Assists with or designs, coordinates, and presents information and activities for community engagement events, both in-person and virtual • Assists in development of policies for functional areas (including but not limited to Master Plan updates, Housing, Transportation Planning, Historic Preservation, and Natural Resources) • Researches and analyzes information from the following sources to develop appropriate recommendations and guidance on applications and other project initiatives: Input from community members, Input from internal and external reviewing authorities, Demographics, physical, social, and economic impacts, Urban and rural land-use patterns, Geographic data using GIS software such as ArcPro, Comprehensive plan recommendations, Impacts on cultural, historic, and natural resources, Urban design; and Infrastructure impacts and considerations. Requirements • Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and rural planning • Comprehensive knowledge of pertinent local, Federal and State laws and related regulations • Proficient with independent research, analysis and formulation of recommendations • Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills required • Coordinate the review of complex projects and ability to clearly and thoroughly present the results effectively in oral, written and graphic form, even under adversarial conditions • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, County officials, representatives of other agencies and members of the general public • Independently manage complex projects and/or provide support to project managers • Review subdivision plats and site plans for compliance with subdivision and zoning ordinance/regulations. • Master’s degree with a major in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resources management or a related field • Four (4) years of relevant professional planning work and project management experience (Two (2) years of experience for Senior Planner I) • OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities • Computer experience necessary: Proficiency with Microsoft office suite ESRI products and/or navigating GIS web Some experience and ability to use spreadsheets and databases. Nice-to-haves • Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia preferred. • AICP preferred. Benefits • excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities Apply Now Apply Now