Zoning Permit Planner
(May be filled as a Senior Permit Planner)

Community Development Department—Zoning Division

Full-Time, 12 Months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 15, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

(Pay Grade 17 for Senior Planner)

Albemarle County is seeking to fill a permit planning position. This position may be filled as a Planner or Senior Planner, depending on the qualifications of the candidate. We currently need a planner who will specialize in zoning reviews relating to building permits and various zoning  applications.  As time allows, work also involves zoning determinations, ordinance amendments, variances and other planning/zoning work.

The Permit Planner performs as a responsible and professional team member. Performs professional work in the handling of a variety of assignments in the County's Department of Community Development – Zoning Division; does related work as required.

THE DEPARTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Why work for Albemarle County?

Albemarle County is one of the most desirable locations in Virginia and in the nation, with a wealth of cultural, historic and recreational amenities in a beautiful setting. From the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail to the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County offers a wide range of recreation and entertainment and a high quality of life. 

Albemarle County is a well-established and highly desirable destination for regional, national and international tourists. World Heritage sites, including Monticello and the University of Virginia, are here, along with the homes of Presidents Madison and Monroe. Our community rounds out the visitor experience with a focus on local music, food, agritourism, wineries, breweries and cideries.

Albemarle has a strong Comprehensive Plan and a clear vision for the future. Albemarle envisions a community with:

• Abundant natural, rural resources and healthy ecosystems featuring a network of mountains, valleys, rivers, streams, forests, farms, and meadows
• Exceptional educational opportunities featuring the County’s public and private schools, college, and university
• Exceptionally active and vibrant Development Areas featuring livable neighborhoods with places to shop and worship
• A physical environment that supports healthy lifestyles featuring parks, greenways, and recreational areas
• A thriving economy featuring strong business and industry, the University of Virginia, and other governmental agencies
• Abundant historic, cultural and scenic resources featuring Monticello, the City of Charlottesville and the University of Virginia as partners in the community                                                                         

Albemarle County is governed by an elected six-member Board of Supervisors. Management of the County is vested in a Board-appointed County Executive.  The Department of Community Development mission is to implement this vision for the future of Albemarle County through a proactive community planning effort that involves all stakeholders in a consensus building process and ensures that all new development reflects that community vision. Community Development strives to achieve a future community of quality development, protected natural resources, vital business activity, and livable, walkable neighborhoods.

The Department of Community Development (CDD) mission is to create a vision for the future of Albemarle County through a proactive community planning effort that involves all stakeholders in a consensus building process and ensures that all new development reflects the community's vision. Community Development strives to achieve a future community of quality development, protected natural resources, vital business activity, and livable, walkable neighborhoods.

The Zoning Division, in which you would be a key player, is a critical component of the Community Development Department and is a gatekeeper in the realization of actions undertaken by the County Executive and the Board of Supervisors. Zoning is comprised of staff that work to ensure that activities relating to land use comply with the County's Zoning Ordinance and certain other County Code Chapters.

Please consider applying if you:

• Are capable, innovative, and wish to be a player empowered to make this vision happen.
• Have a diverse set of skills ranging from construction and development to plan reviews.
• Want to be a part of a high-performance team serious about making a better community.

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is influential, approachable, motivated and respectful
• Is innovative, takes initiative, and maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities
• Is a strong “connector” who fosters positive, productive relationships within the department and County government as well as throughout the broader community
• Demonstrates exceptional Emotional Intelligence with excellent communication skills
• Can handle changing priorities and tasks and manage projects through to completion while maintaining high standards of accuracy
• Can make consistent judgments or interpretations while remaining dedicated to preserving policies and procedures;
• Is trustworthy, honest, and ethical
• Can manage adversity and demonstrates fairness in all matters as well as a willingness to make tough decisions
• Is willing and able to learn new material and technology

EXPECTATIONS

Key Expectations of a Permit Review Focus

• Ability to function as a Zoning Administrator for the purpose of review and issuance of building permits, certificates of occupancy and zoning clearances.
• Ability to review and approve other zoning applications, such as sign permits, various levels of home occupation permits and farm building permits.
• Assist applicants and customers with the submittal of applications.
• Ability to read and understand site plans and building plans.
• Review and write zoning determinations for compliance, parking modifications and development rights.
• Perform quality control of applications submitted to the County for review
• Provide professional, clear/concise and accurate communication (both verbal and written) to citizens, applicants, and committees/commissions.
• Regularly utilizes a variety of computer programs and websites to research and verify information as it pertains to the Zoning Ordinance and certain County Codes
• Performs routine office tasks, such as typing, filing, faxing, phoning, copying, and use of complex computer software programs
• Troubleshoots problems and identifies best practices
• Attends staff meetings to exchange information, collaborate ideas and solutions; attends classes for professional development
• Research background information
• Perform site visits

QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in urban and/or regional planning or a related field, and one year minimum of relevant experience. Construction experience/knowledge is helpful.  Computer experience necessary: proficiency with word processing and GIS; some experience and ability to use spreadsheets and databases. Experience working effectively and successfully in team settings. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Ability to convey complex issues, policies, and ordinances to citizens, the development community and board/committee members in a professional, clear, concise, and accurate manner, in both verbal and written form
• Ability to understand and assess the physical impacts of proposed development on a property
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of site design, and land use compatibility
• Project management skills helpful
• Ability to read site plans and building plans helpful
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment in arriving at recommendations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, the public and representatives of other public agencies, boards and committees
• May include presentation of findings and recommendations in public meetings

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Typically involves walking/standing in an office environment to meet public, show displays, work with other departments and retrieve files. Also involves light lifting and other physical activities including use of computers and motor vehicle operation (approximately once every one or two weeks). Field reviews may involve walking in fairly rugged terrain. Field review may be required during adverse weather conditions. Field work requires spatial interpretation, judging heights, distances, slopes and the like. Frequent and regular contacts made at all levels of county staff and the general public, possibly requiring use of alternative approaches to influence outcome. Communication is generally cooperative, but sometimes characterized by debate requiring diplomacy, persuasion and tact. Conflict resolution responsibilities increase as job classification increases.

HIRING SALARY RANGE (PLANNER): $44,578 - $53,494/Yearly, depending on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

Hiring Salary Range for Senior Planner: $51,317 - $61,580/Yearly, depending on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday, June 30, 2017, 5:00 p.m. EST

To review the full Job Description and for additional information visit the Albemarle County Human Resources page at http://www.albemarle.org/hr.

EEO/EOE