Chief of Zoning / Deputy Zoning Administrator

Community Development Department

Full-Time, 12 Months

Exempt, Pay Grade 20, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

THE POSITION – CHIEF OF ZONING / DEPUTY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR

The Chief of Zoning / Deputy Zoning Administrator performs complex professional and administrative work in the administration of the Zoning Ordinance and portions of the County Code. Assists the Zoning Administrator in the overall administration of the Division of Zoning including overseeing various programs.  Functions as Zoning Administrator when he/she is absent.  Supervision is exercised over Division personnel.

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is influential, approachable, motivated and respectful
• Demonstrates situational leadership skills that motivates personnel
• Manages personnel in a way that properly balances the needs of the department with the needs of the employee, without avoiding hard decisions or micromanaging
• Strong communication skills for audiences that might include elected officials, boards and committees, public, or news media
• Likes to work in teams with a strong emphasis on collaboration
• 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 complex, difficult and consistent decisions or interpretations
• Is receptive, helpful and responsive to internal and external customers
• Is trustworthy, honest, and ethical
• Can manage adversity and demonstrates fairness in all matters as well as a willingness to positively work through conflict
• Is willing and able to learn new material and technology

THE DEPARTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The mission of the Department of Community Development (CDD) 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.

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.

THE EXPECTATIONS

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Functions as Zoning Administrator in his/her absence and in meetings.  Functions as Deputy Zoning Administrator, including rendering rulings, decisions and interpretations on zoning matters;
• Manages staff and activities relating to administering the Zoning Ordinance;
• Responsible for administrative tasks including personnel and budget administration;
• Responsible for review of applications before the Board of Zoning Appeals such as variances, appeals and certain special permits, including the preparation and presentation of reports and implementation of Board actions;
• Responsible for research, review and collaboration (with staff, the public, various Boards, committees and citizen groups) to review, develop and/or implement planning/zoning initiatives and applications;
• Responsible for developing and implementing zoning ordinance amendments;
• Responsible for research, evaluation and continuing improvement of existing and proposed policies, practices and techniques;
• Directs the development of studies, analyses and recommendations in connection with various planning/zoning topics or specific projects;
• Prepares technical letters and reports descriptive of research and recommendations;
• Responsible for providing land use regulation information to customers;

• Other duties as assigned.

This position is responsible for oversight of following programs as assigned:

• Proffer implementation;
• Review of various zoning applications, including building permits, clearances, home occupations and certificates of occupancy;
• Official zoning maps and the zoning information in the County computer information systems;
• Zoning site inspections for proposed development in the County, including handling complex issues in plans, plats and inspections;
• Zoning enforcement, including the investigation of zoning complaints and achieving compliance in cases of County Code and Zoning Ordinance violations;

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a Master’s degree and a minimum 5 years of experience in planning or zoning OR Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 7 years of experience in planning or zoning.  Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in planning or related preferred.  Supervisory experience mentoring and managing required.  Must have a background facilitating and working in a team environment as well as experience relating to program implementation.  American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the advanced principles and practices of planning and zoning as applied to interpretation of the County regulations and review of proposed land uses, considerable knowledge of routine legal procedures related to enforcement against noncompliance;  comprehensive knowledge of pertinent local, Federal and State laws and related regulations; ability to independently analyze complex zoning problems and situations which could escalate into hazardous conditions and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action; strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills required; ability to communicate complex issues effectively in oral, written and graphic form.  Strong ability to coach, supervise and evaluate subordinates; ability to lead and facilitate in an empowered team environment; ability to deal effectively with internal and external customers, including the general public and various boards; working skill in the use of technology and of zoning equipment.

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Work is typically performed in an office setting, but requires occasional visits to work, construction and home sites throughout the County. Occasional traversing of difficult terrain sometimes in adverse weather conditions; lifting and carrying moderate weight objects (20 lbs); maneuvering through heavy construction sites or sites with metals and other material requiring care. Occasional operation of a vehicle and field measurement is also required. Tasks may require alertness to avoid potentially hazardous conditions. Regular contact with the public, developers, agencies, boards, commissions and interest or neighborhood groups is required. Must use sound judgment, clear communication tact and impartiality to resolve sensitive and complex issues. Occasional contact with court and police officials is necessary.

THE HIRING SALARY RANGE

The hiring salary range for this position is $63,380 - $76,056 per year depending on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The position also provides 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. This is a full time, FLSA Exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy,§P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled

You may find more information at the Albemarle County Human Resources page http://www.albemarle.org/hr.

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