Transportation Planner

May be filled as a Senior Transportation Planner

Community Development Department

Full-Time, 12 Months

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

(Pay Grade 17 for Senior Planner)

THE POSITION – TRANSPORTATION PLANNER

Albemarle County is seeking to fill new planning positions, including a transportation planner. A position may be filled as a Planner or Senior Planner, depending on the qualifications of the candidate and may have duties other than transportation including: development review, neighborhood planning.

The Planner performs professional work in the handling of a variety of assignments as a professional team member of the County's Department of Community Development and 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. Albemarle County’s office is located in downtown Charlottesville, steps away from the downtown pedestrian mall, a mixed-use destination with first-class restaurants, shops, breweries, art galleries and frequent festivals and concerts. Albemarle County is home to the University of Virginia, which is a short bike ride from the office and offers opportunities for cultural and educational enrichment.

The Department of Community Development (CDD) mission is to implement Albemarle County’s vision for its 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.  We aim to achieve this vision by implementing place-based transportation and transit-oriented development, form-based and performance zoning, design templates, visual analysis and more.

THE EXPECTATIONS

Transportation Planning experience preferred in any or all of the following areas:

• Knowledge of multi-modal transportation planning and priority setting
• Ability to act as liaison with neighborhood and community interests regarding transportation issues and program development
• Ability to identify projects for inclusion in transportation planning and funding programs such as state and federal programs, MPO plans, the County's CIP, and transit budgeting
• Ability to coordinate with various transportation agencies and departments in implementing projects
• Experience with development review as it pertains to providing for transportation improvements consistent with plans/priorities.
• Experience working with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) programs and procedures, elected officials and neighborhoods
• Have other skills or experience with transportation,
• Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and/or other design software
• Experience with road design review/costing, urban design/visualization, historic preservation, green/blue infrastructure, economic development, zoning, form-based and/or performance-based codes, code writing and/or enforcement, management/supervision.

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

• Assist planning and management staff with administrative and clerical tasks
• Assist applicants and customers with the submittal of applications and perform quality control of applications submitted to the County for review
• Ability to understand and assess the physical impacts of proposed development on a property, and research background information
• Knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the fields of urban and rural planning
• Some knowledge of economics, sociology and municipal finance as applied to urban and rural planning
• Attend night meetings and perform site visits
• Ability to convey complex issues, policies, transportation mechanics, 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. Present findings and recommendations in public meetings
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, the public and representatives of other public agencies, boards and committees

Experience in Development Review a plus

• Experience or interest in reviewing  subdivision plats, site plans, rezoning applications, special use permits and associated documents for compliance with the county code, policies, and ordinances
• Ability to understand and assess the physical impacts of proposed development on a property, and research background information
• Ability to assist applicants and citizens with the application and review process
• Ability to provide professional, clear, concise, and accurate communication in both verbal and written form

Experience in Neighborhood Planning a plus

• Knowledge of community engagement techniques and best practices
• Capable of working with staff teams, policymakers, and the general public
• Experience preparing and assembling planning reports including presentations, maps and graphics.
• Experience in the development of long range planning documents
• Ability to act as liaison with neighborhood and community interests regarding community visioning and development proposals

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in urban and/or regional planning, engineering or a related field, and one-year minimum of relevant experience. 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.

THE 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.

THE HIRING SALARY RANGE

The hiring salary range for this position is $44,578 - $53,494 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 Non-exempt position. 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: Open Until Filled (this posting will remain open for a minimum of 10 days)

You may find full job descriptions and information at the Albemarle County Human Resources page http://www.albemarle.org/hr.

Learn more about the County as a great place to live at: New Resident Guide

EEO/EOE