Description | Internal Only
Principal Planner
Community Development Department
Full-Time, 12 Months
Exempt, Pay Grade 19, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible
THE POSITION – PRINCIPAL PLANNER
Albemarle County is seeking to fill a Principal Planner position. The Principal Planner will oversee comprehensive and neighborhood planning activities for the County, with emphasis on land use and community planning and/or may assist in coordination of development review processes. Development review may also involve review of specific rezoning, special use permit – possibly site plans or subdivision plat projects as needed.
The Principal 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; 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 the nation, with a wealth of cultural, historical 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
Essential expertise includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices and techniques of urban and rural planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and rural areas, planning research, zoning and community development activities, including some knowledge of economics, sociology, and municipal finance;
- Experience in the development of long-range planning documents;
- Ability to coordinate and manage complex projects by project teams and present the results effectively in oral, written and graphic form; knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, the public and representatives of other public agencies, boards, and committees;
- Oversee and participate in the process of engaging citizens and provide support for citizen committee needs related to land development. Knowledge of community engagement techniques and best practices;
- 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 act as liaison with neighborhood and community interests regarding community visioning and development proposals;
- May include planning and supervising the work of others;
- Attend night meetings and perform site visits.
Experience preferred for Development Review support
- Assist applicants and customers with the submittal of applications and perform quality control of applications submitted to the County for review;
- Experience or interest in reviewing various zoning applications, subdivision plats, site plans, rezoning applications, special use permits and associated documents for compliance with the county code, policies, and ordinances;
- Ability to research and analyze the physical, social and economic impacts of proposed development projects and develop appropriate recommendations;
- Assist planning, zoning, and management staff with administrative and clerical tasks.
Experience a plus in any or all of the following areas:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban design, historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, site design, and land use compatibility
- Experience with housing: policy, LMI assessment, and related issues, and CDBG administration
- Experience with management and supervising the work of others
THE QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, supplemented by a master’s degree in urban and/or regional planning and a minimum of three years experience in professional planning work. 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. Fieldwork 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 the 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 $59,664 - $71,596 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: Wednesday, July 25, 2018, 5:00 p.m. EST
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
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