Neighborhood Planner

May be filled as a Planner or Senior 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 – PLANNER - NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNER

Albemarle County is seeking to fill a planning position with a focus on neighborhood planning. The position may be filled as a Planner or Senior Planner, depending on the qualifications of the candidate.

A Neighborhood Planner is responsible for acting as a liaison between community groups, citizens, public officials, and County staff. The job involves leading long range planning efforts, including development of small area plans, corridor plans, and master plan updates. A Neighborhood Planner performs as a responsible and professional team member leading and assisting the community engagement efforts of the Planning Division in the County's Department of Community Development.

 

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

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

• Lead and participate in community visioning exercises in the context of long range planning efforts 
• Act as a staff liaison to neighborhood committees regarding master plans, development proposals, and county capital projects 
• Act as project manager for County priority projects such as master plan updates and small area plans
• Perform or assist in the development of studies/analyses and make recommendations in connection with the current physical, social, and economic development of the County
• Prepare reports and supporting graphic display materials descriptive of research and recommendations and present findings and recommendations in public meetings
• Understand and assess the physical impacts of proposed development on a property
• Attend night meetings and perform site visits

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to provide professional, clear, concise, and accurate communication in both verbal and written form
• Knowledge of community engagement techniques and best practices and experience with facilitation 
• Ability to organize data collection and represent geo-referenced data
• Capable of working with staff teams, policymakers, and the general public
• Experience in the development of long range planning documents 
• Experience preparing and presenting recommendations to elected officials and the public
• Knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the fields of urban and rural planning
• Interest in working on refining the Department’s community engagement philosophy and policies
• Knowledge of principles and best practices of public interest design, equitable and sustainable development, community development and organizing, and/or creative placemaking is a plus
• Experience or interest in reviewing various permit applications, zoning applications, subdivision plats, site plans, rezoning applications, special use permits and associated documents for compliance with the county code, policies, and ordinances is a plus

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 regional planning 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 $45,024 - $54,029 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: $51,830 - $62,196/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