Senior Planner

May be filled as a Planner

Community Development Department

Full-Time, 12 Months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 17, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

(Pay Grade 15 for  Planner)

THE POSITION – SENIOR PLANNER

Albemarle County is seeking to fill a senior planner position within the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. The position may be filled as a Senior Planner or Planner, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, and will have a focus on development review.

The Senior Planner will be tasked with reviewing a wide variety of development applications including site plans, subdivisions, rezonings, special use permits, and related work as required. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and an independent worker with strong writing and communications skills, as this person will regularly make presentations, respond to inquiries, and systhesize and translate complex technical planning information for decision makers and the public-at-large.

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

• Conduct development plan review using the County’s ordinances and policies
• Assist applicants and customers with the submittal of applications and perform quality control of applications submitted to the County for review
• 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. Present findings and recommendations in public meetings
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, the public and representatives of other public agencies, boards, and committees
• Attend night meetings and perform site visits
• Maintain knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the fields of urban and rural planning

Experience preferred

• Experience or interest in reviewing various subdivision plats, site plans, rezoning applications, special use permits and associated documents for compliance with code, policies, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, zoning, and land use including a broad knowledge and experience in multiple phases/areas of planning (long range, transportation, environmental, economic development). The Planning Division encourages and fosters staff to take on a variety of projects to the extent workload permits
• Ability to research and analyze the physical, social and economic impacts of proposed development projects and develop appropriate recommendations
• Project management

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, landscape architecture or a related field, 2 years minimum of relevant experience required. AICP is desirable. Computer experience necessary: proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; some experience and ability to use spreadsheets,databases, and GIS. 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 $52,348 - $62,818 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 Planner:$45,474 - $54,569 per year, 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