Job Description

Performs intermediate-level professional work in the handling of a variety of assignments in the Department of Planning and Zoning; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision of a more senior level planner. 

Planner II:
The hiring range for this position is from $71,052.80 to $97,697.60 based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is from $71,052.80 to $124,342.40 to provide opportunity for growth and development.

Planner III:
The hiring range for this position is from $76,044.80 to $104,561.60 based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is from $76,044.80 to $133,078 to provide opportunity for growth and development.

Examples of Duties

• Performs or assists in the development of studies, analyses, and recommendations in connection with the current and long-range physical, social, and economic development of the County;
• Gathers, selects, compiles, and analyzes data pertaining to characteristics of the area;
• Analyzes and summarizes existing conditions, derives conclusions, and develops projections such as for population trends, highway needs, land use, etc.;
• Manages and reviews complex subdivision and plan, site plans, and plat applications;
• Manages and reviews complex applications for re-zoning, conditional use permits, and Comprehensive Plan Compliance reviews;
• Assists with the development and implementation of the County Comprehensive Plan and other long range planning tasks, including proffer tracking and growth scenario modeling;
• Prepares reports and supporting graphic display materials descriptive of research and recommendations;
• Regularly interacts with internal and external customers with matters relating to comprehensive planning, site development, and application submittal and review;
• Assists with the County Land Conservation Program;
• Serves as staff assistant to various boards, commissions, and committees;
• Prepares presentations and presents information in a public setting;
• Acts as technical advisors, within field of specializations, to other planners with the department;
• Assists with training of new personnel;
• Provides direction to planning technicians and lower level planners;
• Assists with the background research and planning involved in the implementation of any Board of Supervisors’ future vision and/or strategic priorities;
• Tracks the implementation of development proffers; and
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning; 
• General knowledge of land development and engineering practices; 
• General knowledge of economics, sociology and municipal finance as applied to urban planning; 
• General knowledge of State and Local code requirements;
• General knowledge of Geographic Information Systems;
• Some knowledge of current literatures and recent developments in the field of urban planning; 
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports; 
• Ability to prepare and present technical information clearly and in an interesting manner to lay groups and the public; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, and representatives of other public agencies; 
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of technical personnel.

Education and Experience

Planner II:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field, and 3 years of experience in professional planning work.

Planner III:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field, 5 years of experience in professional planning work, and 1 year of leadership experience or previous leadership/supervisory training is required. This may include completion of training courses focused on leadership or supervisory development.

Possession of industry certifications issued by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) preferred.