Senior Planner I

Senior Planner I

Department of Community Development

Full-Time, 12 Months

Exempt, Pay Grade 33

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

Performs work of moderate to high complexity in one or more functional areas (i.e. development review, long-range planning, transportation planning, zoning, natural and cultural resource program management, and/or historic preservation). Position requires frequent contact with the public, developers, officials, assessment holders and other internal customers including divisions within Community Development, other governmental & quasi-governmental agencies. Manages or assists projects of significant scale and visibility in collaboration with other County departments, including policy and code updates.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates, reviews, or manages applications and projects of moderate to high complexity.
• Leads reviewer and contact for site development plans, subdivision plats, special use permits, zoning map amendments, special exceptions, wireless communication towers, and other application types.
• Coordinates application review across the department and with several partner agencies.
• Prepares and delivers technical reports and presentations to the public and elected officials.
• Leads or assists with County policy updates, including the Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and Master Plans.
• Provides support to staff leadership with appointed committees, boards, and authorities.
• Interprets applicable zoning and subdivision regulations in order to provide accurate feedback to applicants.
• Researches and analyzes the physical, social and economic impacts of proposed development projects and develops appropriate recommendations.
• Analyzes demographic information; summarizes and presents information and trends; updates databases; creates graphic representations of data, plans, diagrams, maps, design concepts, and processes; and creates graphic layout and text for templates, reports, presentations, and other related work products.
• Represents the County in various public meetings, ranging from neighborhood meetings to Board and Commission meetings.
• Coordinates meetings with developers, the public, and Staff to begin the development review process.
• Assists with or designs, coordinates, and presents information and activities for community engagement events, both in-person and virtual.
• Assists in development of policies for functional areas (including but not limited to Master Plan updates, Housing, Transportation Planning, Historic Preservation, and Natural Resources).
• Provides technical assistance, guidance, and information to the public, land developers, design professionals, associates, boards/commissions and other governmental agencies regarding the development review process, County regulations, long-range planning, application procedures and processing, and related issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and rural planning.
• Comprehensive knowledge of pertinent local, Federal and State laws and related regulations.
• Proficient with independent research, analysis and formulation of recommendations.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills required.
• Coordinate the review of complex projects and ability to clearly and thoroughly present the results effectively in oral, written and graphic form, even under adversarial conditions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, County officials, representatives of other agencies and members of the general public.
• Independently manage complex projects and/or provide support to project managers.
• Review subdivision plats and site plans for compliance with subdivision and zoning ordinance/regulations.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree with a major in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resources management or a related field.
• Two (2) years of relevant professional planning work experience including: 1) reviewing administrative applications such as site development plans and subdivision plats, 2) reviewing legislative applications such as special use permits and zoning map amendments, and 3) interpreting and understanding different state and local codes and regulations.
• OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Computer experience necessary:

• • Proficiency with Microsoft office suite
  • ESRI products and/or navigating GIS web
  • Some experience and ability to use spreadsheets and databases.

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia preferred.
• AICP preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Typically involves walking/standing in an office environment to meet public, give presentations, work with other departments, and retrieving files.
• Site visits may involve walking in fairly rugged terrain.
• Site visits may be required during adverse weather conditions.
• Field work and site visits require spatial interpretation, judging heights, distances, slopes and the like.
• Involves light lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Other physical activities including use of computers and motor vehicle operation.
• Frequent and regular contacts made at all levels of county staff and the general public.
• Communication may require diplomacy, persuasion and tact, including conflict resolution under adversarial conditions.

Remote Work:

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. The ability to work remotely is subject to departmental discretion. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $33.98 - $37.56 per hour (approx. $70,682 - $78,122 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements 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: Application window closes January 10, 2025.

**Please note: This position may be filled as a Planner, Senior Planner I, or Senior Planner II based on experience.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

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