URBAN PLANNER III

The City of Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest City in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the City have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for this Urban Planner III within the Department of Planning & Zoning (P&Z).

An Overview
The Urban Planner III in the Development Division manages for a wide variety of development projects against the City of Alexandria’s Zoning Ordinance, Small Area Plans, design guidelines and other associated documents. The work is performed under the supervision of a Principal Planner in the Development Division.

This Planner will use their experience working with the public and other staff to resolve complex issues. The Planner will work in a team environment and willingly provides efficient and consistent service to the public. This professional will also provide analytical assistance on simple-to- complex development review applications by applying knowledge of planning and zoning regulations and practices in the construction process.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, creative Planner with strong analytical and communication skills. The Urban Planner III is able to manage competing priorities, is comfortable working independently, as well as within a team, and has extensive experience using strong organizing, communicating and multi-tasking skills. This employee applies complex regulations and interprets architectural and construction site plans. Strong customer service skills and experience are utilized to work with the public and business communities. Strong written and verbal skills are needed to write extensive and detailed reports, and to explain complex issues to a variety of stakeholders.

The Opportunity
This position is for an Urban Planner III in the Development Division. Major responsibilities include:

• Independently manage development projects, in close coordination with the project team, including reviewing for compliance with zoning policy, neighborhood plans, design guidelines and any previous approvals; writing staff reports and conditions; conducting inspections and closing out cases;
• Review building permits, site plan revisions, site plan inspections, grading permits and other work that is assigned within the planning area;

• Work with other professional planners on zoning policy and interpretation, neighborhood plans and implementation groups, design guidelines, and development studies and projects;
• Provide customer service to the public as questions arise on new or existing projects within the planning area;
• Public speaking before groups of various sizes and backgrounds, including professional presentations to Boards, Commissions and City Council;
• Staff design advisory and/or implementation groups, to include meeting scheduling and preparation; attend evening community meetings, as needed;
• Write development comments, memos, staff reports, and other materials, as needed for projects, and prepare associated graphics and handouts;
• Collaborate with staff to create and document Department policies and procedures; and
• Perform related work as required.

About the Department
The Department works closely with the community in each area of the City to carry out City Council's Strategic Plan for vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhoods, protected historic resources, and vital local businesses. With the community as our partner in developing neighborhood plans and reviewing proposals for development projects and businesses, we continue to deliver on the Vision we have developed together.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-Year College Degree from an accredited college or university in regional, or urban Planning, or a closely related field such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Physical Sciences, Historic Preservation, or Environmental Studies and five years of relevant planning experience or two years and a Master's Degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Four-Year College Degree plus four years’ experience or Masters’ degree plus 2 years’ experience; two years’ experience in public sector planning; at least two years’ experience working successfully with customers and/or members of the public; the ability to review site plans, surveys and plats; demonstrated strong analytical, written and communication skills; and knowledge of the principles and practices of planning at the local level. Certifications: AICP, LEED or similar preferred.

Notes

This position requires successful completion of pre-employment background checks which will include a criminal history records check.