Planner V

Job Announcement

This job opportunity is being re-announced. Applicants who previously applied for this job do not need to re-apply; all applications will be considered.

Fairfax County is one of the largest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia with over 1.1 million people and is strategically located near the federal government in neighboring Washington, D.C. Our vibrant community boasts excellent schools, award winning parks, a highly educated workforce and a quality of life that makes the county a highly desirable location to live and work. This urbanizing county has a history of stable political leadership, effective citizen engagement, and outstanding service delivery. The Department of Planning and Development is shaping the landscape of Fairfax County by promoting equitable, livable, and sustainable communities for present and future generations. At DPD we value meaningful work, diversity, innovative approaches, and thrive in a highly collaborative team environment. The county recently completed an effort to modernize and update its 40-year-old Zoning Ordinance. This project known as zMOD included the creation of new use categories and standards that accommodate new concepts and emerging trends as well as creating a new, streamlined, user friendly document that will be usable on multiple electronic platforms. The county recently transitioned to a central platform (PLUS) to create and submit applications online, pay fees, track application status and receive electronic notifications. Fairfax County is seeking to hire two Branch Chiefs in the Zoning Administration Division of the Department of Planning and Development.

There are three branch chiefs within the Ordinance Administration Section that collectively manage a group of professional planners and/or technical staff that are responsible for administration of the Fairfax County Zoning and Noise Ordinances. The branch chief provides supervision and guidance of assigned staff in the research, development and implementation of zoning text amendments; processing the appeals of Zoning Administrator; the preparation of written responses to inquiries and interpretation requests. The branch chief is a working manager who not only delegates work assignments, monitors work progress, reviews and edits work products of staff for accuracy and consistency with Zoning Ordinance provisions and interpretations, but may also work on high profile special projects. The branch chief may assist the Division Director and Assistant Director with other activities such as the preparation and maintenance of division wide strategic initiatives, including the Zoning Ordinance Work Program, standard operating procedures, development of performance metrics, selection of personnel and the development and presentation of training programs. The Branch Chief serves as a member of the Zoning Administration Division’s management team and is responsible for hiring and training of staff within the branch.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the capability to be a self-starter, to clearly articulate zoning principals both in writing and verbally at meetings and presentations and manage multiple projects. In addition, the ideal candidate will be skilled at leading staff teams and working with others to foster strong partnerships with those in the public and private sector including business and community groups.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a planning related field; Plus seven years of experience in a planning-related field including two years increasingly responsible experience with leading teams, project management and/or staff management.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate has a master’s degree in planning, public administration or closely related field, plus increasingly responsible professional and/or supervisory experience in one or more of the following areas: 1) zoning or other code administration to include writing Zoning Ordinance Amendments and conducting research, analysis and interpretation of specific code requirements; 2) representing the zoning administrator in appeals of determinations or notices of violation before a Board of Zoning Appeals or in court; 3) Site/development plan analysis and review. 4) Strong abilities in written and oral communication and problem-solving skills. Experience working with boards, authorities, commissions and task force or citizen advisory groups. Understanding of Virginia planning and zoning enabling legislation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Job is generally sedentary; however, work assignments may require that the employee make site visits and inspections. Work requires the ability to speak clearly and understandably. Employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items under 10 pounds in weight. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor and employee must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include written exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.