URBAN PLANNER II
PERMIT CENTER

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 150,000 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 our Urban Planner II position.

An Overview
The Urban Planner II position is for a highly motivated, creative and responsible candidate with strong analytical and communication skills. The Urban Planner II will administer the City of Alexandria's Zoning Ordinance to a wide variety of projects. This position is part of the Land Use Services Division and rotates coverage at the Planning and Zoning counter located in the Multi-Agency Permit Center to provide customer service to the public. The work is performed under the supervision of the Zoning Manager and higher level Urban Planner(s).

What You Should Bring
You should be highly motivated and able to provide analytical assistance on simple-to-moderately complex development review applications by applying knowledge of planning and zoning regulations and policies to actual construction and business projects. The ability to manage competing priorities is critical. You should have extensive experience using strong organizing, communicating and multi-tasking skills. We need your ability to apply complex regulations and interpret architectural and construction site plans. Experience working with the public and other staff to resolve complex issues is imperative. The Urban Planner II must have a desire to work as part of a team environment and be willing to provide efficient and consistent service to the public. The preferred candidate will have knowledge of Historic Preservation and/or the ability to use scales and review surveys/plats.

A successful person this position is helpful to the public and to the business and construction communities but is also able to deny project applications when necessary. This person should be fully able to understand and apply complex regulations and policies to real world situations.

The Opportunity

• Administering the zoning and subdivision regulations in the review of building permits, applications for business licenses, applications for outdoor dining, portable commercial signs and certificates of occupancy, and interfacing with other City department staff;
• Providing customer service to the public on a daily basis in the multi-agency permit center;
• Working with other professional planners on zoning policy, neighborhood planning, demographics, and development studies and projects;
• Tracking the Department's review and approval of building and trade permits, and managing programs and projects;
• Collaborating with staff to create and document Department policies and procedures.

About The Department
The Department of Planning and Zoning 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; three years of experience or Master's degree with one year experience; 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 of experience or Masters's degree and two years of experience; at least three years' experience in zoning administration/compliance; at least three years' experience working successfully with customers an/or members of the public; knowledge of Historic Preservation; the ability to use scales; the ability to review surveys/plats; demonstrated strong analytical and communication skills; and knowledge of the principles and practices of planning at the local level is preferred.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.