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Urban Planner I / II

Employer
City Of Alexandria Virginia
Location
Alexandria, VA
Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Closing date
Nov 12, 2019

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Job Details

Urban Planner I / II

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 I/II positions.

An Overview
The selected candidates for either the Urban Planner I or Urban Planner II will administer the City of Alexandria's Zoning Ordinance to a wide variety of projects within the Land Use Services Division, provides technical and administrative support to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and assists with coverage at the Planning and Zoning counter located in the Multi-Agency Permit Center to provide customer services to the public.The work is performed under the supervision of the Zoning Manager and Division Chief.

This advertisement is accepting candidates for both Urban Planner I and Urban Planner II candidates.

Aa an Urban Planner I , you will perform research and analysis of technical data in the field of City planning including architectural review and historic preservation. An Urban Planner I may conduct planning studies and architectural reviews, analyzing data collected, and developing recommendations. Responsibilities include assisting the public in applying planning and zoning information to private project and land use plans primarily at the Zoning Counter of the City's Multi-Agency Permit Center and within P&Z's main office.

As an Urban Planner II , you will perform journey level professional planning work involving research, analysis, development, presentation or interpretation of concepts and data pertaining to city and urban planning and plan implementation. An Urban Planner II may serve as staff to the Board of Zoning Appeals (Board) providing professional expertise in advising the Board in the fields zoning and land use. Incumbents in this class, as project leaders, may plan, coordinate, and review the work of other planners or may serve as key staff within the Permit Center.

The Ideal Candidate
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 and the 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. This Urban Planner I and 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 incumbent will also have knowledge of the plan review process for projects falling within, and outside, Historic Preservation areas.

The ideal candidate must have good knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of public sector planning, knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, engineering and physical design as applied to city planning. Must be able to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information, but not limited to approving and denying project applications when necessary. Must be able to efficiently use scales in the review and analysis of surveys/plats and have experience with Geographic Information System and design software.

The Opportunity
  • Administer and interpret applicable state and local codes, ordinances, plans and regulations in the review of various development applications including plats, site plans, building permits, applications for business licenses, special use permits, variance requests, re-zonings, applications for outdoor dining, signs, and certificates of occupancy;
  • Provide customer service to the public daily in the multi-agency permit center serving as the first point of contact for customers seeking zoning/historic district/planning approval as part of their permit application process;
  • Provide information to the public regarding development regulations;
  • Assist in resolving citizen and customer issues;
  • Prepare and present detailed formal and technical working papers, correspondence, and reports on development proposals to government bodies;
  • Write, or assist in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls;
  • Work with other City staff and professional planners on zoning policy, neighborhood planning, demographics, and development studies and projects;
  • Collaborate with staff to create and document Department policies and procedures;
  • Conduct field evaluations and assessments;
  • Manage programs and projects such as outdoor dining and wayfinding signage programs;
  • Track the Department's review and approval of building and trade permits; and
  • Attend, as may be necessary, evening and weekend meetings; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

About the Department
The Department of Planning and Zoning works closely with communities to carry out the City's Strategic Plan, fostering amenity-rich, service-oriented and equity-balanced neighborhoods; protecting historic and cultural resources; and supporting diverse and creative businesses. In developing neighborhood plans, reviewing development proposals, and promoting economic vitality, we continue our commitment to collaborate with all stakeholder groups to honor the character of each neighborhood and to strengthen and sustain them, and Alexandria as a whole, for now and in the future.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Urban Planner I
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; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Urban Planner II
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 1 year experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Urban Planner I
Four-Year College Degree and at least two years of experience in planning or Masters' Degree in planning or closely related field with knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, and strong writing, analytical and communication skills. At least two years of experience working with customers and/or members of the public. Experience at the local government level and demonstrated ability to work and resolve issues with diverse customers is preferred.

Urban Planner II
Four-Year College Degree plus four years' experience in planning or Masters' Degree in planning or closely related field plus 2 years' experience in public sector planning; at least two years' experience working successfully with customers and/or members of the public; the ability to use scales; the ability to review surveys/plats; demonstrated strong analytical, written and communication skills; and knowledge of the principles and practices of planning at the local level. Certification as AICP, LEED or similar preferred.

Notes

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

Company

The City of Alexandria is an award-winning, innovative, and progressive local government that brings together elected leaders, residents, businesses, and staff to foster a thriving community.  We are an independent, full-service city, providing the services typically operated by both counties and cities in areas such as public safety, transportation, human services, parks and recreation, planning, and administration. We offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities in a variety of fields, with the resources and expertise to succeed.  In Alexandria, employees are our most important asset, and we work hard to create and support a culture that delivers excellence through the shared values of respect, integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Our employees have access to excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance and other benefits.  Alexandria provides a defined-benefit pension and offers six weeks of paid parental leave to employees who become parents through birth, adoption or foster care.

We offer a robust wellness program, interdepartmental rotation program, tuition assistance funding and professional development program that helps employees obtain the knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to enhance their professional and personal growth.

With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land area of 16 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located on the Potomac River across from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is known for its beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, charming waterfront, high-tech economy, vibrant retail and restaurant corridors and diverse neighborhoods. We are a unique and historic community, and we continue to innovate for the 21st century.

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