Urban Planner 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 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 our Urban Planner II position. (Job Number: 2020-00417)

An Overview: The selected candidate will administer the City of Alexandria’s Zoning Ordinance to a wide variety of projects within the Land Use Regulatory Services (LUS) Division, provide technical and administrative support to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and assist with coverage at the Department of Planning & Zoning (P&Z) counter located in the City’s Multi-Agency Permit Center (Permit Center) to provide customer services to the public. The work is performed under the supervision of the P&Z Zoning Manager and the LUS Division Chief.

As an Urban Planner II, the incumbent  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. Also, this 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 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 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 resident 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 P&Z policies and procedures;
• Conduct field evaluations and assessments;
• Manage programs and projects such as outdoor dining and wayfinding signage programs;
• Track P&Z’s review and approval of building and trade permits;
• Attend, as may be necessary, evening and weekend meetings; and
• Other duties as assigned.

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 1 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’ experience in planning or Masters’ Degree in planning or closely related field plus two years’ experience in public sector planning; at least two years’ experience working successfully with customers and/or members of the public; worked at least two years in local government; 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 a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or related certification preferred.