Job Description

Posting number: DEV080726

Department: Development

Job classification: Neighborhood & Housing Planner

Posting type: Open

Categories: Housing, Planning and Development

Performs complex, skilled technical work assisting the Director and Deputy Director in managing the city planning function including comprehensive planning, zoning administration, rezonings, subdivision and site plan review, staff support to various boards and commissions, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under limited supervision. Supervision may be exercised over assigned administrative support staff.

Examples of duties

• Develop and implement neighborhood plans and strategies that promote sustainable growth and improvement.
• Review building permits for zoning compliance.
• Assist with review of site plans and subdivisions for zoning compliance.
• Conduct research and analyze data to inform planning decisions and recommend actions.
• Develop and maintain community engagement with citizen, stakeholders, and local government agencies to gather input and build consensus around planning initiatives through neighborhood meetings and other methods.
• Prepare and present reports, presentations, and recommendations to stakeholders, community groups and government officials.
• Assist citizens, applicants, and developers with development processes and related applications, zoning, and plans including resolving zoning violations.
• Provide technical assistance to communities, agencies, and civic groups to support the development of sustainable and equitable plans and policies.
• Develop. organize and manage opportunities to improve neighborhoods such as cleanups, volunteer days, code enforcement blitzes, curb appeal projects, etc.
• Research, coordinate, review, and prepare legislative ordinances, resolutions, amendments, policies, and codes related to land use, zoning, and development regulatory codes.
• Identify and seek grant funding for neighborhood improvement projects. Manage grant-funded projects.
• Assist with the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Act as staff liaison to City Council-appointed boards and commissions, as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, political science, public administration, or related field and experience in municipal planning or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge:

• Overall understanding of core planning principles, community involvement, and local government zoning processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements, and policies of local, State, and Federal programs relative to planning, urban development, and the Community Development Block Grant program.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, as well as of urban and regional planning.
• Knowledge of principles of historic preservation, downtown revitalization, and housing rehabilitation.
• General knowledge of geographic information systems.
• Knowledge of MUNIS and online permitting applications preferred.

Skills:

• Strong analytical, research, communication, presentation, organization, and time-management skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and in the use of census data.
• Strong interpersonal skills to include the ability to work with varying personalities.
• Strong project management, leadership, negotiating, and consensus building skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to initiate tasks and forecast needed steps to complete a project.
• Ability to work directly with residents, developers, planners, engineers, architects, attorneys, realtors, landlords, and public officials.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and carry out complex research projects effectively and simultaneously and to present the results of research effectively in clear oral, written, and graphic form.
• Ability to review subdivisions plats/plans, site plans, etc.

Supplemental information

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in an indoor, climate-controlled, pleasant environment.

Essential Physical Activities:

• Stooping, walking, pulling, lifting, hearing, seeing up close, talking, standing, and finger movement.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.