Planner III

The mission of the Department of Planning and Development is to promote livable communities which enhance the quality of life for the present and the future. Our purpose is to provide proposals, advice, and assistance on land use, development review, and zoning issues to those who make decisions on such issues in Fairfax County.

This position works within the Ordinance Administration Section in the Zoning Administration Division. This planner will be responsible for a variety of zoning administration functions, including:

1. Interpreting the Zoning Ordinance and responding to the more complex zoning inquiries (verbally and in writing). Work products include use determinations, compliance letters, vested rights determinations, and other interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Serving as project manager for Zoning Ordinance amendments and/or appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Zoning Ordinance amendments involve robust community outreach and engagement, and the project manager will work collaboratively with the community, elected and appointed officials, and industry representatives on emerging zoning trends.
3. Attending meetings, making presentations, writing reports, collaborating with internal and external customers, and interpreting data relating to land use planning and zoning.
4. Performing related duties as required.

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 four years of experience in a planning-related field.

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:

• Master's degree in urban planning or a closely related field and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) membership.
  
• Professional experience in planning and zoning and working in a local government planning office.
• Demonstrated experience researching new emerging topics, preparing text amendments, and evaluating complex zoning issues.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and experience presenting information to government entities, various committees, and the public.
• Experience in project management, group facilitation and team building skills, and establishing and maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives, and citizen groups.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.
• Experience designing web pages, presentations, and other outreach materials.

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