Planner III

The Urban Centers Section in the Department of Planning and Development seeks a Senior Planner to review and provide comments on developer rezoning applications in the Tysons and Reston areas, focusing on Comprehensive Plan guidance, the county Zoning Ordinance, and urban design guidelines. The planner will help solve complex challenges associated with urban style redevelopment, including balancing site design, land use, and infrastructure needs for projects along the Metrorail's Silver Line and as well as other urbanizing, transit-oriented areas of Fairfax County.

Responsibilities include participating in a collaborative team environment, representing the guidance of both the Comprehensive Plan and associated urban design guidelines. Application evaluation and implementation activities are focused on urban design; placemaking; streetscape and roadway design; utility and infrastructure impacts; urban parks; land use, and industry best practices.

The planner will also manage the development and implementation of urban design guidelines, progress reports, planning tools, plan guidance, and policy updates, as needed. The planner will establish and maintain relationships with community groups, businesses, and professional organizations and assist with outreach, collaboration, information-sharing, current planning, and long-term planning to strengthen the public-private dynamic.

The successful candidate must be able to work both independently as a researcher or dedicated resource for Urban Centers Section activities and in a team environment, particularly on special projects that address the challenges of urban style and infill development. The position requires preparation of a variety of written materials including land use and urban design analyses, reports, studies, and public hearing items. The planner will make presentations before a variety of audiences, such as county staff, citizen groups, as well as the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: In accordance with current Fairfax County telework and personnel policies, this position is eligible for partial telework. Telework enrollment and continuance are subject to supervisor approval and County policy.

The salary for this position may not exceed the midpoint of the advertised salary range ($110,679.92).

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Prepares detailed staff reports on complex zoning applications, Ordinance amendments, Plan amendments, public facilities proposals, and appeals of the Zoning Administrator's decisions;
Represents the county in negotiations of proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, county staff;
Conducts special studies resulting in the adoption of amended Plan text, the formulation of new land use policy, and/or amendments to the Zoning Ordinance;
Reviews complex zoning applications for compliance with submission requirements, and maintains county computer databases and records;
Collects, compiles and analyzes data relating to zoning, land use, transportation, public facilities, recreational, and environmental planning and prepares documents;
Presents staff positions at public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or Park Authority Board;
Responds to land use, planning, and zoning inquiries and prepares interpretations both orally and in writing;
Coordinates with other county agencies, interest groups and other jurisdictions on various assignments;
Serves as lead planner for a revitalization area;
Directs the work of a team or a small group of planners and planning technicians working on a special project;
Supervises the work of a smaller work unit;
Serves as staff liaison to task forces and advisory boards;
Serves as mentor for other Planners in the series;
Performs project management including contracting consultants, preparing schedules and administering the project budget.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Advanced knowledge of the principles of urban planning and zoning;
Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret documents relating to land use, zoning, environmental planning, public facilities, and information technology, among others;
Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and to produce accurate documents with only limited, oversight supervision;
Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze research data and to present in written form;
Ability to analyze and evaluate land use and development plans and to form sound practical recommendations;
Ability to use a computer to access information, to conduct research and to perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations;
Ability to establish and to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives and citizens;
Ability to speak and to respond to questions effectively before individuals, citizen groups and public bodies;
Ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports;
Ability to set individual priorities, to manage time efficiently, and to exhibit sound judgment;
Ability to manage complex projects independently or to serve as a team leader;
Ability to meet and to deal effectively with county representatives, clients and the public;
Ability to identify effective solutions to process or programmatic problems.

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.

• Experience in the review and implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plans; the application of urban design guidelines in development reviews; and effective negotiation with developer applicants and interested stakeholders.
• Senior-level planning and project management experience.
• Communication experience with public officials, private developers and citizen groups; effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to develop creative urban design solutions.
• Data management and analysis experience.
• Development of publications or web and print communication tools.
• Understanding of Virginia planning and zoning-enabling legislation, including implementation of Comprehensive Plans and application of Zoning Ordinances.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Certified Planner, Registered Architect, and/or Registered Landscape Architect certifications preferred.

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