Planner I/II

The City of Virginia Beach is recruiting for a new Planner I/II to join the Zoning Division of the Planning & Community Development Department. This position will be filled as either a Planner I or Planner II depending on the qualifications of the selected applicant. The associated pay grades are as follows:

Planner I - A.10: $55,338.90 - $85,775.30
Planner II - A.12: $61,011.10 - $94,567.21

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Review development and conceptual plans for compliance with Zoning and Form Based Code requirements.
• Provide guidance to customers on Zoning Ordinance and other regulatory requirements.
• Provide detailed analysis and reports of land use as required.
• Respond to applicants regarding the filing of rezoning, conditional use permit, street closures, and subdivision variance requests for review by the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing with engineers and other design professionals, City staff, and the public on issues and questions regarding zoning, site plan review, and other development processes.
• Assess site conditions and conduct field evaluations.
• Coordinate and provide technical, research, geographic information system (GIS), graphic, and document management support for Planning Department supported boards, commissions, and other business processes.
• Prepare agendas, legal advertisements, staff reports, presentations, and graphics for Planning Department supported boards and commissions.
• Facilitate and draft Zoning Ordinance text amendments, including associated public outreach.
• Guide customers on the use of Accela Citizen Access (ACA) and other online resources used for Planning Department applications and procedures.
• Assist with FOIA requests and other projects requiring research and the gathering of information by searching electronic databases, hard copy files, and scanning documents.
• Schedule meetings and maintain an up-to-date calendar for recurring meetings associated with boards and commissions and other business application review processes.

Additional Requirements for Planner II:

• Review the technical preparations of plans, studies, and reports for City planning, programming, and development activities to ensure long range development policies of the City are met.
• Develop policies, recommendations, and solutions to problems based on analysis of information, knowledge of planning practices, applicable laws and regulations, local conditions, and other pertinent factors to ensure City established objectives are met.
• Undertake a diversity of special projects and tasks for Planning Department supported boards and commissions and other groups, as necessary.
• Provide spatial and data analysis using ArcGIS and other data analysis tools.
• May supervise subordinate technicians or planners.

Minimum Requirements:

Planner I Minimums: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Political Science or related field or four (4) years of experience utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such positions as Planner or Landscape Architect. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Planner II Minimums: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Political Science or related field and two (2) years of experience utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such positions as Planner or Landscape Architect OR any combination of related education (above high school level) and years of experience equivalent to six (6) years.

Preferences:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Master's degree in Urban/Regional Planning or related field.
• Experience with mapping software/tools (ArcGIS, ArcMap, etc.).
• Municipal Government experience.
• Experience with public presentations.
• Experience with the land development process.
• Experience reading/interpreting surveys/site plans/architectural drawings, etc.

Special Instructions:

• Please provide a detailed application and resume supporting your experience as related to the duties and preferences advertised.
• The City of Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive benefit package, which includes eligibility for hiring bonuses, 14 holidays, and paternity, maternity, and parental leave.
• Hybrid telework/in-office working options.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug-free workplace.