Senior Planner

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King William County is seeking an experience Senior Planner to join our team. Under limited supervision this position performs advanced professional planning work involving the research analysis and development of plans policies and programs related to land use zoning comprehensive planning and community development. Reports to the Senior Director of Community & Economic Development.

Reviews analyzes and processes complex development applications including rezonings special use permits variances site plans subdivision plats and annexations; prepares detailed staff reports with findings and recommendations for Planning Commission and governing body review; presents cases at public hearings and responds to questions from elected and appointed officials applicants and the public.

Conducts comprehensive planning studies and prepares or updates elements of the comprehensive plan small area plans corridor studies and other long-range planning documents; researches land use trends demographic data economic forecasts and community needs; develops goals objectives and implementation strategies in alignment with the jurisdictions vision.

Interprets and administers zoning ordinances subdivision regulations and other land development codes; responds to inquiries from property owners developers architects and the public regarding zoning classifications permitted uses dimensional requirements and development standards; coordinates with other departments on development review and permitting.

Responds to inquiries from property owners applicants developers and members of the public regarding zoning regulations land use designations development procedures and planning policies; provides accurate information at the public counter by telephone and in writing; refers complex or sensitive inquiries to senior staff as appropriate.

Prepares staff reports maps graphics and presentation materials for Planning Commission Board of Zoning Appeals and other advisory body hearings; ensures reports are accurate well-organized and completed in advance of established deadlines; attends evening meetings of advisory bodies and presents staff findings as assigned.

Prepares and manages geographic information systems (GIS) mapping spatial analysis and data visualization to support planning studies zoning administration and public presentations; maintains and updates planning maps databases and records; produces graphics charts and exhibits for staff reports and planning documents.

Conducts community engagement activities including public meetings stakeholder workshops and outreach events to gather input on planning initiatives; facilitates collaborative discussions with residents business owners developers and community organizations; communicates planning concepts and processes clearly to diverse audiences in written verbal and graphic formats.

Leads or participates in interdepartmental project teams and interagency coordination on planning matters involving transportation environmental quality housing economic development and infrastructure; coordinates with state and regional agencies on plan consistency and regulatory compliance; monitors changes in state and federal planning law.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Municipal Planning Principles & Practices Comprehensive knowledge of the philosophies practices principles and techniques of municipal and regional planning including land use zoning urban design transportation housing and environmental planning; knowledge of the relationship between planning and community development.
• Zoning & Land Development Regulations Thorough knowledge of zoning ordinances subdivision regulations building codes and other land development controls; knowledge of variance special use permit and rezoning procedures; ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements to development proposals.
• Comprehensive Planning & Policy Development Knowledge of long-range comprehensive planning methods including needs assessment scenario planning goal setting and implementation strategies; knowledge of state planning enabling legislation and consistency requirements for local comprehensive plans.
• Local State & Federal Laws & Regulations Knowledge of applicable federal state and local laws codes and regulations governing land use environmental protection historic preservation fair housing transportation planning and community development; working knowledge of state environmental review processes.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Knowledge of GIS principles and applications including spatial data management mapping and quantitative analysis using GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS QGIS); knowledge of data visualization and cartographic design principles to effectively communicate planning information.
• Research & Data Analysis Methods Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to planning including demographic analysis land use surveys build-out analysis market studies and statistical analysis; knowledge of data sources such as U.S. Census Bureau products and regional data repositories.
• Public Administration & Government Processes Knowledge of local government organizational structures legislative processes and administrative procedures; knowledge of the roles and functions of Planning Commissions Boards of Zoning Appeals and governing bodies; knowledge of public meeting and hearing requirements under state law.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Judgment / Decision Making Evaluates the best method of research and exercises appropriate professional judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex land use and zoning matters. Considers the relative costs legal implications and community impacts of potential actions to choose the most appropriate course.
• Critical Thinking Uses logic and reasoning to understand analyze and evaluate complex planning and zoning questions; researches information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions and approaches to planning challenges.
• Written & Oral Communication Skill in preparing clear concise and well-organized staff reports planning documents correspondence and technical memoranda; skill in presenting complex planning information to diverse audiences including the public Planning Commission and elected officials.
• Project Management Skill in managing multiple planning projects concurrently from initiation through completion within established timelines; skill in coordinating project tasks with internal staff applicants consultants and other agencies; skill in tracking milestones and communicating project status.
• Computer Skills Proficiently utilizes a personal computer with word processing spreadsheet GIS (ArcGIS or equivalent) and planning-specific software to complete a variety of analytical mapping and reporting tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.
• Interpersonal Relationships Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with elected and appointed officials developers property owners community organizations state agency personnel and the public; tactfully and effectively handles inquiries complaints and politically sensitive situations.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Coordination of Work Ability to establish and implement effective work programs and procedures within a deadline-driven development review and planning calendar. Plans and organizes multiple concurrent activities including application reviews public hearings and long-range planning studies. Maintains awareness of filing deadlines hearing schedules and project milestones.
• Communication Excellent ability to communicate complex legal regulatory and technical planning information effectively both verbally and in writing to applicants property owners board members and the public. Ability to prepare accurate staff reports official correspondence public notices and policy documentation. Handles sensitive land use matters with tact diplomacy and professionalism.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy Ability to thoroughly review development applications site plans plats and legal documents to identify errors inconsistencies and non-conformance with applicable regulations and standards; maintains an exceptionally high standard of accuracy in all official records and public-facing information.
• Adaptability & Flexibility Ability to adapt to changing priorities evolving regulations and shifting community needs; ability to incorporate new information public input and policy direction into planning work products and recommendations while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Collaborative Leadership Ability to lead interdepartmental teams and provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior planning staff; ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaborative problem solving on complex planning issues.

Requires a Bachelors degree in urban and regional planning geography public administration landscape architecture or a closely related field from an accredited college or university supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience in a local government or equivalent public sector setting. A masters degree in urban planning or a related discipline may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. An equivalent combination of education training and experience providing the required knowledge skills and abilities may be considered.American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background investigation to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

Must be available to attend evening Planning Commission and governing body meetings public hearings and community engagement events as required by the position.