Planner III

Overview

Senior Planner to review and comment on developer rezoning applications in Tysons and Reston, focusing on comprehensive plan guidance, zoning ordinance and urban design guidelines. The planner will help solve complex challenges associated with urban redevelopment along the Metrorail Silver Line and other transit‑oriented areas of Fairfax County.

• Review complex zoning applications for compliance with submission requirements and maintain county computer databases.
• Prepare detailed staff reports on zoning amendments, plan amendments, public facilities proposals and appeals of the Zoning Administrator’s decisions.
• Conduct special studies resulting in adopted amended plan text, new land use policy or amended zoning ordinance.
• Represent the county in negotiations of proffers, conditions and positions with applicants, citizens and county staff.
• Present staff positions at public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and Park Authority Board.
• Respond to land use, planning and zoning inquiries and prepare interpretations orally and in writing.
• Coordinate with other county agencies, interest groups and other jurisdictions on various assignments.
• Serve as lead planner for a revitalization area and supervise the work of a small unit of planners and technicians.
• Direct the work of a team on a special project, including contracting consultants, preparing schedules and administering the project budget.

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university in a planning‑related field.
• Four years of experience in a planning‑related field.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of urban planning and zoning.
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret documents related to land use, zoning, environmental planning and public facilities.
• Ability to write, proofread, edit and rewrite documents effectively and to produce accurate documents with limited 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 manage complex projects independently or serve as a team leader.

• Experience in the review and implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plans and application of urban design guidelines in development reviews.
• 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.

Salary for this position may not exceed the midpoint of the advertised salary range ($).

Eligible for partial telework; telework enrollment and continuance are subject to supervisor approval and County policy.

Work is in a standard office environment using standard office equipment. Must be able to enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and must be able to make verbal and written presentations. Work assignments may also require site visits and inspections.

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation or military status in the recruitment, selection and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English  encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.