Senior Planner - Customer Service Center

Loudoun County, Virginia’s Department of Planning and Zoning is recruiting a Senior Planner in the Customer Service Center Division. The Department is focused on providing high-quality customer service and offers unique opportunities to gain in-depth and diverse experience in the planning profession.

About the role

The successful candidate must be customer service focused and exhibit excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills; facilitation and problem-solving skills; the ability to communicate effectively with staff, applicants, the public, as well as elected and appointed officials; the ability to meet deadlines and maintain product quality while managing multiple assignments. Primary responsibilities relate to Zoning Correspondences, Application Checklist review process, and providing responses to questions regarding land use entitlements and zoning allowances.

Responsibilities

• Work with potential clients to understand the Zoning Ordinance; research and prepare zoning determination letters.
• Review applications for completeness and compliance with zoning ordinance regulations; coordinate and manage application rejection and acceptance processes.
• Distribute application materials to appropriate agencies and staff; prepare and distribute preliminary notification to adjacent landowners; ensure correct records are maintained in LandMARC.
• Provide information to the public; respond to requests for information on matters concerning land development applications, land use, Historic Districts, Heritage Resources/Preservation planning, transportation issues, General Plan, planning policies, zoning regulations, processes and fees, and existing and proposed projects; coordinate Premeeting requests and facilitate Premeetings.
• Maintain a general knowledge of current projects to respond to information requests from customers and staff; track applications in checklist review and provide regular caseload and status reports to managers and the public.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field; five (5) years of related work experience OR Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field; three (3) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preference will be given for membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and for being a Certified Zoning Official (CZO) or Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO).
• Knowledge of planning and land use in Virginia is desirable.
• Valid driver’s license and successful completion of driving record, credit, and criminal background checks.

Benefits

• Eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County’s Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.
• Relocation assistance available to successful candidates who live more than 40 miles away.
• Eligible for telework.