T he Department of Planning & Zoning (P&Z) is seeking a Senior Planning Technician for its Boards and Commission Unit (BCU) within P&Z’s Leadership and Management Services (LMS) Division. BCU serves as liaison to two advisory boards, namely the Board of Architectural Review and Board of Zoning Appeals and one advisory commission, namely the Planning Commission.
The selected candidate will be well organized, have strong verbal and written communication skills; be proficient in Microsoft and Adobe Suite programs; have a working knowledge of Geographic Information System programs; have experience with Zoom including serving as host; have a strong customer service background and have experience working with a variety of stakeholders and the public. An orientation and training will be included as part of this rotation, but the selected candidate is expected to bring and sustain a self-motivated attitude, be accountable and be able to readily assimilate information. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite a minimum of three days a week, per the City Manager’s directive, and attend periodic evening meetings as necessary.
THE OPPORTUNITY - EXAMPLES OF WORK Coordinate logistics for Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals and/or the Board of Architectural Review as assigned, which include but are not limited to: preparing and publishing dockets, creating legal notices, certifying legal notices, formatting and preparing complex staff reports for final publishing, and meeting scheduling and set up;

• Manage the intake and distribution of land use applications through the City’s land use management information system, APEX, for the assigned advisory panel;
• Demonstrate strong customer service to effectively interface daily with applicants as part of the intake process;
• Review plans and applications for compliance with submission requirements following a checklist;
• Respond to Freedom of Information Act requests;
• Maintain tracking systems, produce various reports and manage webpages and Zoom webcasts;
• Perform a variety of administrative and technical tasks in support, preparation of and follow up to advisory panel meetings;
• Create and edit a variety of graphics, tables and maps using and Geographic Information System and Adobe Creative Suite software;
• Utilize eNews, the website and the City Calendar to notify the advisory board and public of the availability of meeting dockets; and
• Perform related work as required.

What You Should BringYou should be highly motivated, organized, creative and responsible with strong written and oral communication skills. The ability to manage competing priorities is critical. Very close attention to detail is a major requirement. Excellent customer service skills are required. Proven proficiency in Microsoft Suite programs, Adobe Suite programs, and Zoom, along with the ability to readily assimilate training to competently undertake the following docket management examples of work one is unfamiliar with such functions.
Training, as needed, will be provided with access to and use of website software, City Calendar application processes and use of Zoom and the OWL for hybrid meetings. Also, access to and use of the City’s land use information system, APEX, will be provided if needed.
About The DepartmentP&Z works closely with communities to carry out the City's Strategic Plan, fostering amenity-rich, service-oriented and equity-balanced neighborhoods; protecting historic and cultural resources; and supporting diverse and creative businesses. In developing neighborhood plans, reviewing development proposals, and promoting economic vitality, we continue our commitment to collaborate with all stakeholder groups to honor the character of each neighborhood and to strengthen and sustain them, and Alexandria as a whole, for now and in the future.
Minimum & Additional RequirementsTwo-Year College Degree; one year of experience providing direct service assistance to the public which shall have involved providing technical advice and information on specific services; one year of experience coordinating events and schedules within prescribed deadlines, working in a fast paced environment, and working in teams; knowledge of graphic design, database and web-based applications, and Microsoft office suite; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred QualificationsFour-Year College Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field; brings at least two years of experience working for a municipal governmental Committee, Board, or Commission managing public hearing dockets (agendas) and working effectively with the public and other government staff; experience working with applicants for zoning, land use/land development, historic preservation, and non-development cases such as special use permits, etc.; proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, at least one year of experience with database applications and in particular Laserfiche scanning and document retrieval functions; proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS/ArcMap, Adobe Creative Suite products, and Zoom. Demonstrated professional communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to provide superior customer service are a must. Field work and the ability to lift items weighing 20-40 pounds with or without accommodations. A valid driver's license issued by the state of residency.
NotesThis position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks.