Job Summary: (General summary/objective)

This position requires professional planning work of moderate difficulty. It is characterized by increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field and a more elevated level of required duties and responsibilities. The Planner II is expected to possess in-depth knowledge within one or more planning specialties such as economic development, comprehensive planning, or environmental planning. Although senior planners and supervisors closely review the work of the Planner II, planners at this level typically work under general supervision.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Always do the right thing
• Promotes the vision, mission and values of the Board of Supervisors and the County Government
• Plan and Permit Review: Conduct thorough reviews of construction plans, subdivision plats, and other development proposals to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, land use policies, and community development standards.
• Land Use Applications: Review and analyze rezoning requests, special exception permits, and other land use applications, ensuring compliance with local ordinances and long-range planning objectives.
• Public Engagement: Participate in public hearings and meetings (some meetings/events are held in the evening hours, after 5 p.m. Typically, at least two evening meetings a month) to present development proposals, gather community input, and provide professional recommendations.
• Background Reports & Presentations: Prepare staff reports and presentations for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, and Board of Zoning Appeals providing background information, analysis, and professional recommendations on land use applications and policy updates.
• Data Analysis: Monitor and analyze residential and commercial development patterns to inform planning decisions and policy recommendations.
• Ordinance Development: Assist in drafting and updating codes and ordinances related to zoning, subdivision, and land use to reflect the county's evolving needs and goals.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborate with other county departments, regional committees, and external stakeholders on planning initiatives, grant opportunities, and special projects.
• Community Outreach: Respond to inquiries from the public regarding planning and zoning matters, providing information on the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, and land conservation efforts, and other county planning and zoning projects.
• Staff Liaison: Serve as staff liaison to regional and interdepartmental committee and initiatives. Represent the County on regional and special committees, studies, planning efforts, and citizen or work groups.
• Professional Development: Attends seminars and conferences to remain current in the field of professional planning, including those applicable to land conservation and protection tools and programs.

Additional Job Opportunities:

• If appointed as the County’s Floodplain Administrator, reviews technical studies and development plans to assure compliance with floodplain regulations for the purpose of preventing loss of life and property and to assure the continued ability of the County’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Programs.
• If appointed as Deputy Zoning Administrator, performs the duties of the Zoning Administrator in their absence. If appointed as Zoning Administrator, the position is responsible for the application and the enforcement of the County’s Zoning Ordinance, which includes complex interpretations of regulations.
• If appointed as the County’s Deputy Subdivision Agent, reviews, approves and signs minor subdivision plats of 5 lots or less, boundary line adjustments and family subdivisions and performs duties of Subdivision Agent in their absence. If appointed as Subdivision Agent, the position is responsible for the application and the enforcement of the County’s Subdivision Ordinance, which includes complex interpretations of regulations.
• Performs other related duties as

Job Requirements:

• A four (4) year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban, Environmental and/or Regional planning or a closely related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Three years of professional planning work experience required; county, municipal or regional government strongly preferred.
• AICP certification is preferred; alternatively, the incumbent must achieve AICP certification within 12 months of eligibility to sit for the exam.
• If AICP certified, at least one of the following credentials; if not AICP certified, at least two of the following credentials within 12 months of employment: Virginia Association of Zoning Officials CZO or CZA certification; successful attendance in the Certified Planning Commissioner’s Program or the Certified BZA Program, or the equivalent; ASFPM Certified Floodplain Manager.
• Knowledge of GIS, economics, political science, sociology, and municipal finance as applied to professional planning preferred.
• Ability to systematically compile and analyze technical and diverse statistical information and prepare reports, plans, ordinances, and other planning documents.
• Ability to prepare and present technical information clearly to lay groups and the
• An equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform job duties may be considered.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional planning, effective ordinance interpretation and implementation.
• Knowledge of requirements for land use development, engineering practices, and applicable
• Ability to effectively read and interpret site plans, conceptual plans, and subdivision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, agencies, general public, and work as a team member.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication
• Valid Virginia driver’s license with good driving

Physical Demands/Special Work Environment:

• Constantly operates a computer, other office These tasks involve movement such as picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or
• The person in this position sometimes is required to traverse across uneven grounds; construction sites, small spaces; and wet, snow or ice covered surfaces.
• Occasionally ascends/descends ladders access work areas and/or conduct
• Occasionally positions one’s self low to ground or on ground to observe work and make
• Occasionally works in outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, hazards and atmospheric conditions.
• Requires accurate use and precise perception and judgement for: safe use of measuring devices; operation of equipment; operation of motor vehicles; inspecting work means, methods and product; and the general observation of surroundings and activities for the safety of individuals, staff and the general public.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
• Worker must able to remain in a stationary position for up to 50% of the
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to attend meetings; access files, office machines; to interact with County employees.
• The person in this position frequently communicates and exchanges information with design professionals, owners, developers, consultants, co-workers, officials and members of the general public to support, promote, and achieve County goals and objectives.
• Must be able to exchange accurate information in these

Reports to: Director/Planning Supervisor

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Notice Requirement: 30 Days

Botetourt County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.