Senior Planner

The Senior Planner performs responsible professional work in the handling of a variety of assignments focused on the physical planning and urban design for the City of Charlottesville. Assignments will combine design and/or planning; involve research and writing of plans and reports; formulating and analyzing land use plans; promote sustainable neighborhoods, places, and corridors through the creation, revision, and application of policy and zoning regulations; does related work as required. Primarily and most frequently the work done is performed independently, with diverse functional areas and more specialization and ability to train others. Work is performed under regular supervision under the Planning Manager.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $68,298.24 - $85,571.20 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement (up to $34 a month), tuition reimbursement (up to $3,000 per fiscal year), and continuing education/training opportunities.  

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

• Performs independent work in the development of analysis and recommendations regarding current physical, social and economic projects and allied phases of the comprehensive plan and other planning/design efforts for the City;
• Reviews a variety of plans and applications for conformity with principles of good planning, design, policy/regulation, and land use practices;
• Drafts proposed zoning and other ordinance changes, legal ads and notices;
• Prepares elements of the  Comprehensive Plan relating to a wide variety of social, economic, physical and facility planning, including housing and neighborhood, historic preservation and capital improvement planning;
• Prepares technical studies and reports for the City Council, City Planning Commission, City Manager, and others;
• Attends, assists, make presentations  and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, Zoning Appeals Board, City Council meetings, and other related groups as needed; 
• May create computer models, simulations, drawings, and maps; correlates land use and transportation, including "complete street" concepts.
• Manage consultant contracts;
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding related activities;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• A combination of education and relevant experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Planning, or a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of two years of experience in urban design and/or professional planning required. Experience in landscape architecture or architecture may be required.
• Must have a valid Virginia driver's license by employment start date. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• AICP Certification
• Additional Coursework or Certifications from AIA or ALSA.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices and techniques of City planning and urban design as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, zoning and community renewal activities; general knowledge of the City Charter and of the various ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning and urban renewal; general knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics; General knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures; Ability to plan, organize, supervise and carry out complex research projects effectively; Ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written and graphic form; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies and members of the general public.Standard work environment.

Salary : $68,298 - $85,571