What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Planner - Environmental position at City of Suffolk, VA?

Salary : $74,501.00 - $92,067.00 Annually

Location : Suffolk, VA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 03742

Department : PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMT

Opening Date : 01 / 02 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 2 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Description

Under limited supervision, performs technical and professional planning, administration, and research work in the assigned department. Work involves providing information and assistance to the general public, builders, developers, engineers, and departmental employees with issues pertaining to environmental issues including Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, wetlands, flood hazard areas, and other land use ordinances as required for plan reviews and comments for construction projects. Work also involves coordinating the preparation of various reports related to planning and development activities. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in ensuring compliance with land use codes / ordinances and in completing other assigned tasks. Employee must also exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the general public. Reports to the Department Director.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

Coordinates and assists with implementation of various environmental programs related to state and national programs on the environment.
Reviews applications for development within designated wetland areas including coordinating with Federal and State agencies on Joint Permit Applications (JPA).
Serves as the City's liaison to the Wetlands Board.
Administers Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act regulations including reviewing Water Quality Impact Assessments (WQIA), overseeing Septic Pump Out notification program, and other related activities.
Administers city-wide floodplain management program including maintaining floodplain management files, flood maps, and records.
Functions as the City's representative for floodplain management studies, plans, and mapping activities initiated by Federal and State Agencies, Regional Planning Commissions, adjacent communities, and others.
Reviews and oversees any updates to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
Reviews site development plans and building permits for compliance with the environmental regulations including Chesapeake Bay Preservation, wetlands, and floodplain.
Coordinates projects, activities, permitting, and compliance with issues with other federal, state, local, and / or private agencies (such as Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia Department of Health, Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and others.)
Assists with preparation of long range plans and design and development, such as landscape plans, conservation and preservation issues, greenways and trails initiative, and the City Comprehensive Plan.
Reviews plans and provides technical assistance to department staff, the general public, builders, developers, engineers, and other agencies regarding various planning issues such as re-zonings, land use, conditional use permits.
Consults with the Department Director and other officials and staff members to review operations / activities, review / resolve problems, and provide recommendations.
Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex / problem situations, and provides technical expertise.
Assists in ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
Coordinates preparation of various planning and development reports for submittal to department director, Planning Commission, City Council, and other elected / appointed officials and decision-makers; prepares various reports associated with special projects and studies conducted by the department.
Provides information and technical assistance to the general public, builders, developers, engineers, departmental employees, or other individuals / agencies regarding various planning issues, including zoning, subdivision, and other land use ordinances; reviews applications concerning rezoning, land use, and conditional use permits; conducts conferences with applicants; responds to routine questions / complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
May coordinate greenways and trails initiative; lead community volunteers on greenway and trail team, blue ways, and related activities.
Administers grants obtained by the department; ensures compliance with restrictions and regulations; prepares and submits required reports and other documentation to appropriate agencies.
Prepares amendments to ordinances for subdivision, unified development ordinance, comprehensive plan, etc.
Coordinates community design activities for capital improvement projects; makes public presentations.
Researches and compiles various statistical, demographic, or administrative data; makes applicable calculations; analyzes data and identifies trends; summarizes data and prepares reports / charts; conducts research of department files, legal records, database records, electronic data sources, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, architectural / engineering plans, specifications, subdivision plats, statistical data, maps, surveys, ordinances, code books, policies, procedures, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Urban / Regional Planning or closely related field; supplemented by a minimum of six (6) years previous experience and / or training that includes urban planning, landscape architecture, supervision, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Master's degree preferred. American Institute of Certified Planners Certification (AICP) preferred, as well as other certifications that contribute to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position. Requires a valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

Ability to operate a personal computer, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, computer-aided design (CAD), geographical information system (GIS), project management, e mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Ability to maintain a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws / regulations; ability to maintain awareness of new trends and advances in the profession.

Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and / or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Ability to function in a managerial capacity for a division or organizational unit.Includes the ability to make decisions on procedural and technical levels.

Ability to read a variety of maps, ordinances, codes, plans, drawings, and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.

Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.

Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

Ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.

Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and / or design data and information.

Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.

Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment.

Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of department practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Principal Planner.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of urban / regional planning and landscape architecture.

Knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process.

Knowledge of governmental programs, laws, grants and services pertinent to the planning process.

Knowledge of City zoning ordinances and codes, and related land use regulations.

Knowledge of the geographic and socio-economic layout of the City.

Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of urban planning.

Ability to use manual and automated drafting tools and equipment.

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.

Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in contact with municipal, State and Federal officials and the general public.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Skill in the collection, analysis, and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations.

Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.

Ability to handle required calculations using percentages and decimals.

Ability to read, understand, and interpret maps, technical documents, computer reports, and related materials.

Performance Evaluation Criteria

Quality of Work

Quantity of Work

Dependability

Attendance

Initiative and Enthusiasm

Judgment

Cooperation

Relationships

Coordination of Work

Safety

Planning

Organizing

Staffing

Leading

Controlling

Delegating

Decision Making

Creativity

Human Relations

Policy Implementation

Policy Formulation

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machines, tools and equipment, such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copy machine, calculator, telephone, or drafting instruments. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and / or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Requires the ability to : coordinate hands and eyes in using job-related automated office equipment and motor vehicles; handle a variety of items, job-related equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.; use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities; differentiate between colors and shades of color; talk and / or hear. Must have minimal levels of eye / hand / foot coordination.

Exempt

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1 / 1 / 14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO) Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies : short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he / she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

Which of the following reflects your highest level of education in Urban / Regional Planning or a closely related field?

No Degree

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Doctorate Degree

High School Diploma

Which of the following best describes your experience in urban planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field?

None

Less than 1 year

1 - 2 years

3 - 5 years

6 - 8 years

9 - 11 years

11 years or more

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Do you hold a current American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification?

Do you have a Floodplain Manager Certification?

Do you have any experience working for a local government or municipality?

Required Question

Salary : $74,501 - $92,067

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