Open Space Planner I/II/III

James City County•Williamsburg, FL

20d•$59,838 - $107,562

About The Position

James City County’s Community Development Department is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, and collaborative Open Space Planner. The position serves as stewardship manager for the County’s conservation easements and properties and supports preservation of the County’s natural and cultural assets through planning and development processes. There are three levels—Planner I, II, and III—distinguished by the level of work performed and employee qualifications. Compensation is $59,838–$93,529 per year for Planner I, $64,066–$100,292 for Planner II, and $68,611–$107,562 for Planner III, depending on qualifications. The job summary also lists a range of $59,838–$107,562 per year, depending on qualifications, plus full-time County benefits. Applications are accepted until the position is filled; a fully completed application is required.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental science, biology, ecology, civil engineering, or a natural resource management field.
Possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record under James City County criteria.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to compile and analyze technical and geospatial information and prepare reports, plans, policies, ordinances, and other planning documents.
Ability to clearly prepare and present technical information to large groups and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, representatives of other public agencies, and the public.
Ability to negotiate effectively and work as a team member.
Ability to read and interpret building plans, site plans, conceptual plans, and subdivision plats.

Responsibilities

Manage stewardship of the County’s open space conservation easement portfolio by monitoring and enforcing easements, building case histories, preparing baselines, documenting property changes, maintaining records, sending notifications, conducting site visits or remote monitoring with satellite imagery, meeting with property owners, preparing monitoring reports, and following up on compliance concerns or inquiries.
Process and review legislative and administrative easement approvals and potential violations to ensure compliance with conservation easement requirements; prepare recommendations and reports, conduct site visits and inspections, and draft and review easements.
Implement computer-based monitoring and inspection databases or tracking programs, including GIS and database management tools.
Manage assigned projects and cases by coordinating interdepartmental and interagency reviews; present projects, reports, cases, and other materials; and serve as a liaison to local and regional committees, appointed boards, and the Board of Supervisors.
Participate in developing projects, policies, and recommendations concerning development and open space preservation in the County.
Work with citizens on open space conservation easement issues and respond to citizen and media inquiries related to easements and the Natural and Cultural Assets Plan.
Provide guidance and training on conservation easements to property owners and monitoring volunteers; help create and organize training materials and recommend improvements to training procedures and materials.
Planner II: Perform independent and detailed work on projects, policies, and recommendations concerning development and open space preservation in the County.
Planner III: Perform complex, independent, and detailed work on projects, policies, and recommendations concerning development and open space in the County; supervise volunteers as needed; oversee team-oriented projects and studies; lead sensitive or significant legislative and administrative easement applications for adherence to County goals and policies; and prepare recommendations and reports on assigned cases.
Perform other duties as assigned.