Planner III

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Ej26), VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Fairfax County is seeking an experienced senior planner to independently lead complex land use reviews and public facilities reviews and amendments. The position conducts advanced analysis of development proposals—including rezonings, special exceptions, and other zoning applications—throughout the county, with a focus on urban centers, transit station areas, suburban centers, community business centers, and other areas. Reviews assess consistency with Comprehensive Plan policies and guidance.

The Planner III also manages and conducts 2232 Public Facility Reviews, Plan amendments, and policy initiatives, including development of new public facility policy guidance. The position evaluates proposals, develops professional recommendations, and prepares comprehensive staff reports and memoranda for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. It presents recommendations, responds to questions, and communicates complex planning issues to applicants, community members, and other stakeholders.

The position collaborates with county agencies and other stakeholders to coordinate application reviews, address complex planning issues, and identify appropriate resolutions. Evening public hearings and community meetings may be required as needed. The role is eligible for partial telework, subject to supervisor approval and county policy. The salary will not exceed the midpoint of the advertised salary range.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a planning-related field, plus four years of experience in a planning-related field, or equivalent education, experience, and training.
• Advanced knowledge of urban planning and zoning principles.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret documents relating to land use, zoning, environmental planning, public facilities, and information technology.
• Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and produce accurate work with limited oversight.
• Ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze research data and present findings in writing.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate land use and development plans and formulate sound, practical recommendations.
• Ability to use a computer for research and information access and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives, and citizens.
• Ability to speak and respond effectively to questions before individuals, citizen groups, and public bodies.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports.
• Ability to set priorities, manage time efficiently, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to manage complex projects independently or serve as a team leader.
• Ability to deal effectively with county representatives, clients, and the public.
• Ability to identify effective solutions to process or programmatic problems.
• Ability to manage assignments with limited supervision and develop well-supported recommendations on complex or sensitive planning issues.
• Ability to communicate technical planning concepts clearly to audiences with varied backgrounds and levels of technical knowledge.
• Position is primarily sedentary, but may require walking, standing, bending, carrying items under 15 pounds, and making site visits and inspections.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in planning or a closely related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Experience reviewing public facility proposals, such as schools, parks, libraries, fire stations, police stations, public utilities, telecommunications facilities, or electrical substations, and developing public facility policy guidance.
• Extensive experience conducting complex land use and development reviews in suburban centers, mixed-use centers, transit station areas, and/or revitalization areas for conformance with Comprehensive Plan policies and guidance.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including managing multiple complex assignments, coordinating competing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Experience preparing staff reports, technical memoranda, and other professional planning documents.
• Experience presenting complex planning issues and recommendations to planning commissions, boards or councils, senior staff, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with county agencies, applicants, community members, and other stakeholders to resolve complex planning issues and coordinate projects or recommendations.
• Bilingual in English and another language.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex land use reviews and public facilities reviews and amendments.
• Analyze development proposals, including rezonings, special exceptions, and other zoning applications, for consistency with Comprehensive Plan policies and guidance.
• Manage and conduct 2232 Public Facility Reviews, Plan amendments, and policy initiatives, including developing public facility policy guidance.
• Evaluate proposals, develop professional recommendations, and prepare staff reports and memoranda for consideration by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
• Present recommendations, respond to questions, and communicate complex planning issues to applicants, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate application reviews with county agencies and stakeholders and help resolve complex planning issues.
• Prepare detailed staff reports on complex zoning applications, Ordinance amendments, Plan amendments, public facilities proposals, and appeals of Zoning Administrator decisions.
• Represent the county in negotiations regarding proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, and county staff.
• Conduct special studies that may result in amended Plan text, new land use policy, or Zoning Ordinance amendments.
• Review complex zoning applications for submission compliance and maintain county computer databases and records.
• Collect, compile, and analyze planning data and prepare documents.
• Present staff positions at public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or Park Authority Board.
• Respond to land use, planning, and zoning inquiries and prepare interpretations orally and in writing.
• Coordinate assignments with county agencies, interest groups, and other jurisdictions.
• Serve as lead planner for a revitalization area; direct a team or small group on a special project; and supervise a smaller work unit as assigned.
• Assist in administering and managing work programs concerning the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.
• Serve as staff liaison to task forces and advisory boards and mentor other Planners in the series.
• Manage projects, including contracting with consultants, preparing schedules, and administering project budgets.
• Attend evening public hearings and community meetings as needed.
• Complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior