Senior Planner

Blacksburg, Town of•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Senior Planner performs professional current-planning work, including reviewing and processing rezoning applications, conditional use permits, site plans, plats, and other development applications. The role independently reviews applications, communicates with the public, presents to Town Council and the Planning Commission, and coordinates an interdisciplinary Development Review Committee under the direction of the Assistant Director of Planning. The position also oversees Planner I staff. The Senior Planner prepares technical staff reports and review letters, advises applicants, reviews building permits for zoning compliance, responds to planning and zoning inquiries, and participates in Town and regional committees and planning events. The work includes compiling year-end project and deadline data and reviewing development projects from other jurisdictions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, urban development, geography, or a related field.
Considerable experience working with complex land-use issues.
AICP certification within two years of AICP eligibility.
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
General knowledge of planning principles and practices, current literature, and recent developments in the planning field.
Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information.
Ability to write staff reports.
Ability to prepare and clearly present technical information in an understandable manner.
Ability to facilitate groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, and representatives of other public agencies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Minimum of 5 years of experience preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Review development applications in public and administrative processes.
Lead the interdepartmental Development Review Committee.
Produce technical staff reports for public hearing items and technical review letters for administrative review items.
Facilitate public meetings and present to Town Council and the Planning Commission.
Review building permits for zoning compliance.
Advise applicants; prepare staff reports and comment letters; prepare meeting agendas and follow-up documents.
Respond to planning and zoning inquiries and research answers to provide thorough information.
Serve on Town and regional committees and task forces as needed.
Review development projects of other jurisdictions.
Participate in planning events as directed.
Compile year-end data on total projects and target deadlines.
Supervise staff, including oversight of Planner I staff.