TEMPORARY - Urban Planner II

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Urban Planner II is a professional planning position within the Land Use + Preservation Division of the City of Alexandria’s Department of Planning & Zoning. The role provides additional capacity for the Division’s development review workload and supports timely review across zoning compliance and historic preservation matters. The Division is responsible for zoning review, special use permitting, historic preservation review, zoning enforcement, and planning policy. The position reviews development and architectural materials for compliance with zoning and historic preservation regulations, conducts research and site visits, assists applicants and property owners, and prepares professional recommendations for boards, commissions, and City staff. It also involves public communication, customer service, coordination with community members and City partners, and managing multiple assignments and deadlines. The Division is undertaking organizational improvements and City Council work plan initiatives, including major zoning reform and implementation of artificial intelligence tools and processes intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services. The announcement does not specify separate duties for developing, testing, managing, or administering AI tools. This is a 12-month temporary position. Successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal history records check, is required. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce.

Requirements

Four-year degree from an accredited college or university in Regional or Urban Planning, or a closely related field such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Physical Sciences, Historic Preservation, or Environmental Studies, plus three years of experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with one year of experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge and ability in zoning and regulatory analysis.
Ability to review architectural plans, construction documents, and site plans.
Ability to research complex planning issues and clearly explain findings and recommendations.
Written and oral communication skills.
Customer service and conflict-resolution skills.
Project organization and time-management skills.
Ability to prepare staff reports, presentations, and graphics.
Ability to work collaboratively with applicants, City agencies, boards, and the public.
Ability to interpret and apply zoning and historic preservation regulations with sound judgment.
Successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal history records check.
Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in urban planning, Historic Preservation, Architecture, or a related field.
Experience working in a government, regulatory, or development review environment.
Experience reviewing architectural plans, construction documents, zoning applications, or historic preservation applications.
Familiarity with zoning regulations, historic preservation standards, or special use permitting.
Experience preparing staff reports, presentations, graphics, or other materials for public meetings.
Experience with GIS and Adobe Creative Suite or similar graphic design software.

Responsibilities

Review building permits, site plans, construction documents, and other applications for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and adopted plans.
Interpret and apply zoning regulations to development proposals and assist applicants and property owners in resolving zoning issues.
Conduct site visits and field inspections to evaluate existing conditions and proposed development.
Conduct architectural, historical, and zoning research for Board of Architectural Review administrative approvals, Certificates of Appropriateness, Permits to Demolish, and related applications.
Review architectural plans, construction documents, product specifications, and other materials for compliance with historic preservation regulations and design guidelines.
Communicate preservation requirements and recommendations to applicants, property owners, boards, and the public.
Research complex planning issues and explain findings and recommendations; evaluate proposals against applicable regulations, plans, and design guidelines.
Prepare professional recommendations for boards, commissions, and City staff.
Prepare clear and accessible staff reports, correspondence, graphics, presentations, and other planning materials.
Participate in public meetings, workshops, hearings, and community engagement activities; provide responsive, professional customer service.
Coordinate and collaborate with applicants, consultants, City departments, boards and commissions, community members, and the public.
Manage multiple applications and assignments, organize and prioritize work, and meet established deadlines.
Apply sound judgment in the review and analysis of planning, zoning, and historic preservation matters.