Urban Planner II

City of Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

10d • $64,296 - $113,149 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria, Virginia, Department of Planning and Zoning is seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Urban Planner II in our Historic Preservation unit. Alexandria has two historic districts that comprise about 140 city blocks and over 5,600 structures from the 18-21 st centuries. Alexandria is a dynamic and diverse planning environment located within the core of the Washington, DC metropolitan area and presents opportunities for planners to work with stakeholders and business owners within the city's neo-traditional neighborhoods, mixed use and transit-oriented areas, waterfront areas, established neighborhoods, and historic districts. This position will be part of a team of four preservation planners.

Requirements

• Excellent and responsive customer service skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects within established deadlines
• Ability to work effectively with the public and City agencies to resolve issues
• Strong analytical skills
• Written and oral communication skills
• Extensive experience using strong organizing and multi-tasking skills
• Analytic skills necessary to address planning matters of varying levels of complexity
• Ability to perform site visits and speak clearly and effectively on preservation methods on a variety of architectural elements
• Ability to quickly research information in detailed reports, communicate findings to Planning and Zoning staff, Boards of Architectural Review, and interact well with the public and staff of varying professional levels
• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of City planning
• Good knowledge of economics, municipal finance and sociology as applied to city planning
• Good knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of public sector planning
• Some knowledge of the principles of public administration
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and physical design as applied to city planning
• Ability to plan, assign and direct the work of subordinate employees in technical research on economic, sociological, design and planning problems
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports
• Ability to develop creative approaches for the solution of planning problems
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, other jurisdictions and the general public
• Ability to evaluate planning proposals
• Four-Year College 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
• Three years of experience or Master's degree with 1 year experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Nice To Haves

• Four-year college degree in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related field
• At least one year of experience working for a government agency, board or commission, or in a similar regulatory environment
• Understanding of historic preservation principles and practices
• Experience reading and analyzing architectural designs and construction documents
• Positive attitude with demonstrated superior customer service skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including the ability to prepare visually compelling PowerPoint presentations)
• Proficiency with Adobe (graphics editing and layouts in InDesign or other similar programs)
• Familiarity with GIS with the ability to prepare complex graphics and maps for the website and other special projects
• Strong understanding with American architectural styles, building terminology, construction techniques, building survey and best preservation practices
• Ability to work well as part of a team, under the supervision of a senior planner

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the public and City staff, providing assistance by phone, email, and in person
• Assist with the administration and enforcement of the Alexandria historic preservation regulations and processes
• Receive, review, and manage applications and case files
• Conduct complex architectural, historical, and zoning research related to Board of Architectural Review (BAR) Administrative Approval Cases, Certificates of Appropriateness, and Permits to Demolish
• Reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting construction documents, product specifications, site plans, special use permits, building permit applications, and Certificates of Occupancy to evaluate compliance with historic preservation design guidelines and applicable regulations
• Reviews final detailed construction documents for compliance with approvals prior to issuance of a Building Permit
• Assist in the preparation of clear, engaging PowerPoint presentations for City boards and commissions, community groups, and other interested parties
• Prepare staff reports and recommendations for consideration by the BAR
• Conduct site inspections throughout the City’s historic districts, including inspections of active construction sites

Benefits

• Salary Information: $64,296.44 – $113,149.40 annually, depending on education and experience.
• The Department may offer a starting salary up to $86,127.86 (Step 8) , based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience.

What This Job Offers

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