Urban Planner II

City of Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

2d

About The Position

The Urban Planner II is located in the Neighborhood Planning and Community Development (NPCD) Division of the City of Alexandria Department of Planning & Zoning. The position performs professional planning work, primarily involving small area plan development, community outreach, research and analysis, development review, and coordination among departments and agencies.

The Planner works on long-range planning projects with multidisciplinary teams and extensive public participation to develop equitable solutions to complex neighborhood issues. The position prepares graphics and maps for presentations, plans, and staff reports; helps explain complex topics to community groups, property owners, and officials; reviews development projects for consistency with the Master Plan; and supports community engagement, plan development, and implementation of long-range planning initiatives. The Planner collaborates with other divisions, City departments, external partners, and community stakeholders.

The Department of Planning & Zoning works with Alexandria communities to support the City Council's Strategic Plan for vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhoods, protected historic resources, and vital local businesses. The City requires successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal history records check. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and at least two professional writing and/or portfolio samples; applications missing required materials may not be considered.

Requirements

• 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; and three years of experience, or a master's degree with one year of experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and best practices of City planning and urban design.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively to execute tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, community members, elected and appointed officials, consultants, and other jurisdictions.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare technical reports.
• Ability to develop creative approaches and concepts for planning problems.
• Ability to manage consultant work.
• Ability to evaluate development proposals for consistency with the Master Plan.
• Outstanding planning, communication, technical, and analytical skills, with knowledge and experience in urban planning, urban design, and community engagement.
• Strong graphics, GIS, and plan review skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in urban planning or a closely related field.
• At least two years of demonstrated professional experience and expertise in urban planning or a related field.
• Experience in neighborhood planning, community development, community engagement or facilitation, urban design, and environmental planning.
• Excellent communication skills and strong written, graphic, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with established deadlines simultaneously and work well in a fast-paced team environment with City staff, the public, and elected officials.
• Technical expertise with Adobe Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and SketchUp Pro.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on long-range planning projects involving extensive public participation to facilitate equitable solutions to complex neighborhood issues.
• Produce graphics and maps for presentations, plans, and staff reports, and translate complex issues into clear concepts for community groups, property owners, and appointed and elected officials.
• Review development projects for consistency with the Master Plan.
• Assist with designing and carrying out community engagement strategies and work with community stakeholders in developing plans.
• Assist with implementation of long-range planning initiatives.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other Planning & Zoning divisions, City departments, and external partners.
• Conduct planning research and analysis and prepare technical reports.
• Manage consultant work and evaluate development proposals for Master Plan consistency.

What This Job Offers

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