Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Performs intermediate professional work including review and processing of current planning projects such as rezoning applications, conditional use permits, site plans, and plats. Work involves independent review of development applications, communication with the public, presenting to Town Council and Planning Commission, and coordinating an interdisciplinary development review committee under the direction of the Assistant Director of Planning. Oversight is exercised over Planner I staff.

The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Reviews development applications in the public and administrative process

Leads the Development Review Committee, an interdepartmental staff committee

Produces technical staff reports for public hearing items and technical review letters for administrative review items

Facilitates public meeting and presents to Town Council and Planning Commission

Reviews building permits for zoning compliance

Advises applicants; prepares staff reports and comment letters; prepares meeting agendas and follow-up documents

Responds to inquiries in regard to planning and zoning topics; researches answers to provide thorough information

Serves on Town and regional committees and task forces as needed

Reviews development projects of other jurisdictions

Participates in planning events as directed

Compiles year-end data with regard to total projects and target deadlines

Supervises staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of the principles and practices of planning

General knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of planning

Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information

Ability to write staff reports

Ability to prepare and present technical information clearly and in an easy to understand manner

Ability to facilitate group

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees, and representatives of other public agencies

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning, urban development, geography, or related field and considerable experience working with review complex land use issues.

Master’s degree preferred

Minimum of 5 years of experience preferred

Supervisory experience preferred

Special Requirements

AICP certification within two years of AICP eligibility

Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force

Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions

Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and night vision

Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word

Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using of measuring devices and operating motor vehicles or equipment

Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions

Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic)

Work Schedule

Full time with occasional evening Public Hearings

Starting Salary Range

$69,828 - 72,649 Annually