Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Salary: $63,213.07 - $105,355.12 Annually

Pay Grade: S25

Location: HERRITY BUILDING (B-2), 12055 GOVERNMENT CENTER PKWY, FAIRFAX (EJ26)

Opening Date:  04/16/22

Closing Date: 04/29/22 11:59 PM

Posting Type: Open to General Public

Job Announcement 

Planner (staff coordinator) responsible for development review and related processes in urban and suburban areas of Fairfax County. Prepares analysis and staff recommendations on rezoning, special exception, special permit and/or variance applications, and/or requests relating to substantial conformance with those approvals. Job requirements include interpretation/evaluation of Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable guidance/regulations relating to land use, transportation, public facilities, and environmental planning. Works and coordinates with applicants and staff on the review and evaluation of zoning applications. Prepares and presents detailed staff reports and/or determination letters on findings and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, Board of Zoning Appeals, citizen groups and county agencies. Evaluates requests for proffer/development condition interpretations and responds to other requests for information. Addresses citizen and applicant questions as periodic planner-of-the-day on a reoccurring basis. Performs other duties as assigned. Any positions filled with this advertisement would be located in one of the branches within the Zoning Evaluation Division. The ideal candidate will be an entry level planner with good analytical, organizational and communication skills, who is looking for a position with the potential for growth and a varied range of job activities.

Note: Position may be underfilled as a Planner I. Underfill Requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a planning-related field; plus three years of experience in a planning-related field. A master's degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience. The years of experience should include a minimum of two years of experience in the specific area of assignment, e.g., zoning evaluation, zoning administration, zoning enforcement, public facility, environmental and/or land use planning.

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hr/equivalencies-education-and-experience 

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:

This vacancy may be underfilled at the level of Planner I (Grade S22, $54,761 - $91,269). The employment standards for the Planner I are: Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent of: Graduation from an accredited, four-year college or university in a planning-related field. Click here to view the complete details and KSAs for the Planner I. Upon completion of an underfill agreement (which will require that the employee meet the employment standards stated above in addition to obtaining competencies defined by the hiring agency) the employee will be elevated to the level of Planner II.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Strong abilities in written and oral communications. Professional experience in the planning, zoning and site plan review fields. Experience using a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite applications,. Master's degree in planning or a closely-related field and AICP Membership.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position is primarily sedentary. However, employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items under 15 pounds in weight. Work assignments may also require that the employee make site visits and inspections. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.