Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

This is a skilled professional position in the Planning and Community Development Department.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

To perform professional planning work for the Town under the general supervision of the Town Manager. This is professional planning work requiring knowledge of the physical, social, and economic implications of local planning activities.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job description lists only the usual major job duties normally assigned to the employee, but does not restrict the performance of other duties as assigned.

1. Directs and coordinates town planning activities and develops strategies to support the long-term growth of the town and to protect town resources.

2. Prepares periodic updates to the town’s Comprehensive Plan, and other planning documents.

3. Consults with citizens, department heads, the manager, and other officials of the town along with state and federal authorities in coordinating all phases of town planning.

4. Makes recommendations for the direction of economic development efforts.

5. Acts as a grant coordinator by preparing grant applications and administering grant programs awarded.

6. Provides technical assistance to the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning appeals.

7. Reviews site plans and subdivision plats.

8. Acts as the town’s zoning administrator and floodplain manager.

9. Oversees community development, performing project management and contract administration.

10. Plans and implements community facility and capital improvements projects.

11. Compiles and interprets statistical data and conducts research as directed.

12. Delivers speeches to various civic groups and organizations.

13. Attends conferences and seminars.

14. Represents the town in court with regard to planning related issues.

15. Prepares budget and cost estimates relative to department operations.

EQUIPMENT USED:

General office equipment including but not limited to typewriter, adding machine, telephone, desktop computer, and copier.

COMMUNICATIONS:

A high degree of in-person, written, and telephone communication with other town personnel, other local government officials, businesses and organizations, and the general public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office working environment includes low to moderate background noise. Office is well-lit and well-ventilated.

SAFETY HAZARDS:

Minimal safety hazards are involved if normal safety practices are followed.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Physical effort of this position is limited to that associated with regular office activities. The position involves a large amount of time spent sitting at a desk. A minimal amount of standing is required.

RESULT OF WORK ON COST AND QUALITY:

Regular work attendance is important, and overtime work is occasionally necessary. Attendance at designated night meetings is required. A moderate degree of travel is required to attend meetings and conferences.

DECISIONS INVOLVED:

The degree of decision-making exercised by someone in this position is high. Decision-making involves financial matters, personnel matters, municipal policies/procedures, etc. The planner provides advice to the town manager and town council as well as to other municipal departments, and integrates diverse planning projects with the town’s overall objectives and its Comprehensive Plan.

EDUCATION AND JOB KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Prefer graduation from an accredited four-year college with primary emphasis in planning or administration.
• Prefer two years responsible experience in a planning-related field, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• An understanding of the practices and principles of planning, zoning, and project management.
• Ability to draft and present written reports.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and blueprints.
• Proven communication, organizational, and grantsmanship skills.
• Ability to work well with the diverse constituencies including the public, developers, planning professionals, regulatory agencies, and co-workers.