Planner V

Fairfax County is one of the largest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia with over 1.1 million people and is strategically located near the federal government in neighboring Washington, D.C. Our vibrant community boasts excellent schools, award-winning parks, a highly educated workforce and a quality of life that makes the county a highly desirable location to live and work. This urbanizing county has a history of stable political leadership, effective citizen engagement, and outstanding service delivery. The Department of Planning and Development is shaping the landscape of Fairfax County by promoting equitable, livable, and sustainable communities for present and future generations. At DPD we value meaningful work, diversity, innovative approaches, and thrive in a highly collaborative team environment. The county recently transitioned to a central platform (PLUS) to create and submit applications online, pay fees, track application status and receive electronic notifications. Fairfax County is seeking to hire a Branch Chief in the Zoning Evaluation Division of the Department of Planning and Development.

There are five branch chiefs within ZED that collectively manage a group of professional planners and/or technical staff that are responsible for development review of proposals seeking approval from the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. This branch chief specifically manages the Conformance Review and Acceptance Branch of the division, a branch responsible for reviewing applications upon their initial submittal for compliance with the submission requirements found in the Zoning Ordinance and also for responding to requests for determination of substantial conformance after entitlement if minor changes are proposed. The Branch Chief serves as a member of ZED's management team and is responsible for hiring and training staff within the branch.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a solutions first mindset that prioritizes creative and contextual problem solving using accepted planning principles. This candidate will be an organized self-starter who can clearly articulate positions both in writing and verbally at meetings and in presentations. In addition, the ideal candidate will be skilled at leading staff teams and working with others to foster strong partnerships with those in the public and private sector, including business and community groups.

In accordance with current Fairfax County telework and personnel policies, this position is eligible for partial telework. Telework enrollment and continuance are subject to supervisor approval and county policy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a planning related field; Plus seven years of experience in a planning-related field including two years increasingly responsible experience with leading teams, project management and/or staff management.

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate has a master's degree in planning, public administration or closely related field, plus increasingly responsible professional and/or supervisory experience in one or more of the following areas: 1) development review of requests for entitlement or administrative approval; 2) presenting to boards or commissions; 3) Site/development plan analysis and review; 4) Strong abilities in written and oral communication and problem-solving skills; and 5) Understanding of Virginia planning, zoning interpretation and understanding of Comprehensive Planning.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is generally sedentary in a normal work environment. Employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying items under 5 lbs. in weight. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment. Work requires strong communication skills, both orally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

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. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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