Planner II

Works within the Urban Centers Section as a planner who will utilize planning skills and experience to perform a variety of activities related to the review of development proposals in Fairfax County, with a focus on the Tysons Urban Center and Reston TSAs using Comprehensive Plan guidance, the County Zoning Ordinance, urban design guidelines, and other county guidance/policies. Participates in a team environment and help solve complex challenges associated with urban style redevelopment, including balancing site design, land use, and infrastructure needs in Tysons, Reston, and other urbanizing, transit-oriented areas of Fairfax County. Additionally, the position will support the development and implementation of progress reports, planning tools, plan and design guidance, and policy updates, as needed. The planner will provide research, analysis, and graphical support to the department. Performs other duties as assigned.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
Collects and analyzes data and formulates recommendations relating to zoning, land use, public facilities, and environmental planning proposals;
Enters information and maintains County computer databases and records;
Presents staff positions at public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or the Park Authority Board and citizen groups;
Responds to planning and zoning inquiries and prepares interpretations both orally and in writing;
May serve as staff liaison to task forces, committees and advisory boards.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
Working knowledge of the principles of urban planning and zoning;
Ability to read, comprehend and interpret documents relating to land use, zoning, environmental planning, public facilities, and information technology, among others;
Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively, and to produce accurate final documents;
Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze research data and present in written/graphic form;
Ability to analyze and to evaluate land use and development plans and to form sound practical recommendations;
Ability to analyze and prepare statistical reports;
Ability to use a computer to access information, conduct research and to perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations;
Ability to establish and to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives and citizens;
Ability to speak effectively before individuals, citizen groups and public bodies;
Ability to meet and to deal effectively with County representatives, applicants and the public;
Ability to work independently, to set individual priorities, to manage time effectively and to apply consistently sound judgment.

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 two years of experience in a planning-related field.

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:
An advanced degree in Planning, Public Management, Landscape Architecture or Architecture. Knowledge and experience in the review and implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) development plans. Application of urban design guidelines in development reviews. Negotiation experience with developer applicants and interested stakeholders. Communication experience with public officials, private developers and citizen groups. Ability to develop creative urban design solutions. Effective written and oral communication skills. Data management and analysis experience. Experience in developing publications or web and print communication tools. Understanding of Virginia planning and zoning-enabling legislation, including implementation of Comprehensive Plans and application of Zoning Ordinances. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Geographic Information System (GIS).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position is primarily sedentary. However, employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items under 15 lbs. in weight. Employee must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. 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 a practical exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to 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.