Deputy Zoning Administrator

Are you passionate about shaping communities, guiding responsible development, and making a lasting impact on how a region grows? We’re looking for a dynamic and detail-oriented professional to serve as our next Deputy Zoning Administrator —a key role at the intersection of planning, policy, and public service. In this position, you won’t just interpret zoning ordinances—you’ll help bring them to life. Working closely with planners, developers, and community members, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring land use decisions align with our vision for sustainable, equitable growth. From reviewing development proposals to advising on complex zoning matters, your expertise will directly influence the character and future of our community. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, enjoy problem-solving, and are committed to balancing regulatory compliance with forward-thinking planning, we invite you to bring your skills and perspective to our team. Successful candidates must have excellent written and oral communication, customer service skills, public speaking skills, and the ability to think “out-side the box” in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, regulatory agencies, surveyors, engineers, architects, land use professionals, contractors, the public and County staff. Advanced knowledge of planning and zoning principles and practices, and GIS are preferred. This position performs professional work in enforcing the County's Zoning Ordinance and other related County Codes. This position supervises the zoning services, plan review, and code enforcement activities ensuring compliance with the County’s Zoning Ordinance. Work involves the coordination of staff support for the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Work is performed under general supervision. Supervision is exercised over supportive personnel. The hiring range for this position is $85,159.36 to $117,099.84 based on experience. The full salary range for this position is from $74,417.60 to $135,491.20 to provide opportunity for growth and development. Examples of Duties Supervises zoning services and code enforcement; Oversees the review of plans and applications for zoning permit compliance; Oversees compliance of proffers; Prepares and presents staff reports at BZA, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors meetings; Provides staff support to the BZA; Conducts pre-application meetings for applications to the BZA; Assists in the review of proposed proffered conditions for rezoning, administrative procedures for enforcement purposes, and with research for determinations and vesting issues, zoning verifications, nonconformities, and ordinance text amendments; Researches and prepares interpretations of proffers, determinations, vesting decisions, non-conformities, and lighting waivers; Oversees the inspections and investigations of zoning cases to ensure compliance with pertinent laws and ordinances; Inspects sites for compliance with proffers and conditions of special use permits, special exceptions and variances and takes appropriate action to correct non-compliance; Reviews development plans (commercial and residential) for compliance with the zoning ordinance; Processes applications, ensures that all deadlines and notification procedures are met; Works with County Attorney for cases involving court action and testifies in court as needed; Conducts property deed research as needed; Conducts research to prepare zoning verifications; Assists the public with questions about zoning or related matters; Coordinates work with other departments and agencies; Prepares and maintains records and files; Performs related tasks as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of municipal ordinances governing zoning and related codes; general knowledge of proffer program administration; general knowledge of routine legal procedures as related to the enforcement of laws and ordinances; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, contractors, attorneys, engineers, County officials, associates, and the general public; ability to plan, organize, supervise and carry out complex research projects effectively; ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written and graphic form; ability to supervise the work of technical supportive personnel; ability to enforce ordinances and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality. Education and Experience A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in planning or related field and 5 years of experience in professional planning work, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience with planning and zoning, in a lead or supervisory capacity in a local government setting is preferred. Possession of industry certifications, including Certified Zoning Official and Certified Zoning Administrator, issued by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials, or equivalent, is preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Stafford County Government