Senior Planner

Senior Planner Position

King William County is seeking an experienced Senior Planner to join our team. Under limited supervision, this position performs advanced professional planning work involving the research, analysis, and development of plans, policies, and programs related to land use, zoning, comprehensive planning, and community development. Reports to the Senior Director of Community & Economic Development.

The Senior Planner will:

• Review, analyze, and process complex development applications including rezonings, special use permits, variances, site plans, subdivision plats, and annexations; prepare detailed staff reports with findings and recommendations for Planning Commission and governing body review; present cases at public hearings and respond to questions from elected and appointed officials, applicants, and the public.
• Conduct comprehensive planning studies and prepare or update elements of the comprehensive plan, small area plans, corridor studies, and other long-range planning documents; research land use trends, demographic data, economic forecasts, and community needs; develop goals, objectives, and implementation strategies in alignment with the jurisdiction's vision.
• Interpret and administer zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and other land development codes; respond to inquiries from property owners, developers, architects, and the public regarding zoning classifications, permitted uses, dimensional requirements, and development standards; coordinate with other departments on development review and permitting.
• Respond to inquiries from property owners, applicants, developers, and members of the public regarding zoning regulations, land use designations, development procedures, and planning policies; provide accurate information at the public counter, by telephone, and in writing; refer complex or sensitive inquiries to senior staff as appropriate.
• Prepare staff reports, maps, graphics, and presentation materials for Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other advisory body hearings; ensure reports are accurate, well-organized, and completed in advance of established deadlines; attend evening meetings of advisory bodies and present staff findings as assigned.
• Prepare and manage geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization to support planning studies, zoning administration, and public presentations; maintain and update planning maps, databases, and records; produce graphics, charts, and exhibits for staff reports and planning documents.
• Maintain planning records, application files, permit logs, and departmental databases in accordance with established records management procedures; enter data into permit tracking and case management systems; assist with the preparation of departmental reports, statistics, and performance measures.
• Conduct community engagement activities including public meetings, stakeholder workshops, and outreach events to gather input on planning initiatives; facilitate collaborative discussions with residents, business owners, developers, and community organizations; communicate planning concepts and processes clearly to diverse audiences in written, verbal, and graphic formats.
• Lead or participate in interdepartmental project teams and interagency coordination on planning matters involving transportation, environmental quality, housing, economic development, and infrastructure; coordinate with state and regional agencies on plan consistency and regulatory compliance; monitor changes in state and federal planning law.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Municipal Planning Principles & Practices – Comprehensive knowledge of the philosophies, practices, principles, and techniques of municipal and regional planning including land use, zoning, urban design, transportation, housing, and environmental planning; knowledge of the relationship between planning and community development.
• Zoning & Land Development Regulations – Thorough knowledge of zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, and other land development controls; knowledge of variance, special use permit, and rezoning procedures; ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements to development proposals.
• Comprehensive Planning & Policy Development – Knowledge of long-range comprehensive planning methods including needs assessment, scenario planning, goal setting, and implementation strategies; knowledge of state planning enabling legislation and consistency requirements for local comprehensive plans.
• Local, State & Federal Laws & Regulations – Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing land use, environmental protection, historic preservation, fair housing, transportation planning, and community development; working knowledge of state environmental review processes.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Knowledge of GIS principles and applications including spatial data management, mapping, and quantitative analysis using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS); knowledge of data visualization and cartographic design principles to effectively communicate planning information.
• Research & Data Analysis Methods – Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to planning including demographic analysis, land use surveys, build-out analysis, market studies, and statistical analysis; knowledge of data sources such as U.S. Census Bureau products and regional data repositories.
• Public Administration & Government Processes – Knowledge of local government organizational structures, legislative processes, and administrative procedures; knowledge of the roles and functions of Planning Commissions, Boards of Zoning Appeals, and governing bodies; knowledge of public meeting and hearing requirements under state law.

• Judgment / Decision Making – Evaluates the best method of research and exercises appropriate professional judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex land use and zoning matters. Considers the relative costs, legal implications, and community impacts of potential actions to choose the most appropriate course.
• Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex planning and zoning questions; researches information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions and approaches to planning challenges.
• Written & Oral Communication – Skill in preparing clear, concise, and well-organized staff reports, planning documents, correspondence, and technical memoranda; skill in presenting complex planning information to diverse audiences including the public, Planning Commission, and elected officials.
• Project Management – Skill in managing multiple planning projects concurrently from initiation through completion within established timelines; skill in coordinating project tasks with internal staff, applicants, consultants, and other agencies; skill in tracking milestones and communicating project status.
• Computer Skills – Proficiently utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, GIS (ArcGIS or equivalent), and planning-specific software to complete a variety of analytical, mapping, and reporting tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.
• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with elected and appointed officials, developers, property owners, community organizations, state agency personnel, and the public; tactfully and effectively handles inquiries, complaints, and politically sensitive situations.

• Coordination of Work – Ability to establish and implement effective work programs and procedures within a deadline-driven development review and planning calendar. Plans and organizes multiple concurrent activities including application reviews, public hearings, and long-range planning studies. Maintains awareness of filing deadlines, hearing schedules, and project milestones.
• Communication – Excellent ability to communicate complex legal, regulatory, and technical planning information effectively, both verbally and in writing, to applicants, property owners, board members, and the public. Ability to prepare accurate staff reports, official correspondence, public notices, and policy documentation. Handles sensitive land use matters with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy – Ability to thoroughly review development applications, site plans, plats, and legal documents to identify errors, inconsistencies, and non-conformance with applicable regulations and standards; maintains an exceptionally high standard of accuracy in all official records and public-facing information.
• Adaptability & Flexibility – Ability to adapt to changing priorities, evolving regulations, and shifting community needs; ability to incorporate new information, public input, and policy direction into planning work products and recommendations while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• Collaborative Leadership – Ability to lead interdepartmental teams and provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior planning staff; ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaborative problem solving on complex planning issues.

Education, training, and experience requirements include:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, public administration, landscape architecture, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, supplemented by a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience in a local government or equivalent public sector setting. A master's degree in urban planning or a related discipline may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required.
• An acceptable general background investigation to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be available to attend evening Planning Commission and governing body meetings, public hearings, and community engagement events as required by the position.

At King William