Principal Planner (Current Planning) Internal Only

Note: This position is only for recruitment of staff in the Use Permit Team in Current Planning

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) is seeking a Principal Planner to join our award-winning Planning Division. This position will be a member of the Current Planning Section and will work collaboratively with the Comprehensive Planning Section and the Urban Design team within the Planning Division.

The Planning Division plays a key role in guiding and regulating growth and development. We are committed to planning for sustainable transit-oriented growth and the enhancement and evolution of our County's unique pattern of neighborhoods, and are dedicated to equitable approaches to engagement, planning and community development.  We use a planning approach that has garnered national recognition for incorporating smart growth principles, urban design, and extensive community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Managing the review of complex use permit and site plan amendment development projects through the special exception entitlement process;
• Composing detailed reports providing recommendations on use permit and site plan amendment projects;
• Presenting use permit and site plan amendment projects in public hearings with the Planning Commission and County Board;
• Establishing redundancy and providing oversight of Planning Division application intake functions;
• Working with the Current Planning Manager on composition of monthly worklists, application review cycles, and project assignments and distributions; 
• Serving as liaison to select appointed committees on behalf of the Planning Division; 
• Creating and updating use permit and site plan amendment review process manuals; and
• Performing analysis of other applications and initiatives in furtherance of the Planning Division’s work program.

The successful candidate will be a team player who can also work independently, manage multiple tasks and demonstrate experience in the following areas: 

• Clear and effective communication skills, verbally, graphically and in writing to advise and report on technical land use development matters;
• Familiarity with planning, urban and architectural design and other best practices, such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Sustainable Design, Smart Growth, Biophilic Design, and Equity in Planning;
• Proficiency with Arlington County online permitting programs;
• Confidence to work with a range of planning, architectural, engineering and other professional disciplines; and
• Organizing, facilitating and supporting the work of appointed boards, commissions, committees and citizens.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in community/urban planning or related field; and
• Three (3) years of experience in project management and plan review in the areas of urban planning/design, architecture, land use policy program administration, community development, or related areas.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with a master’s degree in a related field and designation/experience in one or more of the following: 

• Working with the Public sector in urban areas similar to Arlington County;
• Managing local government land use planning processes, including effective and direct engagement with interdepartmental staff, citizens, civic groups, developers, and elected officials;
• Proficiency using programs for urban planning analysis and urban design, such as ARCGIS, SketchUp 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, PhotoShop, etc.;
• Project management; and/or
• American Planning Association (APA) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) membership.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights how your background and experience align with the qualifications for this position. 
2. Please attach a cover letter or use the space in supplemental question section to describe your interest in this role and explain why you believe you are the best candidate for the position.

3. The applicant must have the ability to use alternative methods of transportation to perform duties at other work sites. The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid drover license. They must authorize Arlington County to obtain, provide a copy of the official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of driving record.

4. Completion of the Commonwealth of Virginia Statement of Economic Interest form will be required of the successful candidate upon hire and annually thereafter.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Hours:  Monday through Friday, generally between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, with flexible work hours and teleworking options. Regular evening and occasional weekend work will be required. 

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions.  Incomplete applications may not be considered.  

#LI-Hybrid