Development Review Specialist

DC Government; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Planning in DC is hiring a Development Review Specialist to support research, analysis, and evaluation of development and zoning proposals for conformance with the District Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations.

The role involves reviewing Planned Unit Developments, variances, and amendments, identifying planning and environmental considerations, and preparing findings and recommendations for agency officials and boards.

Qualifications

• Experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating development and zoning proposals.
• Familiarity with the DC Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze, and evaluate development proposals to ensure conformance with the District Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Regulations, environmental standards, and applicable policies.
• Prepare clear findings and recommendations, coordinate with District agencies, and communicate with applicants and stakeholders throughout the development review process.

Skills

Specialized planning experience

Tools

GIS / mapping software

Job description

The Office of Planning is hiring a Development Review Specialist. Come help shape the future of DC!

JOB SUMMARY

This positionis locatedin theOfficeof Planning(OP),Officeof theDirector,withinthe DevelopmentReviewfunction.The mission oftheOfficeofPlanningistoplanforthelong- termgrowthanddevelopmentoftheDistrictofColumbiaand guidedevelopmentinthe District’sneighborhoodsthroughresearch and analysis,community andstakeholder engagement,stewardshipofhistoricresources,anddevelopmentandpublicationofplanningdocuments,includingtheComprehensivePlan.

Thepositionserves asaDevelopmentReviewSpecialistand performsprofessional administrativeworkinvolvingtheresearch, analysis,andevaluationofdevelopmentand zoningproposalsforconformancewiththeDistrictComprehensivePlan,ZoningRegulations, environmentalrequirements,applicableplans,codes,ordinances, policies,andestablished procedures.Theincumbent evaluatesdevelopmentproposalsofvaryingsizeandcomplexity, interprets applicable planning and zoning requirements, identifies issues affectingproposeddevelopment,anddevelopsfindingsand recommendationsforconsiderationbyagency officialsandapplicableboardsandcommissions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position involves researching, analyzing, and evaluating development proposals, zoning applications, and related projects to ensure they meet the requirements of the District Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Regulations, environmental standards, and other applicable plans and policies. You will review Planned Unit Developments, special exceptions, variances, zoning amendments, and Comprehensive Plan amendments to identify planning, zoning, environmental, and land‑use considerations that may influence the character, use, or future development of individual properties and surrounding neighborhoods.

The role also requires analyzing projects of varying size and complexity to identify interconnected planning, regulatory, and environmental issues, then preparing clear findings and recommendations to support effective decision‑making. You will interpret and apply planning principles, zoning requirements, and regulatory guidance; prepare and present technical analyses; and coordinate with District agencies to gather information, support environmental assessments, and resolve issues related to development proposals. In addition, you will communicate with applicants, developers, architects, engineers, attorneys, property owners, and community stakeholders to explain requirements, clarify information, and address issues throughout the development review process. S k il l i n u s i n g GI S / ma pp i n g an d o t h e r a p p li c ab l e s o f t w a r e s u ff i c ie n t t o r e s ea r c h , ana l y z e, do c u m e n t, an d p r e s e n t i nfo rm a t i o n r e l a t e d t o de v e lo p m en t r e v i e w a n d p l ann in g m a t te r s.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION

Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, the incumbent must possessesat least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed mainly in an office setting, except for periodic outdoor surveys, site visits, and presentations to other entities.

Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Participation in evening meetings and occasional weekend meetings required.

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0301-12

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive. Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests: designation is security/ add this statement

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining unit AFGE Local 6311, and you may be required to pay union dues through direct payroll deduction.This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.

Residency Preference

When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.