Planner

Colonial Heights, City of (VA); Colonial Heights (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Heights, City of (VA) seeks a Planner to coordinate and assist with implementing City programs and plans within the Planning & Community Development Department. The role supports the Director and Assistant Director, reviews zoning permits, develops community outreach, and prepares reports and maps.

The Planner will manage the Home Repair program with CDBG funds, prepare correspondence on zoning matters, attend boards and commissions meetings, and assist with ordinance amendments.

Qualifications

• Two years of college or Associate’s Degree and five to less than ten years related experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree and two or five years of directly related experience.
• A Master’s Degree and less than two years of directly related experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation by the American Planning Association is desirable.
• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) designation by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials is desirable.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CDBG experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and assists with the implementation of various City programs and plans for the Planning & Community Development Department.
• Assists the Director and Assistant Director in developing community outreach initiatives, planning studies, and reports in support of department plans, programs, and regulations.
• Reviews the submission of zoning permits.
• Reviews or assists with the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
• Researches and collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics relevant to the department’s objectives.
• Coordinates and implements the City’s Home Repair program using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded to the City, including contract management with City vendors, with oversight by the Director or Assistant Director.
• Prepares correspondence for zoning matters, as needed.
• Assists with research and writing of ordinance amendments.
• Acts as a liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing plans, as assigned.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings, as assigned, and assists in the preparation of draft minutes for Boards and Commission meetings staffed by the Planning & Community Development Department.
• Manages and updates department databases.
• Develops and submits grant applications, as assigned.
• Addresses public and professional inquiries.
• Other duties as required.

Education

Two years of college or associate’s degree + 5–9 years related experience

Bachelor’s degree + 2–5 years related experience

Master’s degree + <2 years related experience

AICP designation desirable

CZO designation desirable

Equivalent experience/training

CDBG experience desirable

Job description

All applications received during the recruitment period will be forwarded to the hiring department for review and consideration
after the Monday, September 28, 2026 closing date.

Planner

Coordinates and assists with the implementation of various City programs and plans for the Planning & Community Development Department.

• Assists the Director and Assistant Director in developing community outreach initiatives, planning studies, and reports in support of department plans, programs, and regulations.
• Reviews the submission of zoning permits.
• Reviews or assists with the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
• Researches and collects a variety of statistical data and prepares reports and maps on topics relevant to the department’s objectives.
• Coordinates and implements the City’s Home Repair program using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded to the City, including contract management with City vendors, with oversight by the Director or Assistant Director.
• Prepares correspondence for zoning matters, as needed.
• Assists with research and writing of ordinance amendments.
• Acts as a liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing plans, as assigned.
• Attends evening and weekend meetings, as assigned, and assists in the preparation of draft minutes for Boards and Commission meetings staffed by the Planning & Community Development Department.
• Manages and updates department databases.
• Develops and submits grant applications, as assigned.
• Addresses public and professional inquiries.
• Other duties as required.

• Two years of college or Associate’s Degree and five to less than ten years related experience or,
• A Bachelor’s Degree and two or five years of directly related experience or,
• A Master’s Degree and less than two years of directly related experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation by the American Planning Association is desirable.
• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) designation by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials is desirable.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CDBG experience desirable.

The work is generally performed in an office environment. Typically, the employee may sit to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, stooping, carrying of light items such as papers, books, or small parts, or driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts, which require normal safety precautions. Use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals are minimally required.