Planner I /II

City of Virginia Beach; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Virginia Beach is seeking an Environmental Planner I/II to manage floodplain programs and CRS activities within the Planning Administration Division. You will also handle CRS documentation, coordinate with residents and staff, and assist with Board-related projects and front-counter environmental inquiries.

The role may be filled at Planner I or Planner II level based on qualifications, with pay ranges listed for each grade.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Geographical Science, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience using GIS to identify environmental features.
• Experience writing reports and researching development proposals.
• Experience presenting to groups or clients.
• Experience reviewing construction documents such as surveys, permits, and site plans.
• Experience in floodplain management.
• Experience with development and interpretation of local government policy.
• Experience with coastal environments and protected areas.
• Municipal government experience.
• Experience working with state/federal agencies such as FEMA, DEQ, VMRC, USACE, etc.
• Experience working directly with boards & commissions on development applications.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate development requests for compliance with the Floodplain Ordinance.
• Coordinate with homeowners, contractors, builders, and City staff.
• Review and approve elevation certificates.
• Prepare flood zone determination letters and verbal flood zone determinations using GIS.
• Compile required documentation for CRS recertification and annual repetitive loss letters.
• Support Staff reports for CBPA and Wetlands Boards, including historical research and data entry.
• Assist walk-in customers with environmental inquiries and approvals.

Skills

GIS

Report writing

Public presentations

Development review

Floodplain management

Customer service

Boards & commissions

Environmental science

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Job Posting End Date:October 11, 2026Department:PLANNINGCompensation Grade:A12Compensation Range & Starting Salary:Pay Range:Planner I: A.10 $57,304.00 - $89,315.20Planner II: A.12 $63,190.40 - $98,467.20Starting salary may be negotiable based on qualifications.Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):YesAbout Us:Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:The City of Virginia Beach is recruiting an Environmental Planner I/II to manage the daily floodplain management and Community Rating System activities of the Environmental Team within the Planning Administration Division. This position will also provide project management of applications for the Wetlands Board and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board and review and approve development requests with environmental impacts for walk in customers at the front counter. This position may be filled as a Planner I or Planner II depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The associated pay grades are as follows:Planner I: A.10 $57,304.00 - $89,315.20Planner II: A.12 $63,190.40 - $98,467.20Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:Review and evaluate development requests for compliance with the Floodplain Ordinance. Coordinate with homeowners, contractors, builders, and City staff.Review and approve elevation certificates.Prepare flood zone determination letters and make verbal flood zone determinations using the City’s GIS mapping system.Compile required documentation to prepare the City’s annual Community Rating System recertification and coordinate mailing of the annual repetitive loss letter.Assist and provide project management as needed with regard to Staff reports for the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area and Wetlands Boards that include historical research, report writing, project presentation to Boards, and data entry for tracking applications.Assist walk in customers with environmental inquiries and approvals related to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Resource Protection Area, Wetlands, and Special Flood Hazard Areas.The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and leave.Ideal Candidate:Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Planning, Geographical Science, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or related field. -Experience working with homeowners, consultants, and contractors on development projectsExperience using GIS to identify environmental featuresWriting reports and researching development proposalsPresentation to groups or clients experienceExperience reviewing construction documents such as surveys, joint permit applications, and site plansExperience in floodplain managementExperience with development and interpretation of local government policyExperience with coastal environments and environmentally sensitive and protected areasMunicipal government experienceExperience working with state/federal agencies such as FEMA, DEQ, VMRC, USACE, etc.Experience working directly with appointed boards & commissions on development applications.Additional requirements:• DMV Transcript: Yes• CDL: No• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No• CPS Check: No• Physical: No• Respirator: No• Psychological Screening: No• Polygraph: No• At Will: NoMinimum Requirements:Minimum Qualifications Planner I: Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Political Science or related field or four (4) years of experience utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such positions as Planner or Landscape Architect.Minimum Qualifications Planner II: Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Architecture, Political Science or related field and two (2) years of experience utilizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with such positions as Planner or Landscape Architect OR any combination of related education (above high school level) and years of experience equivalent to six (6) years. Must have a current and valid driver’s license.Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.Skills:Working Conditions:Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.Official Job Descriptions:To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=EVRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.