Planner III - Zoning Administration

Loudoun County Government; Leesburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus $6,000

Two days telework per week

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Loudoun County Government is seeking a Zoning Administration team member in the Department of Planning and Zoning to review land development applications for zoning conformance, prepare zoning letters, and manage zoning ordinance amendments. The role collaborates with applicants, boards, and county agencies to deliver high-quality planning outcomes.

Candidates should have a relevant degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) with professional planning experience; certifications (AICP, CZA) are preferred,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Business Administration, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field; three (3) years of related work experience in professional planning or a Master’s degree with one year of professional planning experience.
• Preference for AICP and VAZO certifications; knowledge of Virginia planning and land use.
• Customer service focus with excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills; ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple assignments.

Responsibilities

• Review land development applications for zoning conformance.
• Research and prepare zoning determination letters.
• Serve as project manager for Zoning Ordinance amendments.
• Assist potential clients in understanding the Zoning Ordinance.
• Support major economic development projects.
• Process variance and appeal applications.
• Participate in special projects; assist staff with work product review.

Skills

Customer service

Written communication

Analytical skills

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

About Loudoun County

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers. Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, which include atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions and workplace environment.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be a key member of the Zoning Administration Team in the Department of Planning and Zoning. The Department is focused on providing high-quality customer service and offers unique opportunities to gain in-depth and diverse experience in the planning profession.

As a member of the Zoning Administration team, you will work closely with applicants, the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Zoning Ordinance Committee, staff from a variety of County agencies, and the public. Primary responsibilities will include reviewing a variety of land development applications for zoning conformance, researching and preparing zoning determination letters, serving as a project manager in preparing and processing Zoning Ordinance amendments, working with potential clients to understand the Zoning Ordinance, providing support to major economic development projects, processing variance and appeal applications, participating in other special projects, and assisting other staff with the preparation and review of work products.

This position is eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County’s Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

• reviewing a variety of land development applications for zoning conformance
• researching and preparing zoning determination letters
• serving as a project manager in preparing and processing Zoning Ordinance amendments
• working with potential clients to understand the Zoning Ordinance
• providing support to major economic development projects
• processing variance and appeal applications
• participating in other special projects
• assisting other staff with the preparation and review of work products

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Business Administration, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field; three (3) years of related work experience in professional planning preferably in a government setting OR Master’s degree in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Business Administration, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field; including one (1) year of professional planning experience ; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preference will be given for membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and for being a Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO). Knowledge of planning and land use in Virginia is also desirable.
• The successful candidate must be customer service focused and exhibit excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills; facilitation and problem-solving skills; the ability to communicate effectively with staff, applicants, and the public, as well as elected and appointed officials; and the ability to meet deadlines and maintain product quality while managing multiple assignments.
• This position requires a criminal background, valid driver’s license and driving record check and credit check.
• Attendance at night meetings will be expected.

Compensation and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County’s Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• After a training period, this position is eligible for two days of telework per week.
• Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates that live more than 40 miles away.