Senior Planner - Customer Service Center

Loudoun County Government; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Loudoun County Government in Leesburg, VA, invites applications for a Senior Planner in the Customer Service Center Division.

The role emphasizes exceptional writing, presentation, and analytical skills, with a focus on zoning determinations, application checklists, and land use inquiries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field with 5+ years of related work experience OR a Master’s degree with 3+ years of related work experience.
• AICP and CZO/CZA preferred; knowledge of Virginia land use is desirable.
• Customer service focus with strong writing, presentation, and analytical skills; ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple assignments.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with staff, applicants, the public, and officials; respond to land development questions and concerns.
• Review applications for completeness and compliance with zoning regulations; manage acceptance/rejection processes.
• Distribute materials to agencies; issue preliminary notices and maintain LandMARC records.
• Provide information to the public on land use, zoning, and associated processes; coordinate Premeetings.
• Track applications, provide caseload/status reports to managers and the public.

Skills

Written communication

Public speaking

Analytical skills

Facilitation

Problem-solving

Zoning knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field

Master's degree in Planning/Public Administration/Public Policy/Business Administration

AICP certification (preferred)

CZO or CZA (VAZO) preferred

Tools

LandMARC

Zoning Ordinance

Application Checklist Review

Job description

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

Introduction

Loudoun County, Virginia's Department of Planning and Zoning is recruiting a Senior Planner in the Customer Service Center Division. 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. The ideal candidate prioritizes problem solving and collaboration and thrives in a fast-paced, result-oriented environment.

Job Summary

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, the public, as well as elected and appointed officials; the ability to meet deadlines and maintain product quality while managing multiple assignments.

Primary responsibilities relate to Zoning Correspondences, Application Checklist review process, and providing responses to questions regarding land use entitlements and zoning allowances.

Duties include:

• Working with potential clients to understand the Zoning Ordinance; researching and preparing zoning determination letters.
• Reviews applications for completeness and compliance with zoning ordinance regulations; coordinates and manages application rejection and acceptance processes.
• Distributes application materials to appropriate agencies and staff; prepares and distributes preliminary notification to adjacent landowners; ensures correct records are maintained in LandMARC.
• Provides information to the public; responds to requests for information on matters concerning land development applications, land use, Historic Districts, Heritage Resources/Preservation planning, transportation issues, General Plan, planning policies, zoning regulations, processes and fees, and existing and proposed projects; coordinates Premeeting requests and facilitates Premeetings.
• Maintains a general knowledge of current projects to respond to information requests from customers and staff; tracks applications in checklist review and provides regular caseload and status reports to managers and the public.

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

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field; five (5) years of related work experience OR Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field; three (3) years of related work 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 Official (CZO) or 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, the public, as well as elected and appointed officials; the ability to meet deadlines and maintain product quality while managing multiple assignments.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

This position requires a valid driver's license, driving record, credit, and criminal background checks. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who live more than 40 miles away. This position is eligible for telework.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.