Senior Urban Park Planning & Development Lead

International Downtown Association; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfax County Government seeks a lead planner to direct review of zoning applications and comprehensive plan amendments. You will guide multi-disciplinary staff, collaborate with county agencies, and drive equity-focused planning in growth areas such as Tysons and urban cores.

You will supervise complex planning tasks, prepare detailed reports, and represent the department at hearings, influencing policy and land-use decisions across the county.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field; five years of planning experience.
• Master’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, urban design, or related area (preferred).
• Experience leading professional staff and teams on complex development plans.
• Experience incorporating racial and social equity principles in planning and leadership.
• Proficiency with GIS and common planning software tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex zoning applications or planning studies in high-profile areas (Tysons, urban cores, town centers).
• Direct the work of planners and planning technicians, including consultants and budgets.
• Prepare position papers and staff reports on zoning and planning proposals.
• Represent the department at public hearings and coordinate with other agencies and stakeholders.
• Mentor staff, review work of others, and act as internal consultant on planning issues.

Skills

Zoning knowledge

Urban planning

Leadership

Communication

Policy analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning-related field

Master’s degree in planning or related area (preferred)

Tools

GIS (ArcGIS/ArcView)

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Fairfax County Government seeks a lead planner to direct review of zoning applications and comprehensive plan amendments. You will guide multi-disciplinary staff, collaborate with county agencies, and drive equity-focused planning in growth areas such as Tysons and urban cores.

You will supervise complex planning tasks, prepare detailed reports, and represent the department at hearings, influencing policy and land-use decisions across the county.