Urban Planner III

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 160,000, and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest City in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. With two local historic districts, seven national register districts, and a variety of distinct neighborhoods, we proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. 

The Department of Planning and Zoning works closely with communities to carry out the City's Strategic Plan, fostering amenity-rich, service-oriented and equity-balanced neighborhoods; protecting historic and cultural resources; and supporting diverse and creative businesses. In developing neighborhood plans, reviewing development proposals, and promoting economic vitality, we continue our commitment to collaborate with all stakeholder groups to honor the character of each neighborhood and to strengthen and sustain them, and Alexandria as a whole, for now and in the future.  

Overview of the Position

The Urban Planner III for the Neighborhood Planning and Community Development Division will lead or participate on collaborative teams to develop and implement Small Area Plans and other special planning policy initiatives. This position assists with community engagement, data analysis, development of plan narrative, maps and graphics, and presenting to community or other stakeholder groups.
 

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should be an experienced and innovative planning professional with community planning experience in comparable urban settings. The incumbent should bring the following skills, experience, and attributes to the position:

• Energetic and collaborative team player with strong planning skills, project management experience, excellent judgement, and an innovative approach to complex planning challenges; 
• Experience applying urban planning concepts including design of people-oriented urban spaces, housing affordability, open space, mobility, climate resiliency, development economics and the ability to read and analyze site plans; 
• Demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate complex information, discern challenges, and devise effective innovative solutions;
• Experience designing and implementing equitable and innovative community engagement strategies and building relationships among historically marginalized populations in order to ensure an inclusive vision for the future; 
• Demonstrated skill and ease in presenting to a range of small and large audiences, and the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner; and
• Experience in local government and communicating with policymakers, senior level managers, interdepartmental staff and intergovernmental entities.

The Opportunity

• Serve on planning teams in the development of Small Area Plans, plan implementation initiatives, and other special planning policy or analysis initiatives;

• Collaborate with other professional planners and the community to create Small Area Plans that reflect the City’s strategic goals, innovation, and the desires of the community, including recommendations for people-oriented urban design, climate resilience, affordable housing, and equitable development;
• Write comprehensive and concise narrative for Small Area Plans, staff reports, and memoranda addressing policies and practices, and other documents as needed;
• Create graphics that convey complex concepts in simple understandable ways for presentations and printed materials;
• Deliver clear, concise, and dynamic presentations to community groups, Commissions, and City Council;
• Participate in multiple complex projects and teams at the same time;
• Facilitate discussions for internal, interdepartmental and community meetings; and
• Other related duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and best practices of City planning, including good knowledge of development economics, municipal finance, public administration; ability to develop and successfully execute work programs; ability to analyze data and to prepare technical reports; ability to develop creative approaches to and concepts for planning problems; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, consultants, other jurisdictions, and the general public; ability to manage consultant work; ability to evaluate planning proposals; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Job Family, Contribution Level and Career Ladder

Job Family: Medical/Scientific/Engineering/Technology Professions
 Contribution Level: 4
 Career Ladder: This job class is part of the Urban Planner Career Ladder program 

FLSA Status and Basis

FLSA Status: Exempt
 EEO Category: Professionals

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This class specification provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specific function and task of this class title. A job class may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.

This position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Four-Year College Degree from an accredited college or university in regional, or urban Planning, or a closely related field such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Physical Sciences, Historic Preservation, or Environmental Studies and five years of relevant planning experience; or two years and a Master's Degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Master's Degree in urban planning or a closely related field and at least five years of demonstrated professional experience and expertise in urban planning (or a closely related field) applying the following skills: neighborhood planning, community development, community engagement/facilitation, urban design, environmental planning, excellent communication skills, strong written, graphic, and presentation skills, the ability to handle multiple complex projects with established deadlines simultaneously, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment within the Department, with other City staff, and with the public and elected officials. Preferred technical expertise includes Adobe Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and SketchUp Pro.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.