Role Overview

Orange County, Virginia is seeking a full-time Planner to join their Planning & Zoning team. Orange progressively balances a strong sense of historic and rural preservation with proactive economic development, and utilizes context-sensitive planning, zoning, and land use practices to sustain the rural character of Orange County while enhancing and improving the quality of life for all its citizens. The Planner serves in a professional position that is highly visible to the public and the elected officials and conducts key professional and technical work in policy development, interpreting ordinances and planning documents, development review, and positive public engagement. Work involves considerable public contact, occasionally regarding sensitive issues requiring judgement, firmness, and tact. Position reports to the Planning Services Manager in the Development Services Department.

Role Description

• Responds to inquiries for subdivision requests; fields questions on zoning requirements and provides information for use in variance application.
• Compiles, analyze and queries complex data using spreadsheets, databases and geographic information systems.
• Reviews, and coordinates the review by other agencies, of land use applications and plan applications.
• Presents reports to the Board and Planning Commission, providing a recommendation for the Commission.
• Recommends approval or denial of proposed plans.
• Writes development application reviews and comprehensive staff reports.
• Reviews site plans and subdivision plats.
• Uses Geographic Information System (GIS) to generate maps.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and complaints regarding planning policies and procedures; interprets a broad range of federal, state and local regulations, ordinances and policies.
• Provides assistance to citizens; assists director with updating comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.
• Conducts review of site plans, subdivision plans and zoning permits.
• Attends various meetings, which may occur outside of normal work hours.
• Performs research and data collection and prepares reports on a variety of relevant topics including code amendments; maintains records, logs and other databases related to various topics and department activity.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning; thorough knowledge of economics, sociology and finances as applied to planning; general knowledge of the County's subdivision and zoning ordinances; general knowledge of current literature and recent developments in the field of planning; ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports; ability to interpret various rules and regulations; ability to prepare and present technical information clearly; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other public agencies and the general public.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in urban planning or related field and considerable experience in planning or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.