Loudoun County, Virginia, is recognized as one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. County staff are individuals who choose to dedicate our talent, education, and experience to make a difference. We place a high value on work-life balance, professional development, and service to our dynamic community. Loudoun County places a strong emphasis on customer service and economic development. The position will be important in meeting those initiatives.

The Planner I is the entry level position as a Planner and has no supervisory responsibilities. The Planner I is distinguished from the Planner II in that the Planner I performs planning and zoning work, which is more routine, less complex and narrower in scope, whereas the Planner II assumes independent responsibility for final work products requiring research, interpretation, and judgment.

Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, assists land development applicants with questions regarding compliance with County ordinances and ensures permit applications and land development applications are in compliance with County ordinances or consistent administrative practices. This position provides information on the Zoning Ordinance, land development, land use, permits, historic district, etc.; reviews situations involving proffers and special Board exceptions; coordinates with other divisions and departments; advises applicants; and works with applicants to resolve planning and zoning issues.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

1. Provides customer service (Responds to internal and external customer inquiries by walk in, phone, and email. Responds to all email inquiries about planning and zoning within designated timeframes.
2. Provides information to the public. (Responds to requests for information and walk-in inquiries from the public on matters concerning zoning, land development applications, land use, planning policies, and projects; maintains knowledge of current projects and activities through a land management database; and directs specific questions to the appropriate project planner.)
3. Oversees checklist review process. (Reviews land use applications for completeness; responds to requests to modify or waive checklist submittal requirements; distributes application materials to appropriate agencies, project manager, and staff; tracks applications in checklist review; and provides regular caseload and status reports.)
4. Enters application information into a land management database. (Completes project and plan comments and data entry; verifies information; and enters into a land management database.)
5. Reviews zoning permit applications for compliance. (Performs in-depth research to determine whether applications are in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and previously approved land development and legislative applications.)
6. May perform other essential job functions specific to the position and department assignment.
7. Ensuring compliance with engineering practices, regulatory requirements, and mandated programs.
8. Provide technical assistances to citizens, developers, and business owners, related to The Department of Building and Development application and permit process.
9. Coordinate with staff from other county agencies, developers, contractors, and the public to assist in navigating through multiple overlapping processes, identify potential issues that may arise and assist with ensuring timelines are met and issues are adequately addressed.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with land development processes, legislative actions, policies, and best practices, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities. They will have experience and success in building and working within a cohesive team. They will be well organized and exhibit a high level of self-motivation, diplomacy, interpersonal relationship skills and integrity. They will be able to communicate ideas persuasively, clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing. They will establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, County officials, contractors, and the public.

The successful candidate will also excel in areas such as communication, continuous learning, customer-focused service, dependability, flexibility, interpersonal skills, leadership, planning and organization, reasoning and problem solving, and teamwork.

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Zoning, Historic Preservation, Business or Public Administration; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Basic GIS experience is desirable.

One year of work experience at a local government, or comparable work experience is highly desirable. In addition, the preferred candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication and organization skills.

The position requires both criminal and credit background checks.