Planner II-Zoning Administration at Loudoun County Government, VA

About the Department

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Loudoun County has diverse planning challenges and opportunities, from the development of transit-oriented urban neighborhoods around Metrorail stations to land-conservation and rural planning initiatives in the rural west. The Department of Planning and Zoning focuses on providing high quality customer service and offers unique opportunities to gain diverse experience in the planning profession, including implementing a new comprehensive plan and Zoning Ordinance, reviewing and processing of a variety of land development applications, providing solutions to a broad range of complex land use issues, and streamlining the County’s legislative review processes.
Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers. Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, including atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions, and workplace environment.

Position Duties

The successful candidate will be a key part of the Zoning Administration Team in the Department of Planning and Zoning. 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, to include the reviewing and processing of a variety of land development applications; administering a new Zoning Ordinance; and providing solutions to a broad range of complex land use issues. As a member of the Zoning Administration team, you will work closely with applicants, the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Zoning Ordinance Committee, and staff from a variety of County agencies, and the public. Primary responsibilities will include: providing support to major economic development projects; working with potential clients to understand the Zoning Ordinance; reviewing a variety of land development applications for zoning conformance, researching and preparing zoning determination letters, processing variance and appeal applications, assist in the preparation and processing of Zoning Ordinance amendments, participating in other special projects, and assisting other staff with the preparation and review of work products.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.
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, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field; two (2) years of experience related work experience in professional planning; equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

Preference will be given for membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and for being a Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) or Certified Zoning Official (CZO) through the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO). Knowledge of planning and land use in Virginia is also desirable.

Other Qualifications

Occasional attendance at night meetings will be expected.

This position requires a criminal background, valid driver’s license and driving record check. After a training period, this position is eligible for two days of telework per week. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates that live more than 40 miles away.