Posting number: 2027-00617
Department: Planning and Zoning
Division: LAND USE SER
Job classification: URBAN PLANNER II/ GS 19
Posting type: Open
Categories: Planning and Development
About Alexandria
The City of Alexandria is a vibrant, historic community of approximately 150,000 residents located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Alexandria offers planners the opportunity to work in diverse urban environments, including historic districts, mixed-use and transit-oriented neighborhoods, waterfront areas, established residential communities, and commercial corridors.
Work is driven by four Guiding Principles:
About the Department
The Department of Planning and Zoning works closely with the community in each area of the city to carry out City Council's Strategic Plan for vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhoods, protected historic resources, and vital local businesses. With the community as our partner in developing neighborhood plans and reviewing proposals for development projects and businesses, we continue to deliver on the City's Vision we have developed together.
Position Summary
The Urban Planner II is a professional planning position within the Land Use + Preservation Division of the Department of Planning & Zoning. The Division is responsible for zoning review, special use permitting, historic preservation review, zoning enforcement, and planning policy.
The Urban Planner II provides additional capacity to support the Division's development review workload and maintain timely review. The position's responsibilities span zoning compliance under the Zoning Solutions unit and historic preservation review under the Historic Preservation unit.
The position requires the ability to interpret regulations and plans, evaluate architectural and development proposals, conduct research, communicate clearly with applicants and the public, and prepare professional recommendations for boards, commissions, and City staff.
The Division's work also includes City Council work plan initiatives and organizational improvements, including major zoning reform efforts and the implementation of Artificial Intelligence tools and processes designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
A. Zoning Review
B. Historic Preservation Review
C. Planning Research and Analysis
D. Public Service and Communication
E. Work Organization and Project Management
Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Initiatives
The Urban Planner II works within a Division that is undertaking organizational improvements and City Council work plan initiatives. These initiatives include major zoning reform efforts and the implementation of Artificial Intelligence tools and processes designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services.
The position provides additional capacity for the Division's development review workload while existing staff dedicate significant time to these initiatives.
Note: The position's responsibilities related to Artificial Intelligence are stated here only as described in the job announcement. The announcement does not identify separate duties involving development, testing, management, or administration of AI tools.
Work Environment and Professional Requirements
The position requires the ability to work with applicants, property owners, consultants, City departments, boards and commissions, community members, and the public.
The position involves reviewing plans and documents, conducting site visits and field inspections, participating in public meetings and hearings, conducting research, preparing written and visual planning materials, and coordinating development review and historic preservation matters.
The position requires successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including but not limited to a criminal history records check.
ADA Statement
This job description provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (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.
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; three years of experience or a Master's degree with one year of experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
The position requires knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
Salary Information:
$64,296.44 – $113,149.40 annually, depending on education and experience. The Department may offer a starting salary up to $86,127.86 (Step 8), based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience.Application Process
This position requires successful completion of pre-employment background checks to include but not limited to a criminal history records check.
Applicants must submit their resumes and a cover letter.
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.
