Sr. Planner (Housing Planner)

The Charlottesville Department of Neighborhood Development Services is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking Senior Planner (Housing) to perform professional and technical planning work in support of housing-related programs, policy development, and research efforts. This position contributes to initiatives focused on affordability, preservation, and anti-displacement and supports long-range planning and development processes across the City.

This role will conduct research and analysis, assists in the development of housing policies and programs, and prepares recommendations to inform planning efforts and decision-making. The position serves as a liaison to the Housing Advisory Committee, providing research support, policy information, and coordination to support the development of informed recommendations.

This position will help drive the City’s long term housing vision that make a meaningful impact on residents and neighborhoods across Charlottesville by working collaboratively with community partners, internal departments, and elected and appointed officials to support the implementation of housing-related initiatives. The role coordinates assigned projects or program activities and translates technical housing information into clear, accessible materials to support planning and community engagement efforts. Reports to a Deputy Director of NDS.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $68,981.22 - $84,484.42 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan: 
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

• Leads and supports the design and planning work including research, analysis and writing reports to formulate preliminary concepts, detailed plans; and for the development of new or updated planning policies, zoning regulations, multimodal transportation, historic preservation/design, and/or affordable housing plans.
• Performs advanced planning, zoning, land use, multimodal transportation, historic preservation/design, and/or regulatory analyses to identify impacts, development feasibility, and integration into processes and long-range planning.
• Performs advanced professional level duties in the recommendation, development, implementation, and modification of City plans and regulations.
• Interprets applicable regulations in order to provide accurate feedback.
• Research, drafts, and/or presents proposed zoning and other ordinance changes, legal ads and notices.
• Creates computer models, simulations, drawings, and maps; uses appropriate tools, dashboards, and software such as GIS or other systems; correlates land use and transportation.
• Serves as a staff liaison to various boards, commissions, and/or committees involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of City plans and policies; prepare agendas; prepare and present staff reports and other technical or necessary correspondence; provide staff input and recommendations; relays information back to department management.
• Attends and/or facilitates meetings which may occur on evenings or weekends; makes presentations and recommendations to commissions, committees, at City Council meetings, and/or other related groups or public meetings as needed or assigned.
• Prepares and maintains documentation of materials, decisions, actions, and explanations of policy issues and proposed changes.
• Coordinates or manages applicable surveys and consultant contracts.
• Effectively responds to inquiries from applicants, developers, engineers, and the public regarding related activities, updates, processes, and general questions.
• Meets with and provides guidance to developers, engineers, architects, property owners, and others, regarding the process and materials needed.
• Serves as a mentor to other staff on advanced or more complex planning matters.
• May guide and assist other planners, as necessary.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time. 
• Regular and reliable attendance.

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or related field AND at least 2 years of experience in municipal planning or related area.

• Associate degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or related field AND at least 4 years of experience in municipal planning or related area.

• High School diploma or GED AND at least 6 years of experience in municipal planning, or related area

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• AICP, AIA, PLA, or equivalent certification.
• Previous work experience in assigned area.

• Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices, terminology, and techniques of City planning and urban design as they pertain to assigned area which may include the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, zoning and community renewal activities, land-use, multimodal transportation, historic preservation/design, long-range planning, and/or affordable housing.
• Thorough knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches and complex graphics.
• Knowledge of the City Charter and of the various ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning and urban renewal. 
• General knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures.

• Advanced: ability to read and understand complex written materials such as plan designs, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.

• Advanced: ability to develop materials such as researched editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques. Ability to tailor writing to specific audiences and explain complex thoughts and ideas in writing. Prepares technical studies and reports for city officials, boards, and/or the public.

• Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement. Applies systematic multi-factor analysis, trend analysis, and other forms of data analysis.

• Advanced: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with employees, officials, contractors, stakeholders, other agencies, and the public. May make recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations.   Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction. Presents the results of research effectively in oral, written and graphic form.

• Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

• Advanced: high level skills and extensive knowledge of approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively. Reviews documents for professional, technical, and content errors, and may be called on to review and revise more complex documents, interpret, and analyze technical and statistical information. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office applications, GIS, and department software.

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

• No formal supervisory responsibilities. May serve as a Lead Worker which may include guiding, quality control, directing, assigning, and/or training others.

• Organization and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints.
• Independently perform multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Frequent change of tasks, constant interruptions, and requests for service.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Tedious or exacting work.
• Must work effectively with sensitive and confidential information or issues.
• May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule, such as to attend evening meetings.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.

• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Occasionally moves about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc. 
• May make occasional visits to construction sites, traversing uneven terrain and obstructions.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.  

• Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare, and dust.
• The noise level is typically moderate and may be loud at construction sites.

Salary : $68,981 - $84,484