What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Use and Development Planner position at Curata Partners PLLC?
An exciting opportunity to join an experienced, growing boutique law firm operating in multiple jurisdictions in Northern Virginia on first-in-class development projects.
This position is for candidates with a minimum of 3 years' experience in land use and planning in the private sector OR holding a degree in a field related to land use and zoning. Candidates will work under the supervision of attorneys and senior planners, performing a range of substantive case and land use related duties. Work will focus on managing large multi-disciplinary project teams, guiding them through the zoning entitlement process and coordinating all aspects of zoning cases with attorneys/senior colleagues, clients, professional consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed or elected officials
This role is located in our Chantilly, VA office and offers a hybrid work schedule, with at least two in-person days per week.
Responsibilities
- Prepare applications and supporting materials for matters related to land use including: zoning changes, special exceptions, zoning approvals, local ordinances, and deed/ easement drafting
- Draft persuasive project descriptions, statements of justification, research code sections and review land use ordinances and comprehensive plans
- Review and provide direction to technical consultants such as civil engineers, traffic planners, architects and environmental consultants to ensure success of the overall application effort
- Prepare disclosure statements and affidavits, including city, town and county ownership affidavits and disclosures
- Interact with jurisdictional staff to submit and monitor the review of zoning and land use applications and, under supervision of a lawyer or senior planner, respond to questions/requests from such staff in the course of reviewing zoning and land use applications
- Assist with all aspects of land development and/or subdivision approval process
- Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties
- Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner
- Foster positive work relationships
- Comply with all firm policies and practices
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in land use and planning in the private sector OR less experience but holding a degree in a field related to land use and zoning.
- Experience in land use and zoning, transactional real estate or a related business practice area
- Bachelor's Degree
Desired Skills
Must have excellent communication and writing skills, familiarity with researching public records and a willingness to learn the documents and processes of various jurisdictions. Experience must include drafting persuasive statements and evidence of excellent research experience. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. The ideal candidate must be able to work both independently and as part of a larger team to manage large, multi-disciplinary projects. Candidates must be willing and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and have initiative to see complex projects through to conclusion.