Find & Apply For Urban / Transportation Planner Jobs in Chatham, Virginia

JOB OVERVIEW

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Planner to join our community development team. In this pivotal role, you will lead comprehensive planning initiatives, coordinate complex projects, and ensure compliance with environmental and zoning regulations. Your expertise will drive sustainable community development, support transportation and environmental planning efforts, and facilitate effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape vibrant, resilient communities through innovative planning strategies and meticulous project management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Provides customer service to applicants, developers, and citizens by explaining development review processes, application requirements, and planning procedures; answers technical questions related to rezonings, SUPs, variances, site plans, and subdivision review. Conducts professional development review of rezonings, special use permits, variances, subdivision plats, and site plans; conducts site visits to evaluate development proposals as necessary, prepares staff reports and professional recommendations; participates in Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings to present technical information when delegated by the Director. Coordinates development review with internal and external agencies including Building Inspections, Erosion & Sediment Control, Code Enforcement, Public Works, VDOT, the Health Department, DEQ, and others as needed. Supports research, drafting, and technical analysis related to zoning ordinance updates and long‑range planning initiatives, including Comprehensive Plan implementation, land‑use mapping, and planning studies. Works with other county departments and business units to provide subject matter expertise on zoning regulations and perspectives on best practices related to land use planning. Performs GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization to support development review, long-range planning initiatives, and ordinance research; prepares maps, demographic analyses, and other data-driven materials for planning studies, staff reports, and public meetings. Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus Communication Collaboration/Teamwork Personal Accountability/Delivering Results Diversity and Inclusion

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or a related field; and at least three (3) years of professional level experience in municipal planning.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL

Advanced knowledge of the subject matter. Complete comprehension of the subject area to solve common and unusual problems, ability to advise on technical matters and serve as a resource on the subject for others. Ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents. Ability to prepare technical reports, document procedures and prepare/give presentations to various audiences. Ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations methods and functions of real and complex variables. Ability to make independent decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies. The ability to perform assignments according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight, and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience interpreting federal, state, and local laws and ordinances related to environmental, safety, code compliance, stormwater, and/or zoning regulations. Ability to apply regulations to specific issues related to land use planning, proposed development and construction, and reports of potential non-compliance in a consistent and objective manner. Experience using desktop and web-based GIS software (i.e., ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online or equivalent) to evaluate proximity/measure distances, create buffers, and prepare custom maps. Field data collection using mobile devices and applications. Report preparation. Zoning Administrator Certification.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices and observing general surroundings and activities; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic). This description provides information regarding the essential functions of the designated job, and the general nature and level of work associated with the job. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties and performance that may be required of employees or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments an employee may be given. The County reserves the right to modify the job description as deemed appropriate. This position may be filled at the Planner level depending on relevant work experience. Pittsylvania County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team committed to shaping vibrant communities through innovative planning solutions! Submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Pay:

From $67,106.78 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Wellness program

Work Location:

In person