Planner

King William County is seeking a Planner I to join the team. Under general supervision, this is entry-level professional planning position in support of the county's comprehensive planning, zoning, land use, and community development programs. Reports to the Senior Planner or Senior Director of Community & Economic Development. Assists in the review and processing of rezoning petitions, special use permits, variances, site plans, and subdivision plats; evaluates applications for compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and the adopted comprehensive plan; prepares written staff analyses identifying issues, applicable standards, and recommended dispositions for review by a senior planner or planning manager. Conducts field inspections to verify site conditions, existing land use, zoning compliance, and conformance with approved development plans; documents inspection findings and photographs site conditions; prepares accurate inspection reports and communicates findings to supervisors and applicants as appropriate. Performs research and compiles data related to land use, demographics, population trends, housing, and community development in support of planning studies, reports, and policy analyses; gathers information from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, regional data repositories, GIS databases, and locally maintained records; organizes and presents findings in clear written and graphic formats. Responds to inquiries from property owners, applicants, developers, and members of the public regarding zoning regulations, land use designations, development procedures, and planning policies; provides accurate information at the public counter, by telephone, and in writing; refers complex or sensitive inquiries to senior staff as appropriate. Assists with the preparation staff reports, maps, graphics, and presentation materials for Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other advisory body hearings; ensures reports are accurate, well-organized, and completed in advance of established deadlines; attends evening meetings of advisory bodies and presents staff findings as assigned. Assists with the maintenance and periodic update of the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and other planning documents; conducts background research, prepares draft text amendments, and supports public engagement processes associated with plan and ordinance updates under the direction of a senior planner. Assists with public participation activities in support of planning projects and community engagement initiatives; helps coordinate community meetings, public workshops, and surveys; assists in the preparation of public notices, informational materials, and presentation graphics. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

Municipal Planning

• Working knowledge of the philosophies, practices, principles, and techniques of the municipal planning process as they pertain to development and redevelopment; basic knowledge of local ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to current and comprehensive planning; familiarity with how planning decisions affect community character, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Zoning & Land Development Regulations

• Working knowledge of zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and land development controls; basic knowledge of variance, special use permit, and rezoning procedures and the standards applied in their review; ability to locate and interpret applicable regulatory requirements when reviewing development proposals under supervision. Comprehensive Planning
• Basic knowledge of long-range comprehensive planning methods including the purpose and components of a comprehensive plan, its relationship to zoning and land use decisions, and state planning enabling legislation; familiarity with how goals, objectives, and policies in adopted plans guide day-to-day planning decisions. Local, State & Federal Laws & Regulations
• Basic knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing land use, environmental protection, historic preservation, fair housing, and community development; familiarity with the role of state enabling legislation in defining local planning authority; ability to research and apply relevant legal standards under the guidance of a senior planner.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Working knowledge of GIS principles and applications including spatial data management, basic mapping, and data visualization using GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS; knowledge of cartographic design principles sufficient to produce clear, accurate planning maps and exhibits in support of staff reports and public presentations. Research & Data Analysis Methods
• Knowledge of basic quantitative and qualitative research methods applicable to planning, including demographic analysis, land use inventories, and data compilation from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, regional data repositories, and locally maintained databases; ability to organize and present research findings clearly in written reports and graphics. Customer Service
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective customer service as applied in a public sector setting; knowledge of techniques for responding to public inquiries in a courteous, timely, and professionally appropriate manner; understanding that the planning counter and public contact functions are a primary interface between the department and the community it serves.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Written & Oral Communication

• Preparing clear, concise, and well-organized staff reports, planning documents, correspondence, and technical memoranda; skill in presenting planning information to diverse audiences including the public, Planning Commission, and elected officials in a clear and professional manner; ability to translate technical regulatory language into terms that are understandable to applicants and community members.

Judgment & Decision Making

• Evaluating development applications and research findings to identify relevant issues, apply appropriate regulatory standards, and formulate sound recommendations under supervision; skill in recognizing when situations require escalation to a senior planner or supervisor and in articulating the basis for questions or concerns in a clear and professional manner.

Critical Thinking & Analytical Reasoning

• Gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information from multiple sources to reach well-reasoned conclusions on planning matters; skill in identifying inconsistencies between submitted development plans and applicable regulatory requirements; ability to apply logical reasoning to resolve ambiguities in codes and standards under the guidance of a supervisor. Mapping, Graphics & Plan Preparation
• Preparing maps, charts, site exhibits, and other graphics using GIS and related software to support staff reports, zoning applications, Board of Zoning Appeals submissions, and public presentations; skill in producing clear and accurate cartographic products that effectively communicate planning information to both technical and lay audiences. Time Management
• Managing multiple concurrent assignments, tracking application deadlines, maintaining accurate case files and permit logs, and prioritizing tasks to meet required timeframes; skill in maintaining organized records and documentation systems in compliance with departmental records management procedures. Interpersonal Relations
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with applicants, the general public, elected and appointed officials, and colleagues across departments; skill in managing difficult public contact situations with composure, impartiality, and professionalism; ability to represent the department in a manner that promotes public confidence in the planning process. Computer Applications
• Use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for document preparation, data management, and presentations; skill in using permit tracking systems, planning databases, and document management software; ability to learn new software platforms as required by departmental operations.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

Comprehension & Application of Regulations

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply zoning codes, subdivision ordinances, comprehensive plan policies, and other regulatory documents to specific development proposals; ability to identify applicable standards and evaluate compliance with accuracy and attention to detail; ability to seek clarification and guidance when regulatory interpretation is unclear or contested. Attention to Detail
• Ability to carefully review development applications, legal descriptions, plats, site plans, and planning documents to identify deficiencies, inconsistencies, or omissions; ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy in the preparation of staff reports, correspondence, and database entries; understanding that errors in planning review can have significant legal and community consequences.

Public Interaction & Communication

• Ability to explain complex regulatory information to members of the public, applicants, and property owners in a clear, courteous, and professional manner; ability to respond to inquiries at the public counter and by phone and email while managing multiple demands; ability to de-escalate contentious interactions and direct individuals to appropriate resources. Coordination of Work & Activities
• Ability to coordinate assigned planning review activities with other departments, reviewing agencies, and external consultants to ensure comprehensive and timely application review; ability to track the status of multiple applications simultaneously and communicate progress updates to applicants, supervisors, and advisory boards as required. Adaptability & Stress Management
• Ability to work effectively under changing priorities, fluctuating workloads, and competing deadlines without loss of accuracy or professional composure; ability to adapt communication style and work approach to varied public requests, sensitive land use issues, and evolving departmental needs; ability to remain objective when dealing with contentious planning matters.

Independent Work & Initiative

• Ability to work independently on routine assigned tasks with limited supervision, exercising appropriate professional judgment within established guidelines; ability to proactively identify issues, ask relevant questions, and seek supervisory input before matters escalate; demonstrates a commitment to professional development and continuous learning in the planning field.

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field, internship, practicum, or coursework experience in planning, zoning, or land development is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record. Must successfully pass a criminal background check. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is not required but is encouraged as a professional development goal.