Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y?

Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity…YOU!!!

This is an exciting time to join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides toward becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the following employee benefit enhancements:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

The Department of Planning & Development Review is currently seeking a Planner Associate who will be responsible for reviewing building and zoning permits, inspecting property within the City limits for proper adherence to zoning regulations, and issuing notices and summonses of violations. This position will additionally provide reviews of building permits.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Examining site plans to verify zoning requirements
• Conducting field inspections of properties, at times during non-business hours
• Searching court records and other documents
• Researching permits for compliance with zoning ordinances
• Testifying in court for cases in violation
• Attending and presenting at meetings and hearings, at times during non-business hours
• Providing technical information and interpretations of ordinances to the general public
• Entering data into computer
• Researching and preparing code amendments
• Performing other related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge and application of planning and zoning, site plans, commercial and residential building plans, real estate, and development regulations
• Basic understanding of engineering principles, land use and zoning law, landscape architecture, architecture, and construction methods; basic knowledge of zoning, subdivision, and site development ordinances
• Knowledge of re-zoning and special use permit processes; and general knowledge of Plan of Development and Subdivision review processes
• Skill in providing excellent customer service, including dealing with difficult customers
• Being a clear and effective facilitator, including public speaking skills and defending recommendations/positions
• Negotiating and balancing the needs of citizens with economic demands, health and human service needs, goals of private corporations, and land use regulations
• Conducting research
• Ability to analyze information
• Paying attention to detail
• Communicating planning and local government policy issues to a range of audiences

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in city/urban planning, civil or environmental engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate, law, or a related field
• Three years of experience or an equivalent amount of graduate-level training
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Customer service (Face-to-Face, via E-mail, and over the telephone)
• Analytical thought processes
• Good writing skills
• Bi-lingual helpful
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) helpful