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 to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below 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 responsible for reviewing building and zoning permits, inspecting property within the City limits for proper adherence to zoning regulations and the issuing of notices and summonses of violations. This is an entry-level position that will provide reviews of building permits.

• Investigate properties for zoning and other City Code violations
• Provide professional interpretation of and technical assistance related to the zoning and other related ordinances of the City Code
• Respond to inquiries from and provide correspondence to the public regarding zoning complaints, violations, inspections, and other matters with a high level of customer service by phone, in writing, and in person
• Searching court records, land use records, and other documents
• Research permits for compliance with zoning ordinances
• Prepare for court cases related to zoning enforcement, including preparing evidence required for court hearings, appearing in court, and presenting testimony, as needed
• Attending and presenting at meetings and hearings, at times during non-business hours
• Examining site plans to verify zoning requirements and processing related permits
• Research and preparation of code amendments
• Performing other related duties as assigned

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 principals, 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 
• General knowledge of Plan of Development and Subdivision review processes
• Skills 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; and, conducting research
• Ability to analyze information; pay attention to detail
• Communicate planning and local government policy issues to a range of audiences

• 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

• 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)

• None required

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Veronica Kenner, by email at HR-ADA@rva.gov.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.