Senior Park Planner

Job Announcement

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals This position works a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With over 420 parks and 23,000 acres of parkland including Rec Centers, nature centers, historic sites, golf courses, lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. As one of FCPA's lead planners, manages complex park planning and design assignments that inform park development across the county, bringing creativity, imagination, and a keen sense for aesthetics to the work of FCPA's Park Planning Branch. Advances racial and social equity through park planning and design practices, delivering thoughtful designs and plans that benefit the community and enhance the county's network of parks and open space. Performs a wide variety of planning and zoning responsibilities, such as evaluating zoning applications, site plans, and Comprehensive Plan amendments, and collaborates with multi-discipline professional staff to promote quality parks as an essential element of urban planning and design. May lead and/or participate in small project teams, but also must be able to operate independently, exercising experienced professional judgement and taking initiative to start, complete, and close out a variety of tasks. Sample tasks include: Manages park planning review of rezoning applications, special exception applications, comprehensive plan amendments, site plans, transportation and other public facilities and infrastructure projects, and other types of development plans and applications, analyzing impacts to park facilities and services. Implements county park plans, policies, and standards in new development proposals, guiding proper design of publicly accessible park spaces, and developing strategies to minimize or mitigate potential impacts to parks and recreation resources and natural and cultural resources. Represents the Park Authority in negotiation of proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, county staff, other jurisdictions, and state and/or federal government agencies. Assists reviewing and revising park-related portions of the county's Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensively evaluates site conditions, constraints, and opportunities and identifies options for future park development and resource protection. Prepares presentations and graphical exhibits and presents to Park Authority senior leadership, the Park Authority Board, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, other county Boards and commissions, external stakeholders, and public meetings Serves as Park Authority staff liaison to multidisciplinary project teams and task forces. Uses electronic analysis tools such as Adobe Suite, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS to analyze data and prepare graphics, maps, and displays.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.) Prepares detailed staff reports on complex zoning applications, Ordinance amendments, Plan amendments, public facilities proposals, and appeals of the Zoning Administrator's decisions;Represents the county in negotiations of proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, county staff;Conducts special studies resulting in the adoption of amended Plan text, the formulation of new land use policy, and/or amendments to the Zoning Ordinance;Reviews complex zoning applications for compliance with submission requirements, and maintains county computer databases and records;Collects, compiles and analyzes data relating to zoning, land use, transportation, public facilities, recreational, and environmental planning and prepares documents;Presents staff positions at public hearings before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and/or Park Authority Board;Responds to land use, planning, and zoning inquiries and prepares interpretations both orally and in writing;Coordinates with other county agencies, interest groups and other jurisdictions on various assignments;Serves as lead planner for a revitalization area;Directs the work of a team or a small group of planners and planning technicians working on a special project;Supervises the work of a smaller work unit;Assists in the administration and management of work programs involving the administration, enforcement, interpretation and amendment of the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan;Serves as staff liaison to task forces and advisory boards;Serves as mentor for other Planners in the series;Conducts park master planning process and prepares related plans and reports;Performs project management including contracting consultants, preparing schedules and administering the project budget.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.) Advanced knowledge of the principles of urban planning and zoning;Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret documents relating to land use, zoning, environmental planning, public facilities, and information technology, among others;Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and to produce accurate documents with only limited, oversight supervision;Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze research data and to present in written form;Ability to analyze and evaluate land use and development plans and to form sound practical recommendations;Ability to use a computer to access information, to conduct research and to perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations;Ability to establish and to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives and citizens;Ability to speak and to respond to questions effectively before individuals, citizen groups and public bodies;Ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports;Ability to set individual priorities, to manage time efficiently, and to exhibit sound judgment;Ability to manage complex projects independently or to serve as a team leader;Ability to meet and to deal effectively with county representatives, clients and the public;Ability to identify effective solutions to process or programmatic problems.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a planning related field; plus, four years of experience in a planning-related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in planning, landscape architecture, recreation planning, urban design, civil engineering, or related field. Experience performing park planning and design work. Experience incorporating racial and social equity principles in planning and design practices. Experience applying urban design principles in the review of complex development plans. Excellent oral, visual/graphic, written, and interpersonal communication and collaboration skills. Experience managing projects and teams, as well as ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis. Proficiency using Adobe Suite, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Productivity software including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Driver's license (required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Generally sedentary in nature, however employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending, and ability to lift 5 lbs. Work assignments may also require that the employee make site visits and traverse uneven terrain, occasionally in urban, forested, and/or wet conditions. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home ( Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others ) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact for assistance. TTY EEO/AA/TTY.

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