Principal Planner - TransportationAlbemarle CountyCommunity Development Commission - Planning Division Charlottesville, VAThe Principal Planner - Transportation position undertakes assignments related to a full range of project management responsibilities in the Department. Primary functions include multi-modal transportation planning and priority setting; liaison with neighborhood and community interests regarding transportation issues and program development; identification and costing of projects for inclusion in VDOT/MPO transportation improvement programs, the County's CIP and transit budgeting; coordination with various transportation providers in implementing projects; and, assistance with development review as pertains to providing for transportation improvements consistent with plans/priorities. This position assists the Director and/or their supervisor in the management of policies of the Comprehensive Plan and/or the development review process.
KEY ATTRIBUTES OF OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Possesses thorough knowledge of planning work including transportation planning experience.
- Demonstrates fairness in all business matters, using honesty and ethical decision making that is respected and trusted by the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, co-workers, and the community.
- Communicates challenges and complexities of planning in a way that encourages open dialogue, is able to facilitate communication with a diverse array of stakeholders including the Board of Supervisors, outside agencies/professionals (ex. VDOT), community representatives and officials, and the general public.
- Demonstrates experience with balancing competing priorities from internal and external customers along with a significant workload.
- Has a strong dedication to exceptional public service and enthusiasm for the role of local government in community planning.
- Exercises strong Emotional Intelligence with excellent communication skills in resolving conflict.
THE DEPARTMENT – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTThe Department of Community Development (CDD) mission is to create a vision for the future of Albemarle County through a proactive community planning effort that involves all stakeholders in a consensus building process and ensures that all new development reflects the community's vision. Community Development strives to achieve a future community of quality development, protected natural resources, vital business activity, and livable, walkable neighborhoods.
EXPECTATIONS
- Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oversight of comprehensive and neighborhood planning projects, with emphasis on land use and community planning, and/or coordination of the Department’s functions in the site plan and subdivision review process;
- Responsible for research/analysis of complex community issues and plans of development and the development of recommendations;
- Exercises a high level of independence with minimal day-to-day oversight by their supervisor in the execution of their assignments;
- Charged with making management level decisions regarding assigned responsibilities as delegated by their supervisor as necessary or appropriate;
- May manage staff from time to time as necessary for assigned projects;
- Skilled at project budgeting and identifying and seeking possible funding sources for projects, including through grants.
- Does related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices and techniques of urban and rural planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and rural areas, planning research, zoning and community development activities; ability to coordinate and manage the review of complex projects by project teams and present the results effectively in oral, written and graphic form; knowledge of research methodology and of standard statistical procedures; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, County officials, representatives of other agencies and members of the general public.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, supplemented by a master’s degree in urban planning regional planning, civil engineer, or related, and a minimum of three years experience in professional planning work. Experience working with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) programs and procedures, elected officials and neighborhoods preferred. SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS: Typically involves walking/standing in office environment to meet public, show displays, work with other departments and retrieve files. Also involves light lifting and other physical activities including use of computers and motor vehicle operation (approximately once every one or two weeks). Field reviews may involve walking in fairly rugged terrain. Field work requires spatial interpretation, judging heights, distances, slopes and the like. Frequent and regular contacts made at all levels of county staff and the general public, possibly requiring use of alternative approaches to influence outcome. Communication is generally cooperative, but sometimes characterized by debate requiring diplomacy, persuasion and tact.
SALARY RANGE
Mid I (1-4 years)
$55,058 - $72,465/Per Year