Senior Park Planner (Planner III)

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Senior Park Planner to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With over 425 parks and 23,000 acres of parkland including RECenters, 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 well-thought-out designs and plans that provide community benefits and enhance the county’s network of parks and open space. Performs a wide variety of planning and zoning responsibilities such as evaluating rezoning 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:

•  Reviews and writes analytical memos on complex development plans, public improvement plans, green infrastructure plans, environmental impact statements. and other proposals to identify park impacts and mitigation recommendations. 
• Prepares and reviews plans and designs, investigating and recommending various solutions for spatial organization, site utilization, park features, etc.
• Represents the county in negotiation of proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, county staff, other jurisdictions, and state and/or federal government agencies. 
• Assists in the review, comment, and update to park-related portions of the county's Comprehensive Plan. 
• Comprehensively evaluates site conditions, constraints, and opportunities and identifies options and scenarios for future park development and resource protection. 
• Prepares and presents oral, graphical, and written presentations for the Park Authority Board, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors and at public meetings. 
• Interacts and collaborates with, manages, coordinates, and presents to staff teams, citizens, appointed and elected officials. 
• Serves as Park Authority staff liaison to multidisciplinary project teams and task forces. 
• Uses electronic analysis tools such as Adobe Suite, Excel, and GIS to analyze data and prepare graphics, GIS-based maps and displays. 

(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, and 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;
• 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;

(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.

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, urban design, recreation planning, or related area. 
• 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. 
• Familiarity using and updating databases is also preferred. 

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Driver's license (required)

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work assignments may also require that the employee make site visits and traverse uneven terrain, occasionally in forested conditions. Generally sedentary in nature, however employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending, and ability to lift 5 lbs. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
 
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
  
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% 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 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected]. EEO/AA/TTY.