Senior Planner (Planner III)

Salary : $81,382.29 - $135,637.01 Annually
Location : FAIRFAX (EJ26), VA
Job Type: FT Salary W BN
Job Number: 25-00487
Department: Park Authority
Opening Date: 02/22/2025
Closing Date: 3/8/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S28
Posting Type: Open to General Public

Job Announcement

This position manages complex park planning and design projects 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 in the Stewardship and Planning Division. With more than 24,000 acres of parkland, over 420 parks, and an estimated 18 million park users per year, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of. There are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. As a key senior member of a team of planners and landscape architects, performs a wide variety of park planning responsibilities, including contributions to long range park system planning, developing conceptual park plans, leading special studies, Comprehensive Plan amendments and collaborates with multi-disciplinary staff to create quality parks as an essential element of planning and design. This position 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.

May lead and/or participate in 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. Major responsibilities include:

• Functions as a senior project lead to develop conceptual park plans and conduct studies of park and recreation issues and trends.
• Serves as a project manager for complex planning projects, working independently and with colleagues to execute projects from start to finish.
• Researches current and emerging parks and recreation issues, trends, and best and/or emerging practices in park planning and landscape architecture to ensure current knowledge of professional trends and practices.
• Prepares and reviews plans and designs, researching and recommending various solutions for spatial organization, site utilization, park features, etc.
• Comprehensively evaluates site conditions, constraints, and opportunities and identifies options and scenarios for future park development and resource protection.
• Conducts spatial analysis using ArcGIS and prepares GIS-based maps and displays for a variety of park planning projects.
• Synthesizes analysis of existing conditions with park system needs, community needs and preferences, and project team recommendations to develop overall concept plans for park plans, illustrate concepts related to special studies, develop community design guidelines, or create design scenarios to support development plan review and partnership projects.
• Coordinates the efforts of staff from various park divisions and outside agencies, regularly communicating expectations, deadlines, and project status.
• Identifies and initiates the need for coordination with stakeholders in planning, projects, and special studies. Plans and coordinates public outreach activities and collaborates across Park Authority branches and divisions to formulate recommendations.
• Prepares and makes presentations to the Park Authority Board, Planning Commission, civic groups, Board of Supervisors, and other interested parties regarding park plans and projects.
• Interacts and collaborates with, manages, coordinates, and presents to staff teams, citizens, appointed and elected officials.
• Analyzes properties for improved access, recreational opportunities, accessibility, development constraints, and resource protection. Analysis includes evaluation of existing physical conditions within the property and the context of the site within the surrounding community. Analysis considers an individual site, its contribution to the larger county park system, and the extent to which it advances the agency's equity goals, in accordance with Park Authority policies.
• Coordinates work effort of consultants to identify needed work product and ensure timely, accurate completion of projects.
• Serves as Park Authority staff liaison to multidisciplinary project teams and task forces.
• Uses electronic analysis tools such as Adobe Suite, CAD, Excel, and ArcGIS to analyze data and prepare graphics, GIS-based maps and displays.

Schedule Notice: This position is eligible for up to two days of telework. The position may require participation/attendance of meetings/events on nights and/or weekends.
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.)

• 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;
• 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;
• 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:

(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 carrying of items under 25 lbs. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations. All duties may be 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 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.

#LI-SP1
Merit Positions

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• LiveWell Program
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
• Paid Holidays
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees' Child Care Center
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions

Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Flexible Spending Program
• Deferred Compensation

Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.

• No benefits

01

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than 12th grade
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree

02

If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a degree.

• Less than 45 quarter hours
• 45 to less than 90 quarter hours
• 90 to less than 135 quarter hours
• 135 to less than 180 quarter hours
• 180 or more quarter hours
• Less than 30 semester hours
• 30 to less than 60 semester hours
• 60 to less than 90 semester hours
• 90 to less than 120 semester hours
• 120 or more semester hours
• Not applicable

03

Please indicate the major(s) or minor(s) for your completed degree(s). Check all that apply.

• Planning
• Landscape architecture
• Architecture
• Urban design
• Recreation planning
• Other (related field)
• Other (non-related field)
• Not applicable

04

If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list all of your majors and minors. If this question does not pertain to you, or you do not have a degree, enter "Not applicable".
05

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have in a planning related field?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight or more years

07

How many years of full-time equivalent experience in park planning, park design, master planning, urban design or environmental planning do you possess?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

08

How many years of full-time equivalent progressively responsible experience do you have incorporating racial and social equity plans into planning and design for public spaces? (Progressively responsible experience: Refers to tasks, job duties, or roles that demonstrate growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.)

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six or more years

09

How would you describe your knowledge, skills and abilities in the principles, laws and regulations related to comprehensive planning, zoning, and public land rights?

• None
• Low
• Moderate
• Intermediate
• Advanced

10

How would you describe your knowledge, skills and abilities related to managing complex projects and diverse project teams?

• None
• Low
• Moderate
• Intermediate
• Advanced

11

Do you have experience preparing and presenting reports to senior/executive management, citizens, Boards and Commissions?

• Yes
• No

12

How would you describe your knowledge, skills and abilities related to effective written and visual communication in correspondence, reports, plans and review comments?

• None
• Low
• Moderate
• Intermediate
• Advanced

13

How would you describe your knowledge, skills and abilities related to use of Microsoft Office Productivity software (Word, Excel, Power Point) used to prepare documents, data analysis, presentations, and planning documents?

• None
• Low
• Moderate
• Intermediate
• Advanced

14

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have using Adobe Suite (Creative Cloud, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.) in their current versions?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

15

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in their current versions?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

16

Please indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• Beginner (Basic knowledge of creating a worksheet; performing calculations in a worksheet; modifying and formatting a worksheet; printing workbook contents)
• Intermediate (Knowledge of inserting and modifying graphic objects in a worksheet; customizing and enhancing workbooks; analyzing data using Pivot Tables, Slicers, and Pivot Charts)
• Advanced (Extensive knowledge of increasing productivity and improving efficiency by streamlining workflow; collaborating with others using workbooks; auditing worksheets; analyzing data; working with multiple workbooks; importing and exporting data, using Excel with the web)
• No experience

17

Please indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Beginner (Basic knowledge of opening, saving and closing files; creating backwards compatible files for working with older versions of PowerPoint; utilizing the find and replace tool; applying and modifying pre-designed WordArt; spacing and arranging objects and images; converting bulleted list into flowcharts)
• Intermediate (Knowledge of applying templates and themes; converting text to diagrams and tables; inserting images and clip art; adding sound effects and music clips, adding video and animation; adding and configuring interactive action buttons; incorporating review comments and embedded MS Office content; use advanced features for saving and distributing your file)
• Advanced (Extensive knowledge in customizing PowerPoint for your own work environment; fully leveraging the power of master slides to creating consistent and easy-to-update designs; simplifying internal communication or reviews with embedded notes and comments; reusing (not re-entering) data from other applications; adding multimedia elements; recording voice-overs for presentations; setting up a self-running slideshow display for a lobby or event kiosk)
• No experience

18

Please indicate your level of proficiency with Microsoft Outlook.

• Beginner (Basic knowledge of identifying the components of the Outlook environment; composing email messages; sending and receiving email messages; organizing email messages into folders; managing contacts; scheduling appointments; scheduling meetings, managing tasks, notes and journal entries)
• Intermediate (Knowledge of customizing message settings; organizing and locating Outlook messages; setting calendar options; tracking activities using the Journal; assigning and tracking tasks; sharing folder information; customizing the Outlook environment)
• Advanced (Extensive knowledge of almost all functions of program including personalizing your email; organizing Outlook items; managing data files; managing contacts and contact information; saving and archiving email; creating a custom Outlook form; working offline and remotely)
• No experience

19

Please indicate your level of proficiency with using Microsoft Teams.

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None experience

20

Are you willing to work outside of regular work hours to attend/conduct meetings and other project related purposes?

• Yes
• No

Required Question