Senior Planner (Planner III)

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.

(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.

(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.

• 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.