Zoning Administrator

Loudoun County Government • Leesburg, VA • $104.78k - $199.07k / year • 3w ago

Loudoun County, Virginia’s Department of Planning and Zoning is recruiting a Zoning Administrator to administer the County’s Zoning Ordinance and oversee the Zoning Administration and Proffer Management programs. Located 25 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and an attractive business location. The Zoning Administrator is a key position in the County government and is expected to support the County’s planning and economic development initiatives. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, solution-oriented environment.The Zoning Administrator provides strategic leadership in the administration, enforcement, and implementation of the County’s Zoning Ordinance. This requires a comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and techniques of zoning and planning administration; thorough knowledge of the functions and operations of the department; and comprehensive knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.

The successful candidate will serve as one of the department’s three Assistant Directors and will lead, mentor, and motivate a team of approximately twenty-five professional planners, including two Deputy Zoning Administrators and one Program Manager. The successful candidate will guide staff in preparing effective staff reports, technical recommendations, and presentations.

Key responsibilities include overseeing a variety of tasks such as:

• Reviewing legislative and administrative land development applications;
• Preparing zoning determinations and vesting determinations;
• Preparing and managing zoning ordinance amendments;
• Processing variances and appeals before the Board of Zoning Appeals and Board of Supervisors;
• Managing approved proffers and conditions of approval; and
• Enforcing the Zoning Ordinance, including the remedying of any violation of the Zoning Ordinance, insuring compliance, and bringing legal actions such as injunction, abatement, or other appropriate steps or proceedings that are subject to appeal.
• Interfacing and collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders, such as the Department of Building and Development, the Department of Economic Development, the County Attorney’s office, the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board of Supervisors, County Administration, community and industry groups, and the media.

The position requires strong written, verbal, and presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, a style that emphasizes diplomacy, and the ability to negotiate sensitive issues, analyze conflicts, and facilitate reasonable resolutions.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience.

Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Law, or related field; and five (5) years of directly related, progressively responsible work experience including a minimum of three (3) years in a direct supervisory or management role, preferably in a government setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference will be given to candidates with American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification and Certified Zoning Official.Attendance and speaking at night meetings after normal business hours is expected.

This position requires a valid driver’s license, DMV, credit, and criminal background checks. After an initial training period, teleworking 2 days a week is an option. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who live more than 40 miles away.