Senior Zoning Official

A career about community-Are you a professional Planner with a passion for making a difference?  Do you have an interest in local government? Do you value integrity, trust, respect, accountability, creativity, collaboration?

If you answered "yes" then the City of Hampton has an opportunity for you! Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, flexible and/or remote work opportunities positions, and other benefits.

If you embody the following attributes, consider joining our dynamic Community Development Department:

• Detailed, yet creative problem-solver

• Thrives in a fast paced work environment

• Versatile and enthusiastic team player

• Passionate about providing excellent customer service

• Effective oral and written communicator

YOU will perform all aspects of the day-to-day zoning administration functions related to zoning determinations, appeals and development review, as well providing support and to the Board of Zoning Appeals under the supervision of the Zoning Administrator/Deputy Zoning Administrator and the Planning and Zoning Administration Division Manager.

• Works collaboratively with the Property Maintenance and Zoning Enforcement Division Manager to ensure accurate, consistent and timely enforcement of the City's zoning ordinance.

• Provides senior level review, analysis, and input within a collaborative team to ensure timely administration and enforcement of environmental regulations (such as the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Overlay District and the Flood Zone Overlay District) contained in the zoning ordinance.

• Provides senior level review and analysis for proposed commercial and residential site plans, building plans, construction documents, property plats, subdivision plans and related documents. Assists the Zoning Administrator/Deputy Zoning Administrator in the resolution of conflicts to ensure consistent interpretation and full compliance with City zoning policies, codes, ordinances and standards.

•  Evaluates applications for Zoning Ordinance variances and special exceptions to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Formulates, produces and presents to the Board of Zoning Appeals formal written recommendations that are based on sound and defensible zoning and land use principles not in conflict with federal and state laws or local ordinances.

• Collaborates with the Zoning Administrator/Deputy Zoning Administrator and Planning personnel to effectively and efficiently process land use applications through various public boards, commissions and committees. Chairs, coordinates and/or participates in land use and development review processes and strategic public project implementation work groups.

•   Collaborates with the Zoning Administrator/Deputy Zoning Administrator and representatives from the City Attorney's Office to become thoroughly knowledgeable of zoning administration and policy interpretations and maintenance initiatives and revisions.

•  Seeks and obtains training and resources needed to ensure that the City delivers the full range of zoning administration functions and services in a professional, high quality manner.

•  Attends a wide variety of meetings and serves on various task forces and committees. Makes presentations before various civic groups and participates in community outreach events as required.

•  Performs other related duties as required.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Public or Governmental Administration or a related field of study.

• Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or certification as a Zoning Official by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) is preferred; an acceptable combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements above.

• A minimum of three (3) years working in a municipal government environment with planning, zoning, flood, or environmental regulation experience. At least two (2) years' experience as a practitioner in development review, drafting ordinance amendments, or interpreting ordinances.

• Thorough knowledge of zoning laws and related ordinances; knowledge of legal procedures as they relate to the enforcement and administration of the Zoning Ordinance and related ordinances.

• Requires advanced project management skills to include skill in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings, construction documents and specifications, site plans, property plats, property deeds, easement agreements and environmental studies and reports.

• Good proficiency in the operation of a personal computer; familiarity with one or more specialized automated systems used in regulation of land use, development and code enforcement.

• Ability to establish and maintain exceptional customer service delivery while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency in a timely manner; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relations with co-workers and a variety of internal and external customers; ability to foster effective public relations and work effectively with diverse groups; ability to prepare written correspondence and reports of a complex nature; ability to explain and interpret complex policies, standards and regulations; ability to investigate and respond to complaints; ability to make decisions and determinations which require a high level of initiative and independent judgment.

• Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license and possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City's criteria.

Performs duties under the general guidance and supervision of the Deputy Zoning Administrator and the Planning and Zoning Administration Manager. This position requires extensive independent judgment in accomplishing assigned duties within established guidelines. Works collaboratively with other Development Services Center personnel and other Community Development Department personnel. Requires the ability to function as a team member and work cooperatively and collaboratively to meet deadlines and effectively manage moderate to high levels of stress. Requires frequent travel throughout the City and extensive contact with other City departments and related outside agencies, local, state, and federal officials and the general public. This is an exempt position.