County of Culpeper, VA
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ZONING
County of Culpeper, VA, Culpeper, Virginia, United States, 22701
Salary :
$114,159.11 - $151,260.81 Annually Location :
County of Culpeper, VA Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
8110-2025-0819 Department:
Planning & Zoning Opening Date:
08/19/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous FLSA:
Exempt
Job Summary
The position of Director plans, manages and directs the programs and services of the Planning and Zoning Department. Oversees all department operations to ensure all activities are in compliance with policies and procedures set forth by the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. Job Functions
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Formulates Departments' policies and procedures; plans, develops, directs and evaluates departmental programs and services; develops goals and objectives Identifies needs, obtains and allocates resources for the department; prepares and administers the departmental budgets and adjusts priorities as needed Directs and oversees departmental operations and ensures that all activities (land use planning, development reviews, zoning administration, subdivision review, inspections, etc.) comply with applicable policies, procedures, standards, and related regulations Prepares county Capital Improvements Plan Prepares case analysis and recommendations for all land use applications; presents all cases to the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission Researches, analyzes, and develops a variety of planning proposals, documents and recommendations including ordinance amendments, the County Comprehensive Plan and plan amendments, and secondary and primary road lists; presents findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission and/or to other approving agencies (i.e., VDOT) Coordinates projects with the Virginia Department of Transportation; ensures compliance with VDOT requirements and acceptance into VDOT's maintenance system where appropriate Supervises and/or conducts planning studies; identifies issues, develops proposals, and provides summary of findings and recommendations orally and in writing; Reviews maps, charts, graphics, and related materials used for reports and presentations Studies trends, demographics and other data and forecasts growth, future needs, trends, and related planning issues Attends the Board of Supervisors meetings and Planning Commission meetings and serves as a principal technical adviser on matters pertaining to land use, infrastructure, transportation, environmental, zoning, and other planning issues Supervises compilation, analysis and interpretation of data, preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to community planning, development, and zoning Conducts planning studies, reviews applicable technical studies, reports, legal documents, and other information and prepares reports of analysis, projections, and recommendations Plans and oversees the work of staff; reviews correspondence, legal advertisements, minutes, and other documents prepared by subordinates; performs a variety of duties associated with managing staff to include hiring, assigning work, training, disciplining, evaluating performance, etc. Manages department administrative functions; writes grant applications for program funding; prepares and reviews progress reports; plans and manages budgets; approves accounts payable invoices Responds to land development and planning questions from the public Issues zoning permits; and responds to zoning, land development and planning questions from the public. Makes frequent presentations to community groups regarding a variety of Planning related issues. NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in urban planning, or a related field supplemented by 8 years of experience managing planning, community development and land use programs.
Special Qualifications: Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check. AICP Certification preferred. Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to hire, supervise and evaluate subordinates Ability to manage department to include evaluate department programs, develops goals, etc. Proven leadership ability to motivate, guide, and develop team members while clearly communicating expectations and priorities-ensuring all team efforts are aligned with the County's mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Leads by example to foster accountability, collaboration, and high performance across the organization Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively guide, support, and motivate team members while communicating clearly to ensure alignment with the County's mission, vision, and goals. Leads by example to promote teamwork, accountability, and results Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of County planning, land development, zoning and related programs and services Thorough knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process Thorough knowledge of governmental programs, laws, grants, and services pertinent to the planning process Considerable knowledge of County zoning ordinances and codes, and related land use regulations General knowledge of the geographic and socio-economic layout of the County General knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of urban planning Ability to collect, analyze and present technical data and planning recommendations to the Board and other committees Knowledge of computer programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and various file maintenance programs Ability to use manual and automated drafting tools and equipment Ability to work independently and in a team environment Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in contact with municipal, State and Federal officials and the general public Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments Ability to provide a high level of customer service
Working Conditions & Disclaimer PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as moderate. Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Requires visual perception and discrimination. Ability to distinguish sounds, colors, and odors. May involve extended period of time at a keyboard or workstation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to extreme conditions. Requires attendance at various board meetings that are normally scheduled after business hours.
Disclaimer
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
General Sign-off:
The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies. The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job. Culpeper County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. COUNTY OF CULPEPER BENEFITS Full-time employees have access to a wide variety of benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and a deferred compensation program. RETIREMENT
As a condition of full-time employment, each individual is enrolled in a retirement plan with the Virginia Retirement System that provides a monthly benefit to all retirees for life. VRS Plans 1 and 2 and the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty plans are defined benefit plans. The VRS Hybrid plan consists of both a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan.
All individuals are required to contribute 5% of their gross salary to their retirement account each month as a condition of employment. LIFE INSURANCE
The County of Culpeper provides a basic life insurance plan for all eligible employees. The coverage amount is an employee's annual salary, rounded up to the next highest thousand, then multiplied by 2. The County pays 100% of the cost of this benefit. Additional coverage may be purchased. MEDICAL INSURANCE
The County offers two (2) medical plans: an HMO & an HSA. DENTAL INSURANCE
The County offers three comprehensive dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents. HOLIDAY/VACATION/SICK ACCRUALS
The County follows the state calendar for paid holidays. Vacation and sick accrual depend on the agency, office, or department in which an individual is employed. PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
The County currently utilizes a merit pay system to determine employee salary increases. This does not apply to Culpeper Human Services. SHORT TERM DISABILITY
The County offers basic income protection in the event an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of his or her position. The County pays for this coverage for all VRS members. LONG TERM DISABILITY
The County also offers additional income protection that will continue beyond the short term disability period until an employee is able to return to work or reaches retirement age. This coverage is provided for a nominal cost to employees covered under VRS Plans 1 and 2 and the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty plan. This coverage is provided at no cost to all employees covered under the VRS Hybrid plan.
VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PROGRAM
The County offers voluntary insurance programs through a variety of insurance carriers. These include:
Accident Plan Cancer Plan Whole Life Insurance Critical Illness Plans FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The County offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows employees to set aside up to $2,500 annually, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deductions, to pay for eligible medical, dental, or vision expenses. The IRS regulates this program and runs concurrently with the benefit plan year. DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The County offers a Dependent Care Assistance Program that allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 annually, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deductions, to pay eligible dependent care expenses. The IRS regulates this program and runs concurrently with the benefit plan year. Open enrollment is held annually. DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 as another alternative to set aside money for retirement. This employer uses E-Verify For more information please go to:
$114,159.11 - $151,260.81 Annually Location :
County of Culpeper, VA Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
8110-2025-0819 Department:
Planning & Zoning Opening Date:
08/19/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous FLSA:
Exempt
Job Summary
The position of Director plans, manages and directs the programs and services of the Planning and Zoning Department. Oversees all department operations to ensure all activities are in compliance with policies and procedures set forth by the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. Job Functions
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Formulates Departments' policies and procedures; plans, develops, directs and evaluates departmental programs and services; develops goals and objectives Identifies needs, obtains and allocates resources for the department; prepares and administers the departmental budgets and adjusts priorities as needed Directs and oversees departmental operations and ensures that all activities (land use planning, development reviews, zoning administration, subdivision review, inspections, etc.) comply with applicable policies, procedures, standards, and related regulations Prepares county Capital Improvements Plan Prepares case analysis and recommendations for all land use applications; presents all cases to the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission Researches, analyzes, and develops a variety of planning proposals, documents and recommendations including ordinance amendments, the County Comprehensive Plan and plan amendments, and secondary and primary road lists; presents findings and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission and/or to other approving agencies (i.e., VDOT) Coordinates projects with the Virginia Department of Transportation; ensures compliance with VDOT requirements and acceptance into VDOT's maintenance system where appropriate Supervises and/or conducts planning studies; identifies issues, develops proposals, and provides summary of findings and recommendations orally and in writing; Reviews maps, charts, graphics, and related materials used for reports and presentations Studies trends, demographics and other data and forecasts growth, future needs, trends, and related planning issues Attends the Board of Supervisors meetings and Planning Commission meetings and serves as a principal technical adviser on matters pertaining to land use, infrastructure, transportation, environmental, zoning, and other planning issues Supervises compilation, analysis and interpretation of data, preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to community planning, development, and zoning Conducts planning studies, reviews applicable technical studies, reports, legal documents, and other information and prepares reports of analysis, projections, and recommendations Plans and oversees the work of staff; reviews correspondence, legal advertisements, minutes, and other documents prepared by subordinates; performs a variety of duties associated with managing staff to include hiring, assigning work, training, disciplining, evaluating performance, etc. Manages department administrative functions; writes grant applications for program funding; prepares and reviews progress reports; plans and manages budgets; approves accounts payable invoices Responds to land development and planning questions from the public Issues zoning permits; and responds to zoning, land development and planning questions from the public. Makes frequent presentations to community groups regarding a variety of Planning related issues. NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Performs duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in urban planning, or a related field supplemented by 8 years of experience managing planning, community development and land use programs.
Special Qualifications: Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check. AICP Certification preferred. Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to hire, supervise and evaluate subordinates Ability to manage department to include evaluate department programs, develops goals, etc. Proven leadership ability to motivate, guide, and develop team members while clearly communicating expectations and priorities-ensuring all team efforts are aligned with the County's mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Leads by example to foster accountability, collaboration, and high performance across the organization Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively guide, support, and motivate team members while communicating clearly to ensure alignment with the County's mission, vision, and goals. Leads by example to promote teamwork, accountability, and results Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of County planning, land development, zoning and related programs and services Thorough knowledge of the environmental and socioeconomic implications of the planning process Thorough knowledge of governmental programs, laws, grants, and services pertinent to the planning process Considerable knowledge of County zoning ordinances and codes, and related land use regulations General knowledge of the geographic and socio-economic layout of the County General knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the field of urban planning Ability to collect, analyze and present technical data and planning recommendations to the Board and other committees Knowledge of computer programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and various file maintenance programs Ability to use manual and automated drafting tools and equipment Ability to work independently and in a team environment Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in contact with municipal, State and Federal officials and the general public Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments Ability to provide a high level of customer service
Working Conditions & Disclaimer PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as moderate. Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). Requires visual perception and discrimination. Ability to distinguish sounds, colors, and odors. May involve extended period of time at a keyboard or workstation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to extreme conditions. Requires attendance at various board meetings that are normally scheduled after business hours.
Disclaimer
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
General Sign-off:
The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies. The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job. Culpeper County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. COUNTY OF CULPEPER BENEFITS Full-time employees have access to a wide variety of benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and a deferred compensation program. RETIREMENT
As a condition of full-time employment, each individual is enrolled in a retirement plan with the Virginia Retirement System that provides a monthly benefit to all retirees for life. VRS Plans 1 and 2 and the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty plans are defined benefit plans. The VRS Hybrid plan consists of both a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan.
All individuals are required to contribute 5% of their gross salary to their retirement account each month as a condition of employment. LIFE INSURANCE
The County of Culpeper provides a basic life insurance plan for all eligible employees. The coverage amount is an employee's annual salary, rounded up to the next highest thousand, then multiplied by 2. The County pays 100% of the cost of this benefit. Additional coverage may be purchased. MEDICAL INSURANCE
The County offers two (2) medical plans: an HMO & an HSA. DENTAL INSURANCE
The County offers three comprehensive dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents. HOLIDAY/VACATION/SICK ACCRUALS
The County follows the state calendar for paid holidays. Vacation and sick accrual depend on the agency, office, or department in which an individual is employed. PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
The County currently utilizes a merit pay system to determine employee salary increases. This does not apply to Culpeper Human Services. SHORT TERM DISABILITY
The County offers basic income protection in the event an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of his or her position. The County pays for this coverage for all VRS members. LONG TERM DISABILITY
The County also offers additional income protection that will continue beyond the short term disability period until an employee is able to return to work or reaches retirement age. This coverage is provided for a nominal cost to employees covered under VRS Plans 1 and 2 and the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty plan. This coverage is provided at no cost to all employees covered under the VRS Hybrid plan.
VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PROGRAM
The County offers voluntary insurance programs through a variety of insurance carriers. These include:
Accident Plan Cancer Plan Whole Life Insurance Critical Illness Plans FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The County offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows employees to set aside up to $2,500 annually, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deductions, to pay for eligible medical, dental, or vision expenses. The IRS regulates this program and runs concurrently with the benefit plan year. DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The County offers a Dependent Care Assistance Program that allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 annually, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deductions, to pay eligible dependent care expenses. The IRS regulates this program and runs concurrently with the benefit plan year. Open enrollment is held annually. DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457 as another alternative to set aside money for retirement. This employer uses E-Verify For more information please go to: