Urban Planner II

Salary : $64,296.44 - $113,149.40 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Planning and Zoning
Division: NEI PLN & CO
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Urban Planner II - GS 19

Neighborhood Planning and Community Development Division (NPCD)
Department of Planning & Zoning
An OverviewThis position is located within the Neighborhood Planning and Community Development (NPCD) Division of the Department of Planning & Zoning (P&Z). The Planner will perform professional planning work primarily but not limited to small area plan development, community outreach, research and analysis, development review, and coordination among different departments and agencies What You Should Bring The incumbent should be a highly responsible and organized planner with outstanding planning, communication, technical, and analytical skills. You must have a strong knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of urban planning, urban design, and community engagement as well as excellent graphics, GIS, and plan review skills.
The Opportunity

• Collaborating as part of a multi-disciplinary team on long-range planning projects involving extensive public participation to facilitate equitable solutions for complex neighborhood issues.
• Producing graphics and maps for presentations, plans and staff reports, transforming complex issues into concise and easy to understand concepts for community groups, property owners, and appointed and elected officials.
• Reviewing development projects for consistency with the Master Plan.
• Assisting with design and execution of community engagement strategies and working closely with community stakeholders in the development of plans.
• Assisting with implementation of long-range planning initiatives.
• Collaborating with other divisions within P&Z as well as other departments and external partners.

About the Department
P&Z works closely with the community in each area of the City to carry out City Council's Strategic Plan for vibrant, amenity-rich neighborhoods, protected historic resources, and vital local businesses. With the community as our partner in developing neighborhood plans and reviewing proposals for development projects and businesses, we continue to deliver on the Vision we have developed together.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and best practices of City planning and urban design; ability to work efficiently and effectively to execute tasks; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, members of the community, elected and appointed officials, consultants, and other jurisdictions; ability to analyze data and prepare technical reports; ability to develop creative approaches to and concepts for planning problems; ability to manage consultant work; ability to evaluate development proposals for consistency with the master plan.

Job Family, Contribution Level and Career Ladder

Job Family: Medical/Scientific/Engineering/Technology Professions
Contribution Level: 3
Career Ladder: This job class is part of the Urban Planner Career Ladder program

FLSA Status and Basis

FLSA Status: Exempt
FLSA Basis: Admn
EEO Category: Professionals
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This class specification provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to reflect essential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specific function and task of this class title. A job class may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Minimum: Four-Year College Degree from an accredited college or university in regional, or urban Planning, or a closely related field such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Physical Sciences, Historic Preservation, or Environmental Studies; three years of experience or master's degree with 1 year experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred: Master's Degree in urban planning or a closely related field and at least two years of demonstrated professional experience and expertise in urban planning (or a closely related field) applying the following skills: neighborhood planning, community development, community engagement/facilitation, urban design, environmental planning, excellent communication skills, strong written, graphic, and presentation skills, the ability to handle multiple complex projects with established deadlines simultaneously, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment within the Department, with other City staff, and with the public and elected officials. Preferred technical expertise includes Adobe Suite, ArcGIS Pro, and SketchUp Pro.

Notes
Salary Information:

$64,296.44 - $113,149.40 annually, depending on education and experience. The Department may offer a starting salary up to $86,127.86 (Step 8), based on the selected candidate's qualifications, education, and experience.

Application Process

This position requires successful completion of pre-employment background checks to include but not limited to a criminal history records check.

Interested candidates are required to submit an application through the City's online recruitment system.
Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• At least two (2) professional writing and/or portfolio samples of work (may submit hyperlinks if too large to submit)

Applications that do not include all required materials may not be considered.