Job Details

Job Title

Under general supervision, the position implements, interprets and administers the city's zoning ordinance and involves the investigation, interpretation, application, and enforcement of current Zoning Ordinances. Reports to the Director of Planning.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Has thorough knowledge of the administrative practices and procedures relative to zoning. Has considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes governing zoning. Is skilled in the use of survey equipment and tools. Is skilled in reading and interpreting zoning maps and ordinances, physical surveys, local and State code books, local policy and procedure manuals. Is able to prepare technical reports. Is able to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with the public. Is able to establish and maintain effective relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field, and 3-5 years of experience in zoning administration; and 1-2 years of supervisory experience required; or any related educations and experience. Certification as a Zoning Official or Zoning Administrator from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials is required within one (1) year from date of hire. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of office machinery and engineering tools including, calculators, facsimiles and engineering scales. Requires the ability to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally to push or pull file cabinets. Physical requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of survey results, civil engineering reports, zoning ordinances and permits. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak with poise, voice control and confidence. Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form, and work with several abstract and concrete variables. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including civil engineering terminology. Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide, utilize decimals and percentages, interpret graphs, and perform calculations involving variables, formulas square roots and polynomials. Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to interpret a variety of graphs, zoning maps, physical survey results, architectural plans, etc. to ensure the compliance to city policies. Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment and occasionally surveying tools. Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as engineering and architectural tools. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure. Requires the ability to adapt to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerances, or standards. Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.