The Town of Cape Charles is seeking a motivated, customer-focused professional to join our Planning & Zoning Department as a Planning & Zoning Technician. This is an excellent opportunity to serve a vibrant coastal community while supporting land use planning, zoning administration, permit processing, and code compliance efforts throughout the Town.
If you have a desire to learn and work in the public sector, we will train you.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication skills, a commitment to public service, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and an understanding of Adobe Acrobat are essential. Occasional fieldwork and site visits require the ability to navigate the Town on a golf cart.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Planning & Zoning, the Planning & Zoning Technician provides administrative support to the department while assisting with zoning compliance and planning activities. The successful candidate will interact regularly with residents, contractors, developers, business owners, and visitors, helping ensure the efficient administration of the Town's planning and zoning programs.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Support
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Planning & Zoning inquiries.
- Provide exceptional customer service to residents, contractors, developers, and visitors.
- Prepare agendas, meeting packets, public notices, and supporting materials for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and other assigned boards or committees.
- Attend Board meetings and prepare accurate meeting minutes.
- Maintain departmental records, permits, files, and databases.
- Process zoning permits and applications.
- Assist with scheduling meetings, inspections, and public hearings.
- Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, and other administrative documents.
- Manage records in accordance with state and local retention requirements.
Zoning Compliance
- Investigate complaints regarding potential zoning ordinance violations.
- Conduct field inspections to verify compliance with zoning regulations and approved permits.
- Interpret and apply the Town's zoning ordinance and related land use regulations.
- Issue violation notices and monitor corrective actions.
- Meet with property owners, contractors, business owners, developers, and residents to explain zoning requirements and compliance procedures.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, enforcement actions, and case resolutions.
- Coordinate with Town departments and external agencies on zoning and compliance matters.
Planning Support
- Review land use applications, including Conditional Use Permits, Zoning Text Amendments, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, and related submissions.
- Assist with short-range and long-range planning initiatives.
- Support implementation of the Town's Comprehensive Plan and other planning projects.
- Conduct research and prepare reports related to planning and development activities.
Qualifications
- High level of computer skills – you should consider yourself “very good with technology”.
- Superior communication skills. This means you must be able to write accurately, research and communicate clearly to Town citizens.
- The ability to work effectively with residents, contractors, developers, and the public.
- You must possess self-confidence in face-to-face meetings and enjoy helping customers.
- The ability to work well with the boards and be available for evening board meetings.
- Complete assignments as directed.
- Research and apply information accordingly regarding properties.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required; Adobe Acrobat is desirable.
- Valid driver's license required.
This is a full-time non-exempt position that is eligible for overtime. The hourly rate is $18.50-$20.50 DOQ and includes a robust benefit package including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), health insurance, paid leave, paid holidays, life and disability insurance.
Application available at the Town Hall or by clicking the link below. Submit complete Town Employment Application to Human Resources at 412 Tazewell Ave, P O Box 191, Cape Charles, VA 23310. Or email to humanresources [at] capecharles.org (humanresources[at]capecharles[dot]org). Interested candidates may also call the Human Resources Department at 757-331-3259 x11. Submittals without a complete Town Employment Application will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needs.
