Code Specialist II

Works as part of the Zoning Permit Section (ZPS) in the Zoning Administration Division. As a team leader under the supervision of the Planner III for the Zoning Permit Section (ZPS), provides day-to-day direction, supervision, training, scheduling, and personnel management of assigned permit technicians and planners tasked with reviewing building permit, nonresidential use permit, accessory living unit, home-based business, and other administrative permit applications for compliance with the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance and other county requirements. Assists assigned staff on such review and other related inquiries and ensures timely service is provided to applicants, whether digitally, at the public counter and/or telephones. Performs quality control of operations through the select review of processed work. Also provides interpretations and technical guidance in the issuance of various county permits to DPD staff and other agencies, such as Land Development Services, Department of Code Compliance, Fire Marshal, and Consumer Affairs, as well as to elected and appointed officials, planners, engineers, county staff, construction industry representatives, and citizens. Maintains strong working relationship with various permit process stakeholders from other county agencies, as well as agents for commercial and/or business owners, tenants, builders, contractors, and permit processors. Serves as a member of the ZPS leadership team and assists in the development standards, policies, and other related procedures for the Section. Represents agency and ZPS at meetings with county, State and/or industry representatives. Performs other duties as assigned to further the responsibilities of ZPS, as well as the goals and objectives of the Zoning Administration Division and the department.

Note: The salary for this position will not exceed the midpoint of the advertised salary range.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field of study directly related to the industry being regulated such as engineering, architecture, urban planning, biological or environmental science, public administration, law enforcement, legal studies or a related field; plus two years of progressively more responsible complaint resolution and/or code enforcement experience in the industry being regulated.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Seeking individual with advanced knowledge of the principals, practices & techniques of planning and zoning, with strong organization skills and who can manage a fast-paced work environment. Must possess strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight or preparation of technical review comments and related correspondence to the public; must be an excellent, effective, and innovative communicator. Must possess strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff members in a team setting, citizens and other customers. Must be able to perform more complex work assignments with minimal oversight and be willing to confidently make technical and personnel decisions as they relate to the section and assigned staff.

In addition, there is a strong preference for an individual with experience in reviewing complex land use plans, building permits, development plans, survey plats, and other zoning related legal documents. Must possess the ability to use a personal computer, word processing applications, printing and scanning equipment and Geographical Information System (GIS) based programs or related permitting review and/or government software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Job is generally sedentary in nature; however, visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment to access, input and retrieve information from computer. The ability to reach and bend to retrieve fies from a 7-foot high shelf filing system. The ability to read site plans, ordinances, and other related land development data, either on paper or on a computer screen. The ability to communicate clearly on the telephone, in person and in written communications, such as emails, letters or technical review comments. Employee may be required to lift up to 15 pounds (all duties). All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include written exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.