This position performs professional level planning and architectural design review. Primary duties consist of, but are not limited to, review of architectural and preservation design applications, land development plans, building permits, and other minor plans and permits. This position serves as the primary staff support for the Architectural Review Board and Historic District Review Board, providing written analysis and public presentation of applicant proposed building modifications and new development. Included within these duties is written and spoken public outreach, and education regarding the importance and benefit of historic preservation, and role of architectural design in the creation of a memorable sense of place. Emphasis is on the analysis of applications, plans and permits to determine compliance with the town's architectural, historic preservation, and other design guidelines, policies, zoning ordinance regulations and best planning practices. This position will assist in the development and maintenance of design guidelines and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides staff support and recommendations to the town's Historic District Review Board and Architectural Review Board, requiring thorough analysis of architectural drawings, writing staff reports, and presenting the reports at public meetings.
2. Works closely with customers such as applicants, residents, business owners, design professionals, to ensure an understanding of processes, policies, guidelines, and standards and provides guidance, directives and alternative solutions to applicants regarding deficiencies in submittals and designs.
3. Works with the general public to provide technical assistance regarding town preservation, planning, and zoning activities.
4. Principal reviewer of building permits, sign permits, historic district property modifications, and other similar submittals to determine adherence to town zoning regulations, previous town approvals, adopted urban design guidelines, proffers, policies, and sound planning and urban design principles.
5. Assists with the review of site plans, legislative land use cases, and other zoning application reviews.
6. Assists with management of the town's preservation program to include development and maintenance of guidelines, policies, procedures, and resource documents.
7. Seeks and applies for funding opportunities specific to historic preservation, architectural renovation, and place-making.
8. Assists with website content management as it relates to historic preservation, architectural review and urban design.
9. Participates in the development of planning and urban design policy.
10. Manages the public awareness and outreach campaign for the historic district. Develops printed and digital newsletters, mailings and other informational material to inform and educate the community about historic preservation and design review information, guidelines, policies and procedures, and develops and maintains a social media presence to transmit district information.
11. Manages the streetscape sponsorship and memorial programs.
12. Serves as the Town's Certified Local Government Coordinator, acting as a liaison between the state historic preservation office and Community Development.
13. Ensures the continual training of board members, coordinating outside training opportunities, and developing in-house training sessions.
14. Serves as deputy zoning administrator, ensuring compliance of actions with enabling legislation in the state code and zoning ordinance regulations and assisting with zoning interpretations and determinations.
15. Conducts site inspections during and after construction for compliance with Architectural Review Board, Historic District Review Board and other zoning approvals in coordination with the building inspection division.
16. Performs other duties as required and assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Urban Planning or Architecture with emphasis on historic preservation, or closely related field required.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in the application of design guidelines and the ability to transform design and zoning issues into concise and easy to understand concepts for property owners, and appointed and elected officials.
• Preferred, three years or more of experience with public sector planning and zoning administration, land use development review, state and town ordinance interpretation, project management, plan and permit review and policy analysis.
• Preferred, demonstrated experience and knowledge of local government and public administration.
• Preferred experience working with elected and appointed bodies.
• Ability and willingness to attend night meetings and some weekend events.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable record.
• Preferred, AICP or AIA certification.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The Town of Herndon, VA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the ADA, the town will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with this employer.

Duties involve the ability to exert light, physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). May involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station; requires the ability to perform semi-skilled, coordinated movements such as those required to operate computer and office equipment; some duties require visual perception and discrimination; some duties require oral communication ability.

Duties are regularly performed without exposure to adverse, environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease and pathogenic substances.