An Overview

This position is located in the Development Review Division and will perform a variety of project management functions in the Department of Planning and Zoning (P&Z).  The Green Building Manager receives general supervision from the P&Z Division Chief or the Deputy Director. This position is responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of sustainable green building practices in the review of large, complex development proposals to ensure consistency with the City’s vision and adopted polices, including the Green Building Policy and Environmental Action Plan.  This Planner will manage competing priorities, be comfortable working independently, as well as within a team, and has extensive experience using strong organizational, communication, and multi-tasking skills. The Green Building Manager applies a variety of regulations and assesses architectural and construction plans for sustainability performance. This position will also serve as a special resource to other City departments and agencies including General Services and Alexandria City Public Schools for implementation of green building standards in the City’s capital projects. It is also responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring a range of green building programs and studies, including those identified in the City’s Environmental Action Plan.  

What You Should Bring

The incumbent should be a highly motivated, organized planner with outstanding planning, technical, and analytical skills. Excellent customer service skills and experience are utilized to work with the public and business communities. Strong written and verbal skills are needed to write detailed reports and to explain a range of complex issues to a variety of stakeholders. Thorough knowledge and technical expertise in green building practices, green building rating systems (including LEED), energy efficiency, renewable energy techniques, climate change issues, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, building codes and project management, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

The Opportunity

Major responsibilities include:

• Creates new strategies and programs that encourage green building practices in new buildings and renovated existing buildings and manages special projects, including establishment and implementation of a green building performance monitoring program to gain metrics related to positive impacts;
• Manages periodic updates to the City’s Green Building Policy to coincide with changes in third-party certification rating systems, revisions to the state Building Code and implementation of programs established through the Environmental Action Plan;
• Coordinates with other City agencies, interest groups, and jurisdictions on highly specialized environmental policy and green building issues;
• Represents the City in negotiation of proffers, conditions, and positions with applicants, citizens, City staff, other jurisdictions, State and/or Federal government related to green building;
• Performs development plan review in coordination with City staff to incorporate green building practices that ensure consistency with the Green Building Policy and Environmental Action Plan;
• Represents the Department or City and serves as an internal expert on panels, committees, and task forces and may propose environmental planning policies and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Plan in response to a variety of complex environmental policy and green building issues;
• Represents the Department’s positions at public hearings before the City Council, Planning Commission, and/or Environmental Policy Commission, among others;
• Responds to citizen and public entity inquiries and concerns regarding green building issues;
• Writes comprehensive staff reports, memoranda addressing policies and practices, letters  to industry addressing required procedures and practices, development comments, and other materials, as needed for projects, and prepare associated graphics and handouts; and
• Perform related work as required.

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.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-Year College Degree; at least five years of progressively-responsible experience in urban or transportation planning and management of large-scale urban projects, and completion of college-level courses in urban planning, transportation or transit planning, public administration, engineering, geography, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree in sustainable planning and/or engineering and six or more years of experience, including four or more years of direct management experience with sustainable planning and design for complex, urban development projects.  Also at least four years’ experience working successfully with customers and/or members of the public; the ability to review surveys/plats and construction plans; demonstrated strong analytical, written and communication skills; and knowledge of the principles and practices of planning at the local level. Experience with best management practices in the fields of sustainability planning, sustainability engineering, green building construction and environmental science. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, BlueBeam, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other graphic programs.  Sustainability Planner or Engineer or similar design/engineering professional certification is preferred, such as LEED Accredited Professional or equivalent and/or Professional Engineer (P.E.).

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Salary Range:  $72,528.30 – $121,006.08

**Offered salary will be based on selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.**