Planner, Government, PR ​/ Communications

Join the City of Colonial Heights (Contract) as a Planner.

All applications received during the recruitment period will be forwarded to the hiring department for review and consideration after the Tuesday, January 13, 2026 closing date.

• Assist the Director and Assistant Director in developing community outreach initiatives, planning studies, and reports to support department plans, programs, and regulations.
• Review zoning permit submissions.
• Review or assist with the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
• Research and collect statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics relevant to the department’s objectives.
• Coordinate and implement the City’s Home Repair program using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, including contract management with City vendors under the oversight of the Director or Assistant Director.
• Prepare correspondence for zoning matters as needed.
• Assist with research and writing of ordinance amendments.
• Act as a liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing plans, as assigned.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings, as assigned, and assist in preparing draft minutes for Boards and Commission meetings staffed by the Planning & Community Development Department.
• Manage and update department databases.
• Develop and submit grant applications, as assigned.
• Address public and professional inquiries.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Two years of college or an Associate’s Degree and five to less than ten years of related experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree and two to five years of directly related experience.
• A Master’s Degree and less than two years of directly related experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation by the American Planning Association is desirable.
• Certified Zoning Official (CZO) designation by the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials is desirable.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• CDBG experience desirable.

The work is generally performed in an office environment. Typical duties include sitting, walking, standing, stooping, carrying light items such as papers and small parts, and driving an automobile. No special physical demands are required. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions, including safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

• Health insurance with dental & vision coverage (Anthem, Delta Dental, & Blue Vision)
• Retirement (Virginia Retirement System & Mission Square)
• Group Life Insurance
• Supplemental retirement (Roth IRA & 457 Deferred Compensation)
• Voluntary benefits (FSA & Colonial Life products)
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays (14)
• Bi‑weekly Payday
• Virginia Credit Union enrollment
• Education/tuition discounts through Liberty University