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The town of Windsor has begun advertising its open planning and zoning administrator position and is accepting applications for it.

Since spring 2021, the position had been held by James “Jay” Randolph, who also held it from 2003-05 when it first became a full-time role. He recently accepted the position of community development and planning director in Southampton County, starting in that role on Oct. 11.

Windsor Town Manager William Saunders expressed gratitude for Randolph’s return to the town’s staff for the past two-and-a-half years.

“It was good to have Mr. Randolph back at the town of Windsor, as he had the requisite experience for the job of planning and zoning administrator and had a knowledge of the town from his prior employment here,” Saunders said. “He also shepherded the Planning Commission through a large part of the update to the Comprehensive Plan that we are undertaking.”

The town has begun the process of seeking Randolph’s successor.

UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED

Until the planning/zoning admin job is filled, Saunders said those with questions regarding planning and zoning should contact the Windsor Town Hall at 757-242-4288 or in person at 8 E. Windsor Blvd.

“They will be forwarded to the appropriate member of staff depending upon what their request entails,” Saunders stated.

DETAILS OF THE POSITION

The town of Windsor’s employment announcement for the planning and zoning administrator position notes that the salary range is $44,600-plus depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits.

The town’s class description (CD) of the position includes a wealth of information, including the following general definition of work: “Performs intermediate technical work enforcing the zoning and subdivision ordinances, serving as staff to the town’s Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, and maintaining the town’s Geographic Information System, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the town manager.”

The minimum qualifications for the job according to the CD include a bachelor’s degree with coursework in urban planning, public administration or a related field, and moderate experience in planning in a government setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special qualifications cited in the CD include a Certified Zoning Administrator certification obtained within one year of hire and a valid driver’s license in Virginia.

The town’s CD also lists 13 essential functions that an individual must be able to perform satisfactorily to perform the job successfully. The class description noted that reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform these functions.

The essential functions of the job are as follows:

• Prepares reports for Town Council and Planning Commission;
• Assists in preparing information packets for the Planning Commission and Town Council;
• Reviews zoning permit applications, site plans, and issues permits accordingly;
• Enforces the town’s Zoning Ordinance and handles compliance issues; 
• Interacts with the general public regarding planning and zoning issues; 
• Maintains permit records for parcels within the town; 
• Reviews subdivision plots and relays appropriate information to the town manager, Town Council and/or Planning Commission; 
• Reviews and advises rezoning and conditional permit applications; works with the Planning Commission and Town Council; 
• Serves in an advisory position to the Town Council and Planning Commission for matters dealing with planning and zoning; 
• Administers the Chesapeake Bay program; 
• Answers phones and takes payments at the Town Hall’s front counter as needed; 
• Maintains and updates GIS data and maps for the town; prepares maps as requested by the Town Council, Planning Commission, town manager and staff; and
• Reviews variance and appeal requests; works with the Board of Zoning Appeals when applications are submitted.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE POSITION

The town’s employment announcement concludes by stating that a town employment application may be obtained at Windsor Town Hall, which is located at 8 E. Windsor Blvd., or online at www.windsor-va.gov. The Town Hall can be reached by phone at 757-242-4288 and by mail at 8 E. Windsor Blvd., P.O. Box 307, Windsor, VA 23487. Applications will be accepted by mail, at the aforementioned mailing address, or by email, at wsaunders@windsor-va.gov.