JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you passionate about shaping the future of a diverse, growing, and vibrant community? Prince William County Planning Office is seeking a Principal Planner, who is a highly motivated team player with strong planning skills, project management experience, excellent judgment, and an innovative mindset to tackle complex planning challenges. This is a position in the Land Use Review division, which reviews and provides case management services for rezoning and special use permit applications from initial submission to preparing reports that include staff recommendations for presentation to the Planning Commission through final action by the Board of County Supervisors regarding the application.

Located within easy commuting distance from Washington, D.C., and the Northern Virginia area, Prince William County boasts a diverse and flourishing population. As an organization, Prince William County Government fosters collaboration among elected officials, staff, residents, and businesses to enhance the county's appeal as a community of choice. We do the right thing for the customer and community every time. We rely on leadership at all levels to achieve our Vision. We are a continuous learning organization, providing no-cost access to training and career development opportunities; comprehensive, affordable health care options; generous leave accrual; paid holidays and personal days; flexible work scheduling, VA State Retirement and 401 and 457 investment plans.

If you possess outstanding communication, collaboration, and leadership capabilities, seize this opportunity to contribute to a team that prioritizes excellence and serves the public with distinction. Join Prince William County Government and envision yourself making a meaningful impact in our community as a valued public servant. Prince William County Government...See Yourself Here!

About This Role:

The Principal Planner works under general supervision and exercises a high level of discretion and independent judgment in performing the full range of routine to complex responsibilities spanning the entire spectrum of the planning function and exercising primary responsibility for the review and evaluation of land use entitlement and minor modification applications, as well as other special projects as assigned by the Assistant Director of Land Use Review. The incumbent also provides recommendations to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and the Board of County Supervisors, negotiates on behalf of the County, and provides staff support to local and regional boards, committees, and commissions. You will work as a senior member on a 12-person team under the supervision of the Land Use Review manager.

Routine tasks in this role include:

• Reviewing and preparing reports for land development applications as part of the land entitlement process.
• Research and develop reports that evaluate public and private projects involving the full range of land uses in the County (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.); verify the accuracy of applications; evaluate consistency with plans and policies of the County region.
• Presenting to a range of small and large audiences, and the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
• Production of Staff Reports and Memoranda.
• Compliance with time-sensitive deadlines.
• Represent the agency at regularly scheduled public meetings, some of which may take place outside normal work hours.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 7 years of related experience in professional planning, such as experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects.

Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban and regional planning, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree and AICP certification is preferred, along with land development and planning experience.
• Knowledge of the practices, theories, methods, and objectives of local and regional planning, research techniques and methods, drafting, and engineering designs.
• Experience working with land use applications that involve rezonings and special use permits.
• Experience working independently and leading teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to prepare accurate and concise reports, and to present data in an effective manner.
• Direct experience in local government and communicating with policymakers, senior-level managers, interdepartmental staff, and intergovernmental entities.
• Experience with technical writing, presenting, facilitating, negotiating, explaining, planning terms and processes to constituents, and working as a team member.
• Be a self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws on a wide variety of planning topics.
• Knowledge of zoning and development regulations and strong research skills.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:0am - 4:30 pm with occasional evenings (Public Hearings usually held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday for the Board of County Supervisors and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday for the Planning Commission).

Starting Salary Range: $100,000.00-106,000.00 annually

We also offer great benefits, including:

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
• Optional Group Life Insurance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here PSLF for additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

SEE YOURSELF HERE!