Principal Planner- Land Use Review

Introduction

Are you passionate about shaping the future of a diverse, growing, and vibrant community? The Prince William County Planning Office is seeking a Principal Planner, 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.

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. The incumbent has primary responsibility for the review and evaluation of land use entitlement and minor modification applications, as well as other special projects assigned by the Assistant Director of Land Use Review.

The role includes providing recommendations to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and the Board of County Supervisors, negotiating on behalf of the County, and providing 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.

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

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 7 years of related experience. The equivalent combination of education and related work experience (including internships) may be considered.

• Educational background in planning or a related field, a 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 effectively.
• 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.
• 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.

None

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 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).

$ -  annual

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401(a) 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

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.