Principal Planner- Land Use Review

Overview

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 role is 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 with 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 offers a diverse and thriving community. The County Government fosters collaboration among elected officials, staff, residents, and businesses to enhance the county’s appeal as a community of choice. We are committed to leadership at all levels to achieve our Vision and support ongoing training, career development opportunities, health care, leave, holidays, flexible work scheduling, and retirement/investment options.

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. Prince William County Government — see yourself here!

The Principal Planner works under general supervision and uses a high level of discretion and independent judgment in performing the full range of routine to complex responsibilities across the planning function. Primary responsibility includes 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 incumbent provides recommendations to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and 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 evaluating 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 audiences and explaining 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 GED and 7 years of related experience in professional planning, such as interpreting/administering current planning regulations and/or project management for large projects.

• 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 local and regional planning practices, research techniques, drafting, and engineering designs.
• Experience with land use applications involving rezonings and special use permits.
• Experience working independently and leading teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare accurate, concise reports and present data effectively.
• Direct experience in local government and communication with policymakers, senior 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 the ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of federal,…