Principal Planner

Introduction

The Department of Transportation & Capital Construction is looking for a dynamic individual who wants to join a high‑performing team of professionals to better the quality of life for the community through planning, engineering, and building of multimodal transportation facilities.

If you are a motivated, hardworking individual who has a passion for improving mobility, the Department is searching for a Principal Transportation Planner to work in our Planning Section. Duties focus on overseeing planning studies and updates and reviewing development proposals for consistency with County transportation plans and policies. Other responsibilities include representing the Department and County at local, regional, and state transportation planning forums, coordinating with other transportation or transit agencies.

This highly responsible position functions as the County liaison and subject matter expert in transportation and mobility planning matters to other Departments, County agencies, the Federal Government, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and other regional and sub‑regional agencies.

This is a key employee within the largest and most successful locality‑led transportation construction program in the Commonwealth. This position provides an opportunity to see your direct impact on the community, while utilizing your transportation planning skills in a diverse and exciting work environment.

The successful candidate will offer excellent technical, communication, and organizational skills to support the transportation planning functions of the County’s collaborative Department of Transportation & Capital Construction. The role requires ownership, pride in assignments, and timely, accurate performance.

As Principal Transportation Planner, the candidate will review and participate in the update of long‑range transportation plans for compliance with County priorities, the Comprehensive Plan, the Strategic Plan, and relevant policies; lead and expand transportation planning efforts; provide technical assistance focusing on review of development cases and transportation/traffic studies or plans; manage specialized planning projects; formulate and communicate transportation recommendations to staff, officials;

and represent the Department at Planning Commission, Board of County Supervisors, and other transportation‑related meetings.

The position will provide planning and technical solutions to complex mobility problems and challenging situations and work diligently with other County agencies and community groups to achieve the County and Departmental vision and goals.

High School diploma or G.E.D. and 7 years of related experience in urban, regional, or transportation planning or a closely related field. Required skillset includes exceptional written and oral communication, customer service, technical and analytical skills. The candidate must be enthusiastic about planning and improving Prince William County’s multimodal transportation network and possess an excellent work ethic, prioritization, creativity, and a drive to learn and contribute.

Work will be performed under the direct supervision of the Transportation Planning Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., urban planning, transportation planning, transportation engineering, public administration) – preferred.
• AICP or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) Certification – preferred.
• Professional skills: analytical duties, thorough problem‑solving, critical decision making, excellent communication, ability to manage multiple projects, adjust priorities.
• Ability to work independently or lead a small team.
• Ability to provide prompt and effective customer service to various stakeholders.

Standard business hours (in‑office) with occasional night meetings. Some telework available after initial 3 months.

Must have the ability to operate a government vehicle to attend meetings and forums throughout and outside the County.

$82,777.50 – $

• Medical plans with pharmacy and basic vision coverage.
• Dental plans and a separate vision plan.
• Full‑time and part‑time employees eligible to participate; benefits depend on classification.