Principal Planner- Land Use Review

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…

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.

• 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.

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.

• An 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…