Principal Planner Job Opportunity
Principal Planner Salary $88,649.60 - $155,147.20 Annually Location Stafford County, VA Job Type Full-Time Job Number 03995 Department Planning and Zoning Opening Date 03/04/2026
Job Description
If you are a Planning professional seeking a position where you can work with the public and other local/regional stakeholders to have a direct impact on the future of the community, we have an exciting opportunity to serve as Principal Planner for the Stafford County Planning and Zoning Department.
This is a dynamic role that is challenging and rewarding, and the skills you will develop in the position provide a good foundation for future career growth. A few aspects of the position include:
• Development of the Comprehensive Plan, the County's 20-year outlook on growth and sustainability • Addressing local challenges by applying your academic and professional knowledge • Expanding your professional network and diversifying your skillset by collaborating with numerous County and regional agencies • Evaluating specific development projects for their community impacts and merits • Working with/presenting to elected and appointed officials • Public engagement, including conducting workshops and surveys to solicit feedback • Utilizing numerous software programs for mapping, analysis, and graphics • Leading and mentoring a team of Planners to accomplish goals
Requirements
The position requires excellent organizational, writing, presentation, and management skills. The ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships is critical as the role will serve as one of the primary contacts for long-range planning matters. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and brings a blend of experience and knowledge in project management, public engagement, interpretation and application of code requirements and best practices, and preparation/presentation of reports.
Salary Range
The hiring range for this position is from $88,649.60 to $121,908.80 based on experience. The full salary range for this position is from $88,649.60 to $155,147.20 to provide opportunity for growth and development.
Examples of Duties
Plans and coordinates staff activities; coordinates staff planning projects and studies; develops and recommends policies and procedures; coordinates application review; oversees the preparation and maintenance of files and records; Oversees analysis and the development of recommendations regarding current physical, social, and economic projects and allied phases of the comprehensive plan for the County; Recommends planning and land use practices to improve compatibility with adjacent development, and reviews projects for compliance with subdivision and zoning regulations; Oversees the application process for rezoning and conditional use permits or site plans and subdivision plans; Oversees long-range planning studies relating to a wide variety of social, economic, physical, and facility planning, including research analysis, design, and graphics; Supervises and provides direction to planning technicians and lower level planners; Serves as staff assistant to various boards, commissions, and committees; Regularly interacts with internal and external customers with matters relating to comprehensive planning, site development, and application submittal and review; Conducts research and provides recommendations relating to zoning and subdivision matters; Reviews technical studies and reports; Reviews and responds to inquiries from the public regarding planning activities; Coordinates with Federal, State, and local agencies on planning matters; Assists with the budget process and the procurement and oversight of professional services for planning and land development; contributes to annual update of capital improvements program; Prepares presentations and presents information to the public and to various public bodies and organizations; Assists with the background research and planning involved in the implementation of any Board of Supervisors' future vision and/or strategic priorities; Performs related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, and practices of urban planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, zoning, and community renewal activities; Thorough knowledge of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and urban renewal; Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of grant preparation and administration; General knowledge of private real estate finance, sociology, economics, and public finance as applied to urban planning; General knowledge of municipal finance and facility engineering relative to capital improvements programming; Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex research projects effectively; Ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form; Ability to supervise a small group of professional, technical, and clerical personnel engaged in routing urban planning, zoning, and renewal work; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public; Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and review complex planning projects and applications.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in Urban Planning or a related field, and 7 years of experience in professional planning work, including 2 years in a supervisory capacity. A Master's Degree is desired. Possession of industry certifications issued by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) preferred.
Additional Requirements
Please click here for our full-time benefits. All employees are required to have direct deposit of their bi-weekly paychecks into one or more financial institution(s) of their choice. Information must be presented at time of hire. Proper Identification must be shown at time of hire in order to complete the necessary paperwork for compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986.
Required Questions
01 Please specify your total number of years of supervisory experience. 02 Briefly describe your experience with developing planning documents such as Comprehensive Plans, Special Area Plans, or similar. 03 Do you have experience managing Conditional Use Permit and/or Zoning Reclassification applications? 04 Briefly describe your experience presenting planning or development matters to citizens, councils, boards, or commissions.
Employer Information
Stafford County Address: P.O. Box 339 Stafford, Virginia, 22555-0339 Phone: (540) 658-5147 Website: http://staffordcountyva.gov