Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

Are you interested in planning for a diverse, dynamic and growing community? The Planning Office is looking for a Principal Planner, who is highly motivated team player with strong land planning skills, who embraces innovative thinking, who demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for the planning field, and who thrives in a diverse, collaborative, and dynamic environment. The Current Planning Division 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.

We are a continuous learning organization, providing no-cost access to training and career development opportunities. We offer comprehensive, affordable health care options and other benefits to include:

About This Role:

The Principal Planner position performs difficult professional and technical work involving land development review cases of broad scope and substantial complexity, 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 11-person Current Planning team under the supervision of the Current Planning manager. You will work largely independently, leading the county’s review/evaluation of rezoning and special use permit proposals. This position requires excellent research, communication, organizational, writing, critical thinking, project management, and analytical skills.

Reviewing and preparing reports for land development applications as part of the land entitlement process.   

Reading and interpreting plans, grading plans, zoning and parcel maps, and subdivision plats.

Conducting research and analysis and providing reports and recommendations to the senior planning staff.

Communicating with the Public and representing land use policy interests of the County. 

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.

Increase outreach and community partner involvement.

Minimum Requirements: 

High school diploma or G.E.D and 7 years of experience and/or education related toprofessional planning with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects. 

Preferences:

An educational background in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field; a master’s degree and AICP certification is preferred, along with land development and planning experience.

Experience working independently and leading teams.  

Excellent oral and written communication skills, be able to build consensus, have the ability to analyze and interpret policies, and manage projects/applications.

Enjoy working in a creative learning environment and have the ability to meet deadlines and be able to handle multiple project simultaneously in a fast paced work environment.

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.

Be a self-starter with a demonstrated ability to work independently.

Experience in community outreach, engagement, and facilitation.

Knowledge of zoning and development regulations including experience writing and editing zoning code, and strong research skills.

Special Requirements: None

Work Schedule: Full time with occasional evening Public Hearings