Virginia Tech School of Public and International Affairs

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.

Routine tasks in this role include:

• 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.