Principal Planner

About the role

The position serves as Principal Planner for the Stafford County Planning and Zoning Department, working with the public and other local/regional stakeholders to shape the future of the community.

Responsibilities

• Develops the Comprehensive Plan, addressing local challenges, and evaluating development projects.
• Collaborates with numerous County and regional agencies to expand professional network and skillset.
• Evaluates development projects for community impacts and merits.
• Works with/presents to elected and appointed officials.
• Engages the public through workshops and surveys.
• Utilizes software programs for mapping, analysis, and graphics.
• Leads and mentors a team of Planners.
• Coordinates staff activities, planning projects, and studies.
• Develops and recommends policies and procedures.
• Coordinates application review and prepares/reviews technical studies and reports.
• Oversees the application process for rezoning and conditional use permits/site plans/subdivision plans.
• Oversees long-range planning studies.
• Serves as staff assistant to various boards, commissions, and committees.
• Interacts with internal and external customers on comprehensive planning, site development, and application review.
• Conducts research and provides recommendations on zoning and subdivision matters.
• Reviews technical studies and reports.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding planning activities.
• Coordinates with federal, state, and local agencies on planning matters.
• Aids in the budget process and procurement of professional services for planning and land development.
• Contributes to the annual update of the capital improvements program.
• Prepares and presents information to the public and various public bodies and organizations.
• Supports the implementation of Board of Supervisors' future vision and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field, plus 7 years of professional planning experience, including 2 years in a supervisory capacity. Master’s Degree desired.
• Experience: Supervisory experience, experience with developing planning documents, managing CUP/Zoning Reclassification applications, and presenting planning or development matters to citizens, councils, boards, or commissions.

Skills

• Excellent organizational, writing, presentation, and management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships.
• Knowledge of urban planning philosophies, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and urban renewal.
• Knowledge of grant preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of private real estate finance, sociology, economics, and public finance.
• Knowledge of municipal finance and facility engineering.
• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex research projects.
• Ability to present research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.
• Ability to supervise a small group of professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
• 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.

Benefits

Please click here for our full-time benefits. Note: All employees are required to have direct deposit of their bi-weekly paychecks into one or more financial institution(s) of their choice. Proper identification must be shown at time of hire for compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986.