Principal Planner

County of Culpeper • County of Culpeper, VA

1d

About The Position

The Principal Planner oversees and manages the Department’s current legislative land-use application work and long-range comprehensive planning. The role conducts research and analysis, ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and advises boards, commissions, and elected officials on planning matters. It attends Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings, serves as a staff liaison for committees, oversees certain functions such as agricultural-forest districts, and assists with day-to-day operations.

The position contributes to long-term policy formulation and implementation for land use and transportation in Culpeper County. This includes drafting and managing the Comprehensive Plan, regional planning coordination, community engagement, transportation planning and project management, and preparation of other policy-oriented documents. The role also supports public information and customer service, coordinates public participation, and provides technical support to the Planning and Zoning Director on project prioritization and capital budgeting.

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting or outdoors. The work may involve exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, or traffic hazards. Travel may be required for in-person workgroups or regional meetings. A satisfactory criminal history background check and a valid Virginia driver’s license are required.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to a master’s degree in planning or a closely related field is preferred.
• At least five years of experience is required.
• Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Thorough knowledge of urban planning and development and local-government policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of a planning specialization, such as land-use planning and zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation, or economic development.
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development.
• Knowledge of technical report preparation and presentation, pertinent federal, state, and local laws and regulations, supervision and personnel management, budgeting, municipal planning and administration, and citizen-involvement techniques.
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, potentially including Microsoft Office, internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, and GIS.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments and work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret research data, apply mathematical techniques, understand technical and legal materials, and resolve complaints.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management, manage projects, and meet firm deadlines.
• Ability to manage and conduct in-person and virtual public-participation activities, meetings, and hearings.
• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, and experienced in highly visible or controversial projects.

Nice To Haves

• AICP certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide the public with information about the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, erosion and sediment control ordinances, and other applicable codes, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Perform customer service functions, respond to routine questions and complaints, provide information, and initiate problem resolution.
• Supervise legislative land-use applications and manage legislative land-use cases.
• Assist in preparing Zoning Ordinance revisions and oversee revisions to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Conduct research relevant to county long-range planning, including policy problems and solutions, legal requirements, and grant opportunities.
• Draft, implement, and analyze long-range and policy-oriented documents and initiatives, including the Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance, planning grant opportunities, and transportation projects.
• Attend relevant workgroups and regional meetings, virtually or in person, and travel when required.
• Coordinate with the Planning Commission and other entities regarding policy discussions and meetings.
• Provide technical support to the Planning and Zoning Director on project prioritization and capital budgeting.
• Perform planning, public involvement, and report preparation for planning-related projects.
• Serve as a community liaison for long-range planning, including organizing public-comment events and advertising public meetings.
• Record public and organizational input and questions about the Comprehensive Plan and other long-range planning documents, initiatives, and policies.
• Assist the office with general customer service and perform clerical and administrative functions.
• Attend workshops, training sessions, and meetings as appropriate.
• Provide assistance to other employees or departments and perform related duties as directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior