Senior Planner- Land Use Review

Prince William County Government•Prince William County, VA

15h

About The Position

The Senior Planner works in the Land Use Review division of the Prince William County Planning Office, which reviews and provides case management for rezoning and special use permit applications from initial submission through staff recommendations to the Planning Commission and final action by the Board of County Supervisors. Under general supervision, the Senior Planner exercises substantial discretion and independent judgment across routine and complex planning responsibilities. The role has primary responsibility for reviewing and evaluating land use entitlement and minor modification applications, as well as other special projects assigned by the Assistant Director of Land Use Review. The Senior Planner provides recommendations to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and Board of County Supervisors; negotiates on behalf of the County; and supports local and regional boards, committees, and commissions. The position reviews land development applications and prepares reports as part of the land entitlement process. It researches and evaluates public and private projects across a range of land uses, verifies application accuracy, and assesses consistency with County and regional plans and policies. The role also presents complex planning matters to audiences of varying sizes, produces staff reports and memoranda, meets time-sensitive deadlines, and represents the agency at regularly scheduled public meetings, some of which may be outside normal work hours. This is a full-time position with occasional evening public hearings. The starting salary range is $88,000 to $101,000.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 6 years of planning-related experience; an equivalent combination of education and related work experience, including internships, may be considered.
Knowledge of practices, theories, methods, and objectives of local and regional planning; research techniques and methods; drafting; and engineering designs.
Experience working with land use applications involving rezonings and special use permits.
Experience working independently and leading teams.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparing accurate, concise reports and presenting data effectively.
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.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and be a self-starter.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws on a wide variety of planning topics.
Knowledge of zoning and development regulations and strong research skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in planning, urban and regional planning, or a closely related field.
Master's degree.
AICP certification.
Land development and planning experience.

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate land use entitlement and minor modification applications, along with other assigned special projects.
Review land development applications and prepare reports as part of the land entitlement process.
Research and evaluate public and private projects involving a full range of County land uses, verify application accuracy, and assess consistency with County and regional plans and policies.
Prepare staff reports and memoranda.
Provide recommendations to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, and Board of County Supervisors.
Negotiate on behalf of the County.
Provide staff support to local and regional boards, committees, and commissions.
Present complex concepts clearly and engagingly to audiences of varying sizes.
Meet time-sensitive deadlines.
Represent the agency at regularly scheduled public meetings, including some outside normal work hours.

Benefits

Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans.
Paid annual leave.
Paid personal leave.
Paid sick leave.
Paid holidays.
Optional group medical and dental health plans.
Optional group life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Career development opportunities.
Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).