Salary: $82,777.50 - $139,288.50 Annually
Location : Woodbridge, VA
Job Type: Full-Time (FT)
Job Number: 202509856
Department: PLANNING
Division: COUNTYWIDE PLANNING
Opening Date: 07/02/2025
Closing Date: 7/16/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
GRADE: C51
Hiring Salary: $91,000.00 - $102,000.00

Introduction
Are you interested in planning for a diverse, dynamic and growing community? The Planning Office is looking for a creative and talented professional Principal Planner interested in improving the quality of life for County residents and businesses through good planning, community engagement and problem solving. As a part of the Planning team, the position will coordinate citizen participation activities for planning studies, review and prepare reports for comprehensive plan amendments and support planning data collection, data analysis and demographic projection efforts.
About This Role:

The Principal Planner will work both as a team member for Countywide planning projects and independently on specific projects assigned. As a team member the candidate will provide input in team meetings using experience in applying planning and zoning practices and principles. Working independently the Principal Planner will manage assigned projects to meet deadlines, follow all procedures, and coordinate production to achieve positive outcomes for the project. The ideal candidate should enjoy working in a creative, learning environment, have the ability to meet deadlines and be able to possess flexibility to handle multiple projects. Skills in GIS, plan review, planning research and statistical analysis are a plus. Work is performed under immediate supervision of the Assistant Director of the division.
Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 7 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects). We welcome applicants with all levels of education and experience to apply.
Preferences:

A master's degree and AICP certification is preferred, along with 7 years of planning experience. The successful candidate will have knowledge of planning practices and principles, experience in developing Comprehensive Plans, reviewing development proposals, and managing projects/applications. The applicant should also have experience with zoning ordinances to include interpretation, amendment procedures, and zoning research skills. The candidate should demonstrate skills in essential computer programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS and web editing software, research, writing technical reports, data analysis, and project management. The work environment is fast paced, requires excellent customer service, participation in night meetings, may require some supervision/management of others, and requires strong teamwork skills. Experience working directly with local government, to include working with elected and appointed officials. This includes writing, facilitating, negotiating, explaining planning terms and processes to customers, and working as a team member. The candidate should possess excellent written and oral communication skills as well as a level of comfortability in giving presentations to a range of small and large audiences, and the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner. Experience writing scopes of work for projects is highly preferred.
Special Requirements:

None
Work Schedule:

Full time with occasional evening Public Hearings.
Hiring Salary Range: $91,000.00 - $102,000.00
Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.

Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.
The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Seasonal employees

Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates.
01

I understand that information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications. Information on my resume will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. Only information provided at the time of the application submission will be considered when determining my qualifications. Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in my submitted education and work experience will be credited.

• I have read, understand, and acknowledge the above statement.
• I decline to proceed any further in this process.

02

This position requires a high school diploma or G.E.D. and 7 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects). Please select the option that reflects your highest level of completed education.

• Master's degree or higher in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field
• Associate's degree in Planning, Management, Public Administration, Urban Management, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Geography, or related field
• Associate's degree or higher in an unrelated field
• Some college
• HS Diploma/GED
• None of the above

03

Quantify your years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects).

• 10 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 9 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 8 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 7 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 6 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 5 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 4 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 3 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 2 years of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• 1 year of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)
• No experience to less than 1 year of experience of related work experience in professional planning (experience with interpreting/administering current planning regulations, and/or project management for large projects)

04

Please quantify your experience managing or leading a Zoning Ordinance Update?

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• no experience - less than 1 year of experience

05

Please quantify your experience implementing best practices for local government planning, comprehensive plan policies, and evaluating policy alternatives.

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• no experience - less than 1 year of experience

06

Please select the option that best reflects your level of comfort with public speaking and presenting to community groups, elected officials, and other stakeholders.

• Very comfortable
• Somewhat comfortable
• Not very comfortable
• Not comfortable at all

07

Quantify your years of experience working with intergovernmental agencies to execute planning efforts

• 5 or more years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• no experience - less than 1 year of experience

08

How comfortable are you working in fast paced environments where there is often multiple tasks with multiple deadlines

• Very comfortable
• Somewhat comfortable
• Not very comfortable
• Not comfortable at all

Required Question