Apply for Principal Planner

Job Summary

$76,453 - $120,175 / year DOQ + Full-Time County Benefits

Performs advanced professional urban planning work supervising staff members, developing, implementing, and overseeing various policies and procedures, preparing comprehensive plans, reports and databases.

Responsibilities

• Provides effective supervision of assigned staff including selection, performance management, employee relations, training, prioritizing and assigning work, and related activities.
• Assists the Director in establishing policies and procedures for assigned area of responsibility, including developing budget and work program for the Division.
• Works with the Director to implement, monitor and evaluate initiatives and directives of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator.
• Manages and evaluates long-range projects, special projects, and development proposals; oversees staff communication with media on projects.
• Reviews, explains, interprets, and promotes compliance with established rules, policies and procedures; drafts correspondence to property owners, developers, agencies, and others; serves as liaison for division; attends meetings and makes recommendations to committees, commissions and elected officials.

Qualifications:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, urban planning, architecture or related field; considerable work experience.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days, a valid Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on James City County’s criteria.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of urban and regional planning and development; Federal, State, and local ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and community development; considerable knowledge in public administration and finance as related to urban planning.
• Skill in use of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate research projects; make effective presentations in oral, written, and graphic form; organize, motivate, and supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel engaged in planning, zoning, and community development and evaluate their work; initiate and effectively carry projects through to completion in a timely fashion and ensure that the section work program and projects meets identified County goals and objectives; establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; work as a team member.

AICP preferred

Click here ​for full job description. Accepting applications until position is filled. Cover letters and resumes may also be attached, but a fully completed application is required for your application to be considered. Updated on 4/16/2025 to reflect new sourcing (close) date.

James City County is dedicated to building a diverse workforce and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. If you need assistance with completing the employment application, please contact the HR Department at 757-253-6680 or email [email protected].