Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Prince William County
Job overview
The Principal Planner role at Prince William County involves improving community quality of life through planning, community engagement, and problem solving, contributing to countywide and specific projects.
Responsibilities and impact
The Principal Planner will coordinate citizen participation, review comprehensive plan amendments, support data collection and analysis, manage projects independently, and collaborate in team meetings to apply planning principles and meet deadlines.
Compensation and benefits
The hiring salary range is $91,000 to $102,000, with full-time status and occasional evening public hearings; no specific benefits detailed.
Experience and skills
Requires a high school diploma or GED with 7 years of professional planning experience; preferred qualifications include a master's degree, AICP certification, knowledge of planning practices, zoning ordinances, GIS, technical writing, project management, and strong communication skills.
Career development
The role offers a creative, learning environment with opportunities to handle multiple projects, develop teamwork skills, and engage with local government officials, supporting professional growth.
Work environment and culture
The work environment is fast-paced, requires excellent customer service, teamwork, participation in night meetings, and occasional supervision or management responsibilities.
Company information
Prince William County is focused on planning for a diverse, dynamic, and growing community, aiming to enhance residents' and businesses' quality of life through good planning and community engagement.
Team overview
The Principal Planner works under the Assistant Director's immediate supervision, collaborating as a team member on countywide projects and independently managing assigned projects.
Unique job features
The position involves unique opportunities for community engagement, project management, and the use of GIS and statistical analysis in a local government planning context.
Company overview
Prince William County is a government entity located in Northern Virginia, responsible for providing essential public services and governance to its residents. It generates revenue primarily through property taxes, business taxes, and state and federal funding, which support services like education, public safety, infrastructure, and community development. Established in 1731, it has grown into a diverse and rapidly expanding region, known for its strategic location near Washington, D.C., and its commitment to fostering economic growth and quality of life. Candidates should be aware of its emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in its operations and policies.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your experience in planning and zoning practices, project management, and community engagement, emphasizing your ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines under supervision.
Focus on showcasing skills in GIS, data analysis, demographic projection, comprehensive plan development, zoning ordinance interpretation, and technical report writing, as these are key to the Principal Planner role.
Apply through multiple platforms including the Prince William County official careers page, LinkedIn, and other job boards that list this position to maximize exposure.
Connect with current employees in the Planning Office or related divisions at Prince William County on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent county planning initiatives, asking for advice on succeeding in the role, or expressing enthusiasm for community development projects.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords such as 'comprehensive plan amendments,' 'zoning research,' 'project management,' 'GIS,' 'community engagement,' and 'data analysis' to ensure it passes initial screening filters.
Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying through multiple sites, tailor your resume for ATS, and identify LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus more on preparing for interviews and strategic job search activities.
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