Principal Planner

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs complex technical, professional, and administrative work in the field of planning. This position coordinates and manages the long-range planning function within the Department of Planning & Community Development and is responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of the comprehensive plan and other plans, including neighborhood, small area, village, corridor, transportation, and special program plans.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages the long-range planning function of the department.
• Supervises and manages the development and implementation of plans, programs, ordinances, and policies in furtherance of the county’s adopted land use and planning goals and objectives.
• Oversees the development and continued maintenance of the county’s comprehensive plan and other plans, including neighborhood, small area, village, corridor, and special program plans.
• Performs long-range and comprehensive planning studies, as requested.
• Oversees updating of the county’s zoning and subdivision ordinances; prepares ordinance amendments as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan.
• Oversees the research and analysis of complex community issues and plans of development and the development of recommendations.
• Exercises a high level of independence with minimal day-to-day oversight by their supervisor in the execution of their assignments.
• Oversees management-level decisions regarding assigned responsibilities as delegated by their supervisor as necessary or appropriate.
• May manage staff from time to time as necessary for assigned projects.
• Performs research and analysis to anticipate growth, development, population, and economic trends.
• Maintains census data and other relevant statistical information related to demographic, development trends, and planning opportunities and constraints.
• Answers questions from the public related to long range planning, adopted plans, and ongoing planning projects.
• Seeks and facilitates public input in the development of long-range plans and programs.
• Develops, implements, and monitors a long-range planning work program to manage complex and simultaneous planning projects.
• Writes and administers grants, as required.
• Administers the county’s housing rehabilitation and indoor plumbing programs, including fiscal oversight of payback funds.
• Supervises and manages the county’s transportation planning functions; coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies to provide transportation planning on a local and regional scale.
• Reviews and provides analysis and comment for current planning applications as part of the county’s Development Review Team.
• Maintains and develops new systems and databases as necessary for long-range planning functions and recordkeeping.
• Assists with budgetary development and other fiscal functions of the department.
• Assures outstanding customer service is delivered by long range planning staff to all external and internal customers.
• Seeks to improve or establish new permitting, project tracking, and case management processes, incorporating technology as appropriate.
• Performs other assigned duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Regional and Urban Planning, Geography, Land Use, Public Administration, or related field;
• Master’s degree in the like preferred;
• Three (3) years of experience working for a local, county, or regional government planning agency;
• Experience in coordinating and managing current planning projects; conducting research, analyzing data, and preparing written reports; and planning and managing public participation processes;
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
• Valid State of Virginia Driver’s License.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Certified Transportation Manager (CTM) Certification preferred.
• AICP Certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of planning.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances and regulations relating to land use, planning, and zoning.
• Knowledge of public participation processes.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Knowledge of County operations, policies, and plans.
• Skill in conducting research and analyzing data pertaining to planning issues.
• Skill in public speaking and presentation.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage comprehensive planning projects.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and make oral presentations on technical information.
• Ability to work with citizen committees.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to provide appropriate leadership in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to occasionally lift 20 pounds, sit for long periods of time at a desk, and operate a computer and general office equipment. Must be able to travel various terrains if requested to obtain GPS coordinates.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is comprised of a typical office environment with adequate desk, seating, and lighting for performing desk and personal computer work and various field environments. May include occasional exposure to outside weather conditions.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Franklin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Franklin County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,927.00 - $80,506.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $61,927 - $80,506