Principal Planner

Responsible for overseeing and managing the Department’s planning activities, including current legislative land use application and long range comprehensive planning; research and analysis; ensuring compliance with local, state and federal laws; advising various boards, commissions, and elected officials on planning related issues; attending Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor meetings, serving as staff liaison for committees, overseeing certain functions such as the ag-forest districts, and assisting in day-to-day operations. Works on long-term policy formulation and implementation regarding land use and transportation in the county. Includes things such as drafting/managing comprehensive plan, regional planning interaction, community engagement, and transportation planning/project management.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in providing the public with information regarding the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, erosion and sediment control ordinances, and other applicable codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Performs customer service functions; provides assistance and information to callers/visitors in relation to adopted policies, codes/ordinances, interpretations, violations, department activities, procedures, documentation, fees, or other issues; responds to routine questions/complaints and initiates problem resolution.
• Supervisors the legislative land use applications, assists in preparation of Zzoning Ordinance revisions, and oversees revisions to the Comprehensive Plan.
• Manages the legislative land use cases
• Conducts research relevant to long range planning in the County, whether it be general research or research specific to certain policies/initiatives; Research relates to exploring different policy problems and solutions, legal requirements, grant opportunities, etc.
• Drafting, implementing, and analyzing other long range and policy-oriented documents, such as the Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance, planning grant opportunities, and transportation projects.
• Attend workgroups/regional meetings that are relevant to Culpeper County, whether it be informational or regarding creation or implementation of policy; this occurs virtually and in-person, which sometimes requires travel.
• Coordinating with the Planning Commission and other relevant entities regarding policy discussion and meetings.
• Provides technical support to the Planning and Zoning Director on project prioritization and capital budgeting.
• Performs planning, public involvement and report preparation for various planning related projects. 
• Serve as a community liaison/outreach regarding long-range planning, such as organizing events for public comment, and advertising public meetings related to long-range planning.
• Recording input and questions from the public & organizations regarding the Comprehensive Plan and other long-range planning documents/initiatives/policies.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist the office with general customer service
• Performs a variety of clerical and administrative functions
• Attend workshops and training sessions as appropriate
• Attend various meetings as needed
• Provide assistance to other employees or departments as needed
• Perform related duties as directed

TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Thorough knowledge of urban planning and development and local government policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of specialization such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development
• Research methods and statistical principles related to urban growth and development
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
• Budgeting procedures and techniques
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
• Knowledge of local government procedures and practices
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, and database management
• GIS programs and applications

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Education equivalent preferred master’s degree in planning or a closely related field with at least five (5) years’ experience. AICP Certification preferred. 

Special Qualifications:

Must possess satisfactory results of a criminal history background check. Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license.

TYPICAL SKILLS

• Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in highly visible/controversial projects
• Capable of managing multiple high-priority assignments
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with staff, officials and stakeholders and to resolve complaints
• Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and apply mathematic techniques in practical situations
• Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and conduct in-person and virtual public participation activities, meetings and hearing

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting or in an outdoor environment. May require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, or traffic hazards.

Disclaimer

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.