James City County, Virginia, part of the historic triangle which includes the City of Williamsburg and York County, has successfully maintained its historic and rural character by focusing on quality developments, open space preservation and rural corridors. The position's focus is on Comprehensive Planning, however there are ample opportunities to work on land development projects, policy initiatives and special studies. You will lead a small team of professional, collaborative, and fun Planners in a supportive environment!

Description:

This is a professional mid-management position and is part of the Planning Division's management staff team. The Principal Planner will be responsible for sharing in the management of department functions related to comprehensive/long-range planning and current planning. The position currently supervises 3 professional planners and is involved with our team approach to mentoring and training junior level staff.

Essential Functions:

• Manages comprehensive/long-range planning efforts, including comprehensive plan updates, small area plans, and ordinance amendments.
• Provides technical expertise and reviews zoning applications (including Conditional Use Permits and Rezoning applications) as needed.
• Supervises staff as directed by the Director of Planning
• Tracks and reports progress of projects
• Acts as liaison to other review departments, agencies and citizens
• Helps resolve issues that may delay processing applications and acts as conduit to get necessary information/interpretations from appropriate agencies
• Assists with the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan
• Mentors junior level staff
• Provides Planning experties and staff support to elected and appointed County officials

Skills:

• Ability to lead complex long range and short range planning related projects
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public, consultants, elected and appointed officials and employees at all levels
• Ability to conduct complex research and analyze data
• Ability to effectively cope with and manage change
• Ability to work cooperatively with other agencies, the public, and consultants
• Ability to effectively manage, coach and support the work of staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Urban Planning, or 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
• AICP