Principal Planner- Planning and Zoning

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Loudoun County has diverse planning challenges and opportunities, from the development of transit-oriented urban neighborhoods around Metrorail stations to land-conservation and rural planning initiatives in the rural west.

The Department of Planning and Zoning focuses on providing high quality customer service and offers unique opportunities to gain diverse experience in the planning profession, including administering a new Zoning Ordinance, reviewing and processing of a variety of land development applications, and providing solutions to a broad range of complex land use issues. Loudoun County government has been included in Forbes magazine's prestigious ranking of America's Best Large Employers. Loudoun is recognized for its outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive based on various factors, including atmosphere, salary, diversity, working conditions, and workplace environment.

The Loudoun County, Virginia Department of Planning & Zoning is seeking a supervisory-level Principal Planner for its Customer Service Center (CSC) Division. The CSC provides first-tier customer service to internal and external customers, including general inquiries from walk-ins, phone calls, emails, and Loudoun Express Request (LEX). The CSC also receives and assists in the processing of Planning and Zoning applications, maintains, and enhances the department's webpage, and develops public education information on department programs and processes. The Principal Planner will supervise one planning technician and two planners and will serve as back-up for the CSC Manager. The Principal Planner will lead the customer service team in providing exceptional customer service, researching and responding to a variety of customer inquiries, and walking customers through application processes.

Successful candidates must have the ability to lead and manage the work of other professional planners and have strong written and verbal communication skills. The Principal Planner will work closely with the public, applicants, and staff from a variety of other County agencies. Primary responsibilities may include: facilitating pre-application meetings for legislative proposals, facilitating meetings on legislative applications and ordinance amendments, and researching and responding to requests for expedited services from the County Administrator's Office and the Economic Development Department.

This position is eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County's Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.
Hiring salary is commensurate with experience

Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or a related field; four (4) years of related work experience in professional planning or a related field; one (1) year of supervisory experience strongly preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position requires excellent customer service, communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills. Applicants must have senior level knowledge of zoning, land use, design principles, transportation, and environmental planning. Applicants must possess excellent analytical and research skills and must have the ability to meet deadlines and maintain product quality while managing multiple assignments. Attendance at night meetings may be expected.

This position requires a valid driver's license, driving record, and criminal background checks. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who live more than 40 miles away.