Principal Planner

Salary: $73,582.52 - $94,728.46 Annually
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: FY2025-01263
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, this position performs complex professional and responsible administrative work with major projects or programs, by coordinating and participating in the collection and analysis of physical social economic and financial data by statistical methods. Work involves providing services relating to current planning, historic district administration, zoning, subdivisions, demographics, etc. Work also involves receiving and responding to a variety of inquiries from contractors, developers, surveyors, real estate agents, and the general public. Reports to the Assistant Director of Planning.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Researches, prepares, and develops complex studies, reports, designs and plans for the Planning Commission, the department, and other various boards and commissions; drafts codes and ordinances, and reviews plans and projects for code compliance; performs field inspections; coordinates and participates in the collection and analysis of physical, social economic and financial data by statistical methods to conduct planning assignments.
Oversees and manages all aspects of complex special projects such as small area plans, ordinance updates, etc. including managing vendors, overseeing contracts, public engagement activities, and report creation.
Provides information to the general public; keeps abreast of current and future issues and trends; reviews plans prepared by external agencies to ensure compliance with city codes, State regulations, design, and construction standards; meets with the general public, developers, agency and program personnel, and neighborhood groups to discuss city plans and concerns.
Works with staff to process applications for Certificates of Appropriateness and other development in the City's historic districts. Assists developers and citizens in reviewing and complying with the historic district guidelines. May serve as the city's liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission
Collaborates with staff and outside agencies to identify and incorporate resilience initiatives and strategies into projects, programs, and policies.
Serves as a member of and attends various local, regional, and statewide committees, panels, and boards; provides input based on expertise and observations as appropriate; maintains professional relationships and contact with planning professionals to facilitate exchange of information; provides staff support to various Boards and Commissions; presents presentations during public hearings.
Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives of urban planning and design, including environmental planning. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and physical design as generally related to planning and development. Has considerable knowledge of the environmental and socio-economic implications of the planning process. Has considerable knowledge of City zoning ordinances and related land use regulations. Has considerable knowledge of the principles of supervision and organization. Has general knowledge of the city and its socio-economic characteristics. Is skilled in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data and planning recommendations. Is able to review subdivision plans, site development plans and related drawings for compliance to applicable local regulations and ordinances. Is able to plan, assign and direct the activities of a professional, technical and clerical staff. Is able to explain planning theory, policy and practices to lay people individually or in groups. Is able to exercise considerable tact and courtesy in frequent contact with city, municipal, state and federal officials, and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co-workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work : Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment : Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the' goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department,
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine'. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly work.
Planning : Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities or the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and city objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation : Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Urban Studies, or a closely related field, and 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in Planning, Community Development, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's Degree is preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
Physical Demands
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of engineering machinery and tools including drafting equipment; and office machinery including computers, typewriter and copier. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Sedentary Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors. Includes giving instructions, assignments, or directions to co-workers or assistants.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, correspondence, agreements, applications, studies, summaries, drawings, ordinances, regulations, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, studies, reports, memorandum, ordinances, and policies using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including engineering terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; understand and apply the theories of algebra, geometry and descriptive statistics.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment and engineering tools. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
Physical Communication : Requires the ability to talk and hear (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list all the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
The city of Portsmouth offers a complete and comprehensive benefit package to full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, legal, Flexible Spending Accounts, basic and optional life insurance, short-term disability insurance, Virginia Retirement System (includes a mandatory 5% employee contribution), holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plan, and Chartway Credit Union. To learn more details, visit
01


How many years of planning and zoning experience do you have? This experience must be detailed on your application.)

• I do not have any experience.
• 1-2 years of experience
• 2-3 years of experience
• 3-4 years of experience
• 4-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

02


Describe the techniques you use to ensure projects move through the planning entitlement process as efficiently as possible while balancing the demands of the development community with the policies, procedures, standards and code requirements of governmental agencies. Please use projects you have been directly responsible for as examples.
03


Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration , Urban Studies or a closely related field, and 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in Planning, Community Development, or related field, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master's degree is preferred.

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question