1

Development Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Planner

Stafford, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $155K/yr

Planning and Zoning Opening Date: 03/04/2026 Starting Salary: $88,649.60 to $121,908.80 based on ... Development of the Comprehensive Plan, the County's 20-year outlook on growth and sustainability.

Planner II

Blacksburg, VA ยท On-site

$66K - $69K/yr

Work involves independent review of development applications, communication with the public, presenting to the Town Council and Planning Commission, and coordinating within and between Town ...

Overview Stellar Solutions is seeking a Strategic Planner. This role provides a unique opportunity ... Reviewing and supporting development of operational-level concepts of operations for capabilities ...

Responsibilities As a Space Operations Planner supporting a critical national security space ... In this role, you will assist in the development of plans, procedures, and operational products ...

Intelligence Planner

Fort Belvoir, VA ยท On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities As a Space Operations Planner supporting a critical national security space ... In this role, you will assist in the development of plans, procedures, and operational products ...

Stellar Solutions is seeking a Strategic Planner. This role provides a unique opportunity to ... Reviewing and supporting development of operational-level concepts of operations for capabilities ...

Responsibilities As a Space Operations Planner supporting a critical national security space ... In this role, you will assist in the development of plans, procedures, and operational products ...

Responsibilities As a Space Operations Planner supporting a critical national security space ... In this role, you will assist in the development of plans, procedures, and operational products ...

This role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is pioneering the development ... As a Mission Planner on the Service Operations Team, you will be responsible for developing and ...

Our services include secure software development in classified environments and the design and ... Bridge Defense seeks a highly qualified Intelligence Planner to support Joint Staff J25 at the ...

Material Planner Requisition ID : 1740 Position Location: Fairfax, VA Position Reports To ... We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create ...

... development of company initiatives and ensures that all planning activities support annual goals. Principal Duties & Responsibilities: Strategic Financial Plans 1. At a category/class/season level ...

Planner I, II or III

Gloucester, VA ยท On-site

$48K - $88K/yr

Planner II - Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in planning, zoning and community development work preferred. Planner III - Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in planning ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$38.2K

$72.4K

$100.1K

How much do development planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for development planner in Virginia is $72,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,900.00 and $76,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Planner vs Urban Planner?

AspectDevelopment PlannerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or related field; certifications may varyBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, private development firms, consulting companiesMunicipalities, government agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocuses on development projects, land use planning, and project implementationFocuses on city-wide planning, zoning, and community development

Development Planners primarily focus on managing specific development projects and land use within a broader urban context. Urban Planners have a wider scope, shaping city policies and long-term community growth. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is being a planner a good career?

A development planner is a professional who coordinates land use, infrastructure, and community development projects, often requiring skills in project management, urban design, and environmental analysis. The career offers opportunities in government agencies, consulting firms, and private development companies, with job stability and growth potential depending on regional development needs. Certification and experience can enhance prospects in this field.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Development planners typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of profitable businesses. For most roles, reaching this level involves significant responsibility and industry expertise.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Development planners typically earn around $100,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced degrees, or certifications in urban planning, project management, or related fields. Other roles that often reach this salary level include project managers, civil engineers, and senior urban designers, particularly in large organizations or metropolitan areas.

How to become a development planner?

To become a development planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field is required, often complemented by relevant work experience. Professional certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance job prospects. Skills in GIS software, project management, and knowledge of zoning and land use regulations are also important.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Development Planner jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Development Planner job openings:
Principal Planner

Principal Planner

Stafford County, VA

Stafford, VA โ€ข On-site

$88K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary: $88,649.60 - $155,147.20 Annually
Location : Stafford County, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03995
Department: Planning and Zoning
Opening Date: 03/04/2026
Starting Salary: $88,649.60 to $121,908.80 based on experience
Job Description
If you are a Planning professional seeking a position where you can work with the public and other local/regional stakeholders to have a direct impact on the future of the community, we have an exciting opportunity to serve as Principal Planner for the Stafford County Planning and Zoning Department.
This is a dynamic role that is challenging and rewarding, and the skills you will develop in the position provide a good foundation for future career growth. A few aspects of the position include:
  • Development of the Comprehensive Plan, the County's 20-year outlook on growth and sustainability.
  • Addressing local challenges by applying your academic and professional knowledge.
  • Expanding your professional network and diversifying your skillset by collaborating with numerous County and regional agencies.
  • Evaluating specific development projects for their community impacts and merits.
  • Working with/presenting to elected and appointed officials.
  • Public engagement, including conducting workshops and surveys to solicit feedback.
  • Utilizing numerous software programs for mapping, analysis, and graphics.
  • Leading and mentoring a team of Planners to accomplish goals.

The position requires excellent organizational, writing, presentation, and management skills. The ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships is critical as the role will serve as one of the primary contacts for long-range planning matters. The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and brings a blend of experience and knowledge in project management, public engagement, interpretation and application of code requirements and best practices, and preparation/presentation of reports. The candidate must be available to work occasional evening hours to attend meetings.
The hiring range for this position is from $88,649.60 to $121,908.80 based on experience.
The full salary range for this position is from $88,649.60 to $155,147.20 to provide opportunity for growth and development.
Examples of Duties
  • Plans and coordinates staff activities; coordinates staff planning projects and studies; develops and recommends policies and procedures; coordinates application review; oversees the preparation and maintenance of files and records;
  • Oversees analysis and the development of recommendations regarding current physical, social, and economic projects and allied phases of the comprehensive plan for the County;
  • Recommends planning and land use practices to improve compatibility with adjacent development, and reviews projects for compliance with subdivision and zoning regulations;
  • Oversees the application process for rezoning and conditional use permits or site plans and subdivision plans;
  • Oversees long-range planning studies relating to a wide variety of social, economic, physical, and facility planning, including research analysis, design, and graphics;
  • Supervises and provides direction to planning technicians and lower level planners;
  • Serves as staff assistant to various boards, commissions, and committees;
  • Regularly interacts with internal and external customers with matters relating to comprehensive planning, site development, and application submittal and review;
  • Conducts research and provides recommendations relating to zoning and subdivision matters;
  • Reviews technical studies and reports;
  • Reviews and responds to inquiries from the public regarding planning activities;
  • Coordinates with Federal, State, and local agencies on planning matters;
  • Assists with the budget process and the procurement and oversight of professional services for planning and land development; contributes to annual update of capital improvements program;
  • Prepares presentations and presents information to the public and to various public bodies and organizations;
  • Assists with the background research and planning involved in the implementation of any Board of Supervisors' future vision and/or strategic priorities;
  • Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Thorough knowledge of the philosophies, principles, and practices of urban planning as they pertain to the design and development of urban and regional areas, planning research, zoning, and community renewal activities;
  • Thorough knowledge of the various ordinances, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and urban renewal;
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of grant preparation and administration;
  • General knowledge of private real estate finance, sociology, economics, and public finance as applied to urban planning;
  • General knowledge of municipal finance and facility engineering relative to capital improvements programming;
  • Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and carry out complex research projects effectively;
  • Ability to present the results of research effectively in oral, written, and graphic form;
  • Ability to supervise a small group of professional, technical, and clerical personnel engaged in routing urban planning, zoning, and renewal work;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, subordinates, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public;
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and review complex planning projects and applications.

Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field, and 7 years of experience in professional planning work, including 2 years in a supervisory capacity. A Master's Degree is desired.
Possession of industry certifications issued by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and/or Virginia Association of Zoning Officials (VAZO) preferred.
Please for our full-time benefits.
Note: All employees are required to have direct deposit of their bi-weekly paychecks into one or more financial institution(s) of their choice. Information must be presented at time of hire.
Proper Identification must be shown at time of hire in order to complete the necessary paperwork for compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986.
01
Please specify your total number of years of supervisory experience.
02
Briefly describe your experience with developing planning documents such as Comprehensive Plans, Special Area Plans, or similar.
03
Do you have experience managing Conditional Use Permit and/or Zoning Reclassification applications?
04
Briefly describe your experience presenting planning or development matters to citizens, councils, boards, or commissions.
Required Question