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Principal Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Planner ensures that all development permitted in unincorporated Monroe County is well designed, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and in compliance with all applicable Land ...

Principal Planner

York, SC · On-site

$73K/yr

About our opportunity About our opportunity We are excited to hire a full-time Principal Planner to join our team. The purpose of this position is to develop and implement long-range planning efforts ...

Principal Planner

Marathon, FL · On-site

$81K - $130K/yr

The Principal Planner ensures that all development permitted in unincorporated Monroe County is well designed, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and in compliance with all applicable Land ...

Principal Planner

Kissimmee, FL · On-site

$86K/yr

This position performs administrative and supervisory work for a Planning, Zoning, and Design Office within the Osceola County Community Development Department, and acts as the project manager for ...

SUMMARY Under general direction of the Planning, Zoning & Building Director, performs professional and administrative work in the field of planning. The incumbent writes staff reports on matters ...

Principal Planner

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

Position Summary Direct, coordinate, participate in and review professional planning activities and operations for highly complex and high impact planning projects within the assigned department ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Planner information

See salary details

$56K

$102K

$155.5K

How much do principal planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal planner in the United States is $102,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal planner?

Principal Planners are senior-level professionals in urban and regional planning who lead the development, coordination, and implementation of planning projects and policies. They often supervise teams, provide expert guidance on land use, zoning, transportation, and community development, and serve as key advisors to government agencies or private firms. Principal Planners are responsible for ensuring that projects align with local, state, and federal regulations, and they often represent their organizations in public meetings and hearings. Their work is crucial in shaping sustainable and functional communities.

What does a principal planner do?

As a Principal Planner, you'll often oversee complex planning projects such as land use studies, zoning code updates, or long-range community plans. Your day may involve coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, leading public meetings, and reviewing development proposals for compliance with policies and regulations. Principal Planners also mentor junior staff, provide technical expertise, and frequently collaborate with local government officials, stakeholders, and the public to ensure projects align with community goals. The role requires balancing administrative tasks with hands-on project management and strategic planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal planner?

To thrive as a Principal Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, land use regulations, and project management, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field and relevant professional experience. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and planning documentation systems is essential, and certifications like AICP are often preferred. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and leadership skills help you guide teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These competencies ensure well-coordinated planning initiatives, compliance with regulations, and successful community development outcomes.

What is the difference between Principal Planner vs Senior Planner?

AspectPrincipal PlannerSenior Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP)Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP)
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in planning projects, strategic oversightProject management, detailed planning tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large consulting firmsMunicipalities, private planning firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior-level planning rolesLooking for experienced planning professionals

The Principal Planner typically holds a leadership position with strategic oversight, requiring advanced credentials like AICP certification. They often work in government agencies or large consulting firms. In contrast, a Senior Planner focuses on managing specific projects and detailed planning tasks, usually within municipalities or smaller firms. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Principal Planner's role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning, while the Senior Planner concentrates on project execution.

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What cities are hiring for Principal Planner jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Planner job openings:

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What states have the most Principal Planner jobs?

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For Principal Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,002 per year, or $49 per hour.

$81K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Join a workforce where innovation and teamwork provide support to the community and citizens of Monroe County.

Compensation:

$81,668.99 - $130,670.39

Job Description:

The primary function of this position is to provide planning services, including the review of proposed development permits and the preparation of staff reports. The Principal Planner ensures that all development permitted in unincorporated Monroe County is well designed, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and in compliance with all applicable Land Development Regulations, community master plans, and design guidelines. This position is also responsible for providing planning and development services, including building permit review and inspections, the preparation of official County planning documents, and support to the Development Review section of the Department through data gathering and other technical services necessary for development and permit review.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Acts as a member of the Planning team, providing planning services to the community; explains planning-related policies and regulations to the public and offers customer service to the community and developers by providing information, guidance, and assistance.

  • Reviews proposed development projects to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan/ Land Development Regulations, as well as ensure that quality design and site planning standards have been applied.

  • Prepares and assists in the preparation of technical policy reports and studies, including deficiency letters, requests for corrections, and other staff reports related to permitting, as needed.

  • Prepares reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Director of Planning & Environmental Resources, advisory committees, the Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.

  • Analyzes planning applications and building permits to determine completeness and the correct application of procedure, policies, and regulations.

  • Collects, analyzes, and updates County baseline statistical data; updates and provides regional data, including demographics, transportation, and GIS, to communities.

  • Drafts language and guides proposals through public hearings and other administrative processes.

  • Provides expert testimony and cross-examination at quasi-judicial hearings.

  • Prepares maps, background materials, and presentations for public hearings and workshops.

  • Leads and facilitates public workshops as needed.

  • Provides technical assistance to community projects.

  • Creates public relations materials and guidebooks.

  • Staffs and facilitates advisory boards and meetings.

  • Responsible for personally knowing and following the County's Personnel Policies and Procedures, Administrative Instructions, Department Operating Procedures, and applicable Statutes and Regulations. Responsible for ensuring others also adhere to these standards.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

  • In the event of special, emergency, or disaster situations, employees may be required to work schedules other than those for which they are regularly scheduled in any capacity deemed appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Master's Degree in Urban Planning or related field with five (5) years of related work experience, OR a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or related field with seven (7 ) years of related work experience. An equivalent number of years of experience may substitute for formal education requirements.

Special Qualifications:

AICP certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to organize work around broad organizational goals and processes.

  • Ability to oversee work that involves the use of complex technical, scientific, or mathematical concepts that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization; ability to analyze and make recommendations on how to improve the operational performance of the organization.

  • Ability to make decisions that govern one's own activities as well as the activities of others; decisions impact how unit provides services and support to internal and external customers.

  • Ability to provide updates to senior managers, elected officials, or other community groups or organizations; ability to work regularly with other Directors or senior managers to ensure the provision of efficient and effective services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary and requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound.

  • Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

  • Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.

  • Speaking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including the ability to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately and concisely.

  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

  • Visual Acuity: Have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading.

  • Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, secure, and stable work environment.

Monroe County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Monroe County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or military service in employment or the provision of services.

Empleador de Igualdad de Oportunidades: El Condado de Monroe no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, genero, religion, edad, discapacidad o servicio militar en el empleo o la prestacion de servicios.

Veterans Preference according to Florida State Statute 295.07: Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of the servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in employment by the state and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.
Preferencia de Veteranos de acuerdo con el Estatuto del Estado de Florida 295.07: Ciertos miembros del servicio y veteranos, y los conyuges y familiares de los miembros del servicio y veteranos, reciben preferencia y prioridad en el empleo por parte del estado y se les alienta a solicitar los puestos que se estan llenando.