Planning Specialist II - Planning And Zoning, Comprehensive And Community Planning

Howard County

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.

• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace.  Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  

• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.

• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an intermediate level professional planning position working under the direction of a Planning Supervisor to collect, organize, analyze, and evaluate planning-related data and assist in developing, monitoring, and implementing community-based plans, such as the County's general plan, master plans, and revitalization plans. This position is responsible for managing projects; compiling complex data and maps related to zoning, population/census, transportation, housing, economic, and land use; and supporting or coordinating public engagement activities and events or project related work groups.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$32.31 - $38.65

$67,199 - $80,392

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs intermediate professional level planning and zoning work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Work includes coordinating the plan review process; planning and implementing recycling activities; collecting, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating data required in the development and review of comprehensive plans and regulations.

• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates information required in the development and implementation  of the County's general plan, master plans, and community plans

• Provides support to internal and external task forces, workgroups or committees convened for various planning initiatives, such as community-based revitalization plans and small area plans.

• Studies, writes, and prepares plans, maps, and drawings for various planning initiatives, such as general plan updates, community revitalization plans, grant applications, public outreach, and education initiatives.

• Coordinates implementation of grant and tax credit programs, such as commercial facade improvement programs and community revitalization initiatives.

• Drafts technical reports and other related material and presents technical and professional recommendations to superiors on assigned projects and programs.

• Facilitates project outreach and education efforts, coordinates with local and regional agencies, and meets regulatory deadlines.

• Speaks to civic groups concerning the general plan, master plans, and other planning projects, and answers public inquiries regarding division functions and procedures.

• Conducts fieldwork and participates in evening meetings.

• Other related duties may be assigned.

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Master's Degree in community planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, or a related discipline.

• Certifications such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).

• Knowledge of planning and zoning and an understanding of the principles, practices, goals, and objectives of land use and community planning.

• Ability to formulate recommendations based on data, modeling, projections, and geospatial analyses upon which various planning initiatives are based.

• Skilled in graphics creation and editing, and in using publishing software.

• Experience with parcel data and analysis.

• Skilled in the use and application of ESRI mapping tools, land use and population projection modeling programs, and Adobe Creative Suite graphic and publishing programs.

• Skilled in preparing multifaceted charts, graphs, and other visual presentations.

• Skilled in using Adobe Creative Suites graphic and publishing programs to edit and format planning documents.

• Ability to compile, collect, and analyze complex social and economic statistical data related to population/census, transportation, housing, the environment, economic development, and land use. Ability to assemble that information into reports, maps, charts, graphs or drawings.

• Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and articulate planning practices and principles effectively, both orally and in written and graphic form.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other planning staff, government officials at the county, state and regional government levels, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.

• The employee frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle, or feel.

• The employee is occasionally required to stand.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

• This job requires the employee to have close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

The employee must be able to:

• Read, analyze, and interpret drawings and designs, planning and technical journals, and government regulations.

• Effectively respond to common inquiries or complaints from the public.

• Write reports that conform to the Department's prescribed style and format.

• Effectively present information to the top management, public organizations, and/or boards.

• Clearly define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.