Description

Examples of Important Duties

The individual in this position should be a planner with land use, zoning, and/or urban design experience capable of reviewing and analyzing development proposals, managing ongoing processes related to the assigned cases including variances, and serving as a mid-level specialist in Zoning and Urban Design analysis. Primary duty will be the review of applications for conformance to the County Code including Zoning and Subdivision regulations. This includes coordinating a Departmental recommendation on each application and various inquiries. The workload will include all types of applications, such as rezoning cases, site plans, special exceptions, departures, certified nonconforming uses, subdivisions, as well as providing zoning expertise to planning teams. The candidate must have very good plan review skills including engineered site plans. In addition, the candidate should have an understanding of basic land use law. Other duties may include participation in master plans or sector plans, working as part of an interdisciplinary project team. Requires negotiating solutions and making effective presentations on complex and controversial topics before public groups and in public hearings. Must possess strong oral, written, and visual communication skills; critical thinking skills; innovative problem-solving skills; and the ability to work well with people. Ability to express planning and design principles verbally, graphically and in writing is essential. Combined public/private experience is preferred but not required.
Planner II duties:

• Coordinates development review functions of varying degrees of complexity.
• Provides timely and accurate reviews of zoning map amendments, site plans, special exceptions, departures, site plans, and other applications of varying complexity.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, such as the Zoning Ordinance and Landscape Manual, adopted policies, standard methodologies, guidelines and regulations, while promoting and achieving the best design.
• Leads, advocates, and negotiates for better design in all projects.
• Develops goals, schedules, and deadlines for work effort and ensures that objectives are met for completion.
• Writes and develops planning reports, correspondence, plans, and other materials.
• Ensures the development and design of presentations, charts, graphs, maps, data, and other exhibits as appropriate.
• Presents and defends staff recommendations to the Planning Board in a Public Hearing setting.
• Makes presentations to a variety of individuals and groups (e.g., Planning Board, community, business developers) for the purpose of communicating planning issues, procedures, and recommendations.
• Attends pre-application meetings to provide general guidance and feedback on development proposals.
• Effectively coordinates applicant, citizen, agency, and staff meetings to resolve issues in a manner that produces appropriate, successful solutions.
• Offers suggestions, including design alternatives, that can address planning issues identified and works toward achieving creative and equitable solutions.
• Responds to general inquiries from citizens, elected officials, developers, engineers, architects, and attorneys concerning development, actions of the Planning Board, planning regulations and development processes.
• Conducts site visits and documents important site conditions as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience or specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
• Valid driver's license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification Planner II
WHY PRINCE GEORGE’S PLANNING?
Amenities:

• Telework opportunities
• Flexible schedules
• Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County
• Free parking is available for employees
• Professional development opportunities/Tuition assistance
• Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance