Planner II - Community Planning

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice.  Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Pay Schedule I, Grade 29, Regular Schedule:  35 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Office of Planning, Community Planning Division.   

About the Department of Planning

The Department of Planning is dedicated to implementing programs and projects that strengthen existing communities, revitalize older commercial centers, and preserve rural resources. Join our committed team and positively impact the future of Baltimore County.

In the Division of Community Planning, you will actively engage with various stakeholders and constituents on planning-related projects and initiatives including creating plans and coordinating the implementation of plans and projects under the mentorship of a senior planner and the division chief. Working alongside the Development Review Division and the Research, Analysis and Design Division, Community Planners utilize relevant reports, zoning codes and regulations, small area plans, Master Plan 2030, and neighborhood plans to provide thoughtful recommendations on development proposals and other land-use requests.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.   

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position.  Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s), and/or degree(s), and/or certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.  Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.Definition of Responsibility 

Join us in strengthening Baltimore County’s communities! As a Planner II in the Department of Planning’s Division of Community Planning, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining a thriving Baltimore County. We are seeking candidates who can leverage their experience, education, and technical knowledge to excel in this position.

Be a part of a great team dedicated to positively impacting the future of Baltimore County. Your role as a Community Planner II will be integral to fostering sustainable, vibrant communities through strategic planning and effective community engagement. If you have the desire to create meaningful change, we invite you to join our mission.

Job Purpose
Will perform professional planning work shaping Baltimore County's future. As a key member of the Community Planning Division in the Department of Planning, under the supervision of the senior planner and the Division Chief, you will support initiatives that enhance community development, foster sustainable growth, and improve the quality of life for our residents.

Essential Job Duties

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, advocacy groups, and the public to seek input, gather feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that initiatives and policies reflect diverse perspectives and consider various stakeholders' interests.
• Address questions and potential concerns from diverse constituents to assist with problem-solving and planning-related issues within their respective communities.
• Build relationships with community members, organizations, and government officials.
• Conduct and participate in meetings with community groups, representatives of other County and governmental agencies, and others regarding planning, zoning, and development issues.

Plan Creation and Utilization

Assist in creating comprehensive plans that guide the development and revitalization of communities such as Small Area Plans and State Sustainable Community Plans.

• Coordinate and assist in the implementation of community plans and projects.
• Assist in the development, modification, and administration of the master plan, community plans, and other planning policies, legislation, and guidelines affecting zoning and land use.
• Collaborate with the Research, Analysis and Design division to gather and analyze data from various software platforms, including GIS, Adobe, and other specialized tools, to assess and evaluate conditions and inform planning decisions.

Review Development, Zoning, and Land Use Proposals

Review and comment on development and zoning change petitions to ensure compliance with land use policies, regulations, and community plan goals.

• Review development proposal comments and provide further comments to ensure proposal aligns with community feedback and community plans.
• Assist with the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) by analyzing requested zoning changes to ensure that proposals align with the community’s long-term vision, goals, and the neighborhood's existing land use and character.

Examples of Other Duties 

• May be asked to provide comments or supporting documentation to the Planning Board and/or County Council on community planning-related matters.
• Research and develop policy recommendations to advocate for policy changes that support sustainable and equitable development. 
• Review existing legislation and propose changes or new laws to address emerging issues or to align with evolving needs.

Training and Experience 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, plus three years' professional planning, zoning, development or land use experience.  

OR

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in planning or a related field*, plus one year professional planning, zoning, development or land use experience.

*Related Fields such as: architecture, business administration, civil engineering, landscape architecture, law, public administration, and social sciences (e.g. economics, geography, political science, sociology, urban and/or regional affairs or studies, etc.)

(Additional planning education beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. Additional professional and/or paraprofessional planning, zoning, development or land use experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.)

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities 

Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including community groups and stakeholders. Ability to collaborate with community organizations and other professionals to develop plans and policies. 

General Understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Microsoft Office, and other planning-related software. Committed to working with diverse communities to foster inclusive communities. Candidates are aware of the importance of equitable practices. Proficiency in another language (other than English) a plus.

 Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Planner II - Community Planning

 Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s), and/or degree(s), and/or certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. 

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions.  Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination and drug screen and an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.

Salary : $57,462 - $65,733