Recreation, Parks & Tourism Planner

This position will be filled at the RPT Planner I, II or III level. 

The level and salary offered will be dependent upon education and experience.

Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Planner to perform professional land use planning and related work for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism.  The Planner applies land use and environmental principles and concepts, including sustainability and resilience, to planning parks, recreation, and tourism projects.  

• Reviews and evaluates projects for conformance with environmental regulations, zoning conformance and other policies and regulations as assigned.
• Meets with parties involved to discuss and clarify issues and explain requirements
• Applies various specialized analysis including environmental, land use, area and structure, economic and/or demographic, and statistical analysis as appropriate to projects to discern relevant issues and facts and formulate appropriate recommendations.
• Assists with the management, reporting, and adherence of all requisites for Maryland Program Open Space program including the development and updating of the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan every 5 years.  
• Reviews plans, writes reports and makes presentations on projects. Attends meetings to provide professional knowledge on RPT planning topics.
• Assists with developing and implementing a variety of Master Plans and Comprehensive planning documents, as assigned.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to park usage, community needs, and environmental impact.
• Collaborate with landscape architects, designers, and engineers to create innovative, functional, and sustainable park designs.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies to determine optimal locations and configurations for new parks, recreational facilities, and green spaces.
• Maintains project files and records and prepares related reports including graphic materials, maps and other illustrative materials as necessary; submits study reports and recommendations for review and presentation to various boards and committees.
• Coordinates studies and projects with other division functions and departments as necessary; makes referrals and follows through on actions with agencies as necessary.
• Responds to inquiries from the public, developers, landowners, attorneys and others involved in land use matters regarding procedures, compliance issues and related matters.
• Performs field visits and site inspections, as necessary.
• Serves on committees and work groups as assigned, providing technical support and assistance.
• Compiles and disseminates information on RPT planning related matters to the public.
• Prepares and modifies documents including correspondence, letters, forms, reports, memos, presentations, and emails. 
• Coordinate public meetings by managing logistical aspects and lead engaging and productive discussions, with or without consultant assistance.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience:

RPT Planner I: Bachelor’s degree in planning, Design, Public Policy/Administration, Environmental Science/Engineering, Sustainability Studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

RPT Planner II: In addition to the RPT Planner I Education and Experience, two (2) years of professional planning experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training is required. The RPT Planner II will have an active leadership role of individual RPT related plans or projects.

RPT Planner III: In addition to the RPT Planner I Education and Experience, four (4) years of professional planning experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training is required. The RPT Planner III will have an active management role of multiple RPT related plans or projects.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 2.

May be required to attend meetings and events outside of normal business hours. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of sustainability, resiliency, and climate mitigation.
• Knowledge of our County’s parks and recreation facilities.  
• Ability to perform technically sound land use and related studies and formulate appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to conduct on-site inspections.
• Ability to achieve the department’s goals with regards to new parks and recreation facilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable ordinances and rules and regulations to varied land use and related situations.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare related reports and correspondence.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including public presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.
• Ability to carry out assignments on own, follow through on matters, and use independent judgment and training to take appropriate actions to deal with standard recurring situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office and field surroundings.  Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; walk over uneven terrain; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards.  The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division: Recreation, Parks and Tourism / Admin

Pay Grade: 113-115

FLSA Status: Exempt

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports to: RPT Planning Supervisor 

Supervises: None

Salary : $62,102 - $114,640