Senior Planner (Planner III)

Senior Planner (Planner III)

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Planner position is a professional and technical position that requires specialized comprehensive planning and project review skills. Ability to perform a variety of functions relating to long range land use planning, development review, project management, zoning, environmental planning, permitting, and evaluating complex land use planning issues. The Senior Planner will support various boards and commissions in preparing reports, studies, and assists with code updates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides cordial, responsive, and accurate customer service.

Assists with the development of Comprehensive and Community Plans.

Assists with the comprehensive plan implementation including the drafting of code updates and initiating ordinances as necessary to realize the vision and recommendations of the comprehensive and community plans.

Manages assigned comprehensive and community planning projects ensuring compliance with all State and County regulations.

Manages community planning projects as assigned and may coordinate community planning efforts with other county, state and federal agencies.

Ensures compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations and other applicable regulations.

Works closely with engineers and surveyors throughout the development review process to ensure compliance with local land use regulations.

Performs technical reviews of development applications for a variety of different projects including subdivisions, site plans, conditional uses, and variances.

Based on the technical review, prepares staff reports with official recommendations to the County Commissioners, Planning Commission, and the Board of Appeals.

Attends meetings and presents reports and recommendations.

Assists permit staff with Critical Area issues relating to buffer management plans and shoreline protection regulations and conducts compliance review with the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act, Chapter 14:1, to include providing staff support to the Board of Appeals for all Critical Area variances. Responds to permit staff and citizen inquires to the Critical Area regulations.

Assists permit staff with historic structure review and acts as liaison to the Heritage Area Program performing these tasks:

• Conducts Historic Sites Inventory in accordance with prescribed guidelines issued by Maryland Historical Trust.
• Conducts research into establishing a Historic Preservation mechanism for the County that is compatible with code provisions. Provides assistance with other historic planning related projects as needed.
• Researches and assists in completing grant applications for supporting the Historic Sites Inventory and other Historic Preservation planning related activities.
• Coordinates demolition permit review in accordance with Chapter 18:1-91 Historic Sites. Tier I and Tier II documentation process and makes recommendations for documentation of historical structures.
• May assist with completion of Maryland Inventory of Historic Places forms for significant structures that will be destroyed.Documents structures through means of photography, dimensioned floor plans and written narratives.

Consults with county attorneys regarding legal issues and applies information obtained.

Serves on various task forces and committees and may occasionally serve as a group leader.

Attends evening meetings as required.

May perform one or more of the following essential functions as directed based on departmental needs and staff qualifications:

• Researches general planning issues as assigned and prepares detailed analysis and reports;
• Assists with comprehensive plan matters;
• Acts as Liaison Planner with the permitting staff;
• Reviews applications for consistency with approved site plans, subdivisions, as well as aspects of Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Act, Chapter 14:1 and the Historic Structure Review provisions;
• Completes the Historic Structure Review for building permits and demolitions.
• Explains planning concepts, zoning regulations, and processes to the general public;
• Conducts site inspections of real property to ensure compliance with various county land use ordinances and approved plans;
• Drafts and submits the Maryland Department of Planning Local Jurisdiction Annual Report;
• Assists with the management and reporting of the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Matrix;
• Drafts and submits reports to the Critical Area Commission; and
• Requires professional level work, duties, judgement and communications, including public speaking.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of planning principles and the practice of planning. Consideration will be given to applicants with specialized knowledge in disciplines such as comprehensive planning, urban design, environmental policy, spatial land use planning, and/or landscape architecture.

Knowledge of land use concepts, zoning and other regulatory matters, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Knowledge of Maryland laws related to planning, land use and comprehensive planning.

Proficient with computers and software applications required.

Ability to write effectively; to work independently, with others and in teams and to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical and legal materials.

Ability to present, read, analyze and interpret documents and respond effectively to citizens, board members, and other county employees.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials and planning groups.

Applicant should be able to communicate effectively and in a concise manner both verbally and in writing and have the skills to manage time effectively and be organized.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Possession of a Class C Maryland Motor vehicle operator’s License (or the equivalent from another issuing state) or ability to obtain such license within thirty (30) days employment.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or the ability to obtain AICP certification within one year of employment is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in planning, geography, landscape architecture, environmental studies, engineering, or a related field and three (3) or more years of experience in complex comprehensive planning; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.