What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Planner I - Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator position at Frederick County, MD?
Salary : $65,509.00 - $104,815.00 Annually
Location : 30 North Market Street - Frederick, MD
Job Type : Full-time Regular
Job Number : FY25-00453
Department : Development Review and Planning
Opening Date : 12 / 06 / 2024
Closing Date : Continuous
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time;40 hours per week; Monday-Friday; 8 : 00 a.m.-4 : 30 p.m.; full benefits
This professional position in the Department of Development Review and Planning is responsible for developing and implementing a County-wide bicycle and pedestrian program. This position will promote mobility and safety, initiate and review projects, and seek grant funding for the Bikeways and Trails Plan. This position is also responsible for the coordination of safety education with other County departments and external stakeholders including bike / ped advocacy groups, tourism, and health focused. Direction may be given to support staff; supervision is received from the Transportation Engineering Supervisor.
NOTE : The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE :
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Vesting after 5 years of service
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
Coming soon-early 2025 : Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage planning studies that prioritize future projects; direct and prioritize projects for future Capital Improvement Programs (CIP)
Conduct research and prepare reports on a variety of planning and bicycle / pedestrian related topic
Assist Project Managers and Engineers develop projects from concept to final design to include managing community input / outreach, pursuing and securing funding resources, and grants etc.
Coordinate across Division, County and external (state and other local) organizations multidisciplinary teams to initiate, design, develop and implement programs and projects
Identify, analyze and coordinate data needs, collection and reports to note progress for improving and measuring the accessibility, use and safety of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, including trails, sidewalks, and bike paths / lanes
Coordinate with Planning and Development Review staff for reviews on subdivision / land use policies, design manuals and regulations, zoning ordinances, adequate public facilities, site development plans, and improvement plans; Ensure the expansion of safe and interconnected bicycle and pedestrian networks through private and public funding of reconstruction, repaving and new capital projects
Work with key constituent groups including employers, schools, government agencies, social service groups, advocacy groups, tourism destinations and others to encourage and assure safe bike and pedestrian travel
Develop and recommend updates and changes to the Bikeways and Trails Plan, Trail Design Standards and Planning Guidelines, and improvements to other transportation planning efforts through recommendations of best practices to management
Serve as a liaison to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission, coordinate with similar groups at the City of Frederick and other municipalities
Provide professional planning assistance to members of the community and various board and commissions on bicycle and pedestrian projects
Drive county vehicle to perform field inspections to gather data relevant to studies and projects
Utilize electronic plan review software
Make and prepare presentations on educational and promotional information to the public and elected officials
As directed, coordinate with local, regional and state agencies related to planning and bicycle / pedestrian programs
Perform other related duties as required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The qualifications / requirements, knowledge / skills / abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in planning and / or engineering
Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in planning and / or engineering
Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :
Knowledge in the principles and practices of planning, design and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs
Knowledge of zoning and subdivision principles and practices
Working knowledge of transportation related projects in the areas of systems and project (NEPA) planning
Knowledge of Maryland State Highway standards, specifications relating to bicycle and pedestrian facilities
Ability to effectively utilize computerized systems / equipment (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, data base, presentation, publishing etc.)
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with consultants, co-workers, government agencies and the general public
Ability to effectively organize work and determine priorities, work independently on complex projects, and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports
Strong and effective written and spoken (English) communication skills, including public speaking skills and the ability to prepare and present clear, concise written and spoken reports for varied audiences
PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR :
Experience or training using electronic plan review software
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS :
While working in the position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; occasionally work outdoors; and rarely walk on uneven ground and work in dirty environments
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS
EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include) :
One or more interviews
Retirement Plan :
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07 / 01 / 2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance :
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance :
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE : Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts :
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to : deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance :
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation :
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program :
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program :
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows : Years of service days per year
0 - 2 years 11 days
2 - 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE : Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays :
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.
Which best describes your level of education?
Was your college degree earned in Planning, Transportation Engineering, or closely related field?
Do you have a valid automobile operator's license?
How many years of relevant work experience in planning and / or engineering do you have?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment / service and the duties you performed.NOTE : When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
Do you have planning or engineering work experience at the local or state government level?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment / service and the duties you performed.NOTE : When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Do you have experience or training using electronic plan review software?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment / service and the duties you performed.NOTE : When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Required Question
Salary : $65,509 - $104,815
