What are the responsibilities and job description for the Division Chief-(Planning Manager)-Planning and Zoning, Public Service and Zoning Administration position at Howard County Government?
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
- We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
This is a key planning and administrative position that directs and coordinates the activities of the Division of Public Service and Zoning Administration. Performs management and advanced level planning work under general supervision from the Director or Deputy Director. Primary responsibilities include daily management of technical and administrative staff on Division programs and case work including but not limited to: Zoning enforcement, processing zoning petitions, code interpretation and implementation; drafting of regulations, permitting; hearings; and responding to inquiries.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$44.79 - $62.28
$93,155 - $129,540
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs management and advanced level planning work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes conferring with officials and governmental representatives, preparing budgetary requests, and managing monies and other assets. Work may also include directing and coordinating a variety of environmental planning activities, developing and administering operating budgets, and overseeing the work of consultants. Work may also include directing the collection, analysis, and compilation of technical data into plans to meet future County needs and the review of developer submitted plans.
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Oversees day-to-day operation of the Division of Public Service and Zoning Administration under the direct supervision of the Director or Deputy Director, including:
The Public Service/Front Counter section including the processing building/grading/zoning permits and business licenses for compliance with the Zoning Regulations and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations and assisting walk-in customers with inquiries/document requests related to the Zoning Regulations and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
The Zoning Administration section in the processing of zoning petitions (variances, conditional uses, zoning map/regulation amendments, administrative adjustments, temporary uses and nonconforming uses) for compliance with the Zoning Regulations/County Code, and consistency with the adopted General Plan
The Code Enforcement section, which is responsible for ensuring that violations to the Zoning Regulations, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, and Historic District Design Guidelines are brought into compliance.
Assigns work to lower level professional and technical personnel and reviews for accuracy and completeness.
Responds to written and verbal zoning inquiries and prepares written interpretations of the Zoning Regulations.
Presents before various boards and/or legislative bodies; represents the County in meetings of various civic groups and federal, state, regional, county and quasi-governmental authorities.
Develops, directs, and participates in the development of amendments to the Zoning Regulations and County Code.
Advises the County Executive, Director, Deputy Director and Elected Officials on zoning/permitting related matters.
Directs the compilation of data to support planning goals and regulations as well as for periodic reporting.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with associates, governmental officials, community representatives and the general public.
Develops new and revises existing administrative practices and procedures and prepares budget input for division.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with County and Department policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Bachelor's Degree and six (6) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in planning, urban design, public administration, landscape architecture, or related field.
Experience directly supervising the work of others.
Ability to manage complex and controversial issues, recommend a course of action and exercise professional discretion when appropriate.
Experience in interpreting and drafting zoning codes and/or other regulations is highly desirable.
Experience in comprehensive rezoning, zoning regulation amendments and zoning map amendments is highly desirable.
Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of planning personnel at various levels.
Excellent ability to present information in a clear and concise manner, orally and in written and graphic form.
Knowledge of supervisory and management methods and techniques.
Knowledge of the County's zoning and subdivision statutes, codes and regulations is highly desirable.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Ability to project needs and develop and implement goals and objectives.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, goals and objectives of urban, regional or community planning work.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to write reports, speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.
Salary : $93,155 - $179,523
