What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Specialist II- Planning and Zoning, Land Development 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 more complex professional planning work collecting, organizing, analyzing and evaluating data required in the development of comprehensive land use plans, subdivision regulations, transportation, historic or environmental planning. Work includes providing technical assistance to peers and other planning personnel; may also direct and coordinate the activities of project related work groups.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$32.95 - $39.42
$68,542 - $82,000
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level planning and zoning work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes coordinating the plan review process; planning and implementing recycling activities; collecting, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating data required in the development and review of comprehensive plans and regulations.
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Reviews advanced level subdivision and site development plans for compliance with the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Regulations, the Landscape Manual, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and the Forest Conservation Act.
Serves as project manager for assigned subdivision plans, Site Development Plans and alternative compliance petitions. Compiles the review comments generated by the various agencies of the Subdivision Review Committee and determines the appropriate plan status. Prepares and forwards recommendations for plan action by the Department.
Communicates and interacts extensively (in writing, on the telephone and in meetings) with developers, property owners, engineering consultants, environmental consultants, design professionals, government officials and other Subdivision Review Committee agencies.
Communicates with community groups and interested citizens (in writing, on the telephone and in meetings.
Monitors the progress of all assigned subdivisions and site development plans with respect to compliance with all established milestones and submission deadlines.
Prepares and reviews written comments, alternative compliance petition recommendations, and letters. Responsible for written technical staff reports and verbal presentation of same to the Planning Board.
Performs site inspection verifications of environmental features for development plan applications as needed; conducts field survey work to identify and verify existing site features including waterways, streams, wetlands, associated buffers, floodplain, specimen and protected trees, and forest canopy associated Environmental Concept Plans and Forest Conservation Plans.
- Assists with coordination of the Design Advisory Panel (DAP); performs administrative and scheduling functions for DAP; reviews plans within DAP designated areas for compliance with approved design manuals.
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning or environmental science or a related field of study.
Strong communication, problem solving, time management, organizational, and leadership skills.
Increasingly responsible experience in land planning or a related discipline including the principles, practices, goals and objectives of urban, regional community planning work.
Advanced knowledge of the research methodology used in conducting studies of social and economic matters, land use and development, housing patterns, environmental conditions and transportation factors.
Demonstrated ability to work independently; prepare visual presentations; compile, collect and analyze complex social and economic statistical data; express ideas effectively orally and in written and graphic form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public; maintain records and prepare technical reports.
Knowledge of water quality management, environmental planning, water chemistry and biology, soils chemistry, natural resource surveying and identification.
Experience with plan review, landscape architecture and Howard County Regulations.
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 sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close 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.
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 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 calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
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 and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Salary : $68,542 - $131,949
