Job Abstract

This is an entry level planning position working under the direction of a Planning Supervisor to collect, organize, analyze and evaluate planning-related data and assist in developing community-based plans, such as the County’s general plan and master plans. This position is responsible for facilitating public outreach and compiling data related to population/census, transportation, housing, economic and land use.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$28.42 - $33.06
$59,109 - $68,756

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs professional level planning and zoning work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes compiling data of factors affecting land use, transportation, water and sewer, or environmental planning for the County; analyzing data collected; and projecting future conditions and needs.

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Researches and evaluates information required in the development and review of the County’s general plan, community plans and master plans and participates in programs to stimulate citizens' interest in and action on all plans and special projects. Uses planning software to collect specific land use and planning related data and information. Collects and compiles data related to population/census, transportation, housing, environmental, and economic development and compiles that information into reports, maps, charts, graphs or drawings;

Researches information about innovative planning techniques, tools and strategies to advance community planning issues and best practices;

Drafts and edits grants, plans, technical reports and other related material, and presents technical and professional recommendations to superiors on assigned projects and programs;

Facilitates project outreach and education efforts, creates community feedback platforms, synthesizes community engagement feedback and coordinates with local and regional agencies.

Speaks to civic groups and answers public inquiries regarding division functions and procedures.

Requires fieldwork and occasional evening meetings.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Bachelor's Degree and an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Bachelor's Degree and some professional level planning experience in planning, landscape architecture, architecture, urban design, geography or related field.

Knowledge of land use planning principles, practices, goals.

Ability to formulate recommendations based on data, modeling, projections, and analyses upon which various planning initiatives are based.

Experience with site planning, development applications, and parcel data and skilled in the use and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Skill in preparing charts, graphs and other visual presentations.

Ability to compile, collect and analyze social and economic statistical data.

Ability to write in clear and concise manner and can as effectively communicate orally and in written and graphic form.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other planning staff, county, state and regional government officials, and the general public.

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.

The characteristics of the job and the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform them.

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. This job requires the employee to have close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Read, analyze, and interpret drawings and designs, planning and technical journals, and government regulations.

Effectively respond to common inquiries or complaints from the public.

Write reports that conform to the Department's prescribed style and format.

Effectively present information to the top management, public organizations, and/or boards.

Apply concepts of basic mathematics; including algebra and geometry. Clearly define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at hripkin@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.