Planner II - Research, Analysis, and Design

Baltimore County•Towson, MD

15d

About The Position

The Planner II works in the Department of Planning’s Research, Analysis and Design Division under the general supervision of the Senior GIS Planner. The position manages and analyzes geographic information and supports the effective operation of an advisory committee focused on school overcrowding. It combines technical GIS work with administrative and committee-support duties, contributing to community development, sustainable growth, and residents’ quality of life in Baltimore County. The role supports planning and development projects through GIS data collection and management, spatial analysis, map creation, report contributions, and research into planning issues. It also assists with master plans, zoning regulations, policies, legislation, and development guidelines; researches zoning petitions and comprehensive and cyclical zoning issues; and engages with community groups, government agencies, developers, and the public. The position is part of a division that uses GIS and visual design to support spatial analysis, scenario visualization, and informed planning decisions. This is a regular schedule of 35 hours per week. The work is essentially sedentary, although some positions may require fieldwork and travel between work sites.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional planning, zoning, development, or land use experience; additional planning education beyond a bachelor’s degree may substitute year for year for experience.
Alternatively, a master’s degree in planning or a related field and one year of professional planning, zoning, development, or land use experience.
Additional professional and/or paraprofessional planning, zoning, development, or land use experience may substitute year for year for required education, up to a maximum of four years.
Basic knowledge of GIS software such as ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, or ArcGIS Online Apps, and spatial data management practices.
Ability to perform fundamental GIS tasks and create maps and visualizations.
Ability to organize and manage administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings, preparing documentation, and handling communications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with committee members, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to identify and interpret data trends and patterns to forecast future scenarios.
Ability to analyze numerical data related to demographics, land use, infrastructure, and other planning variables.
Ability to create visualizations such as maps, charts, and graphs to communicate scenario outcomes and implications.
Accuracy and precision in data entry, map production, and meeting documentation.
Ability to create hypothetical models to explore planning scenarios and their potential consequences.
Ability and eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies, and to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Applicants must attach proof of applicable education, professional licenses, and certifications; copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Applicants with degrees obtained outside the United States must submit degree equivalency documentation from World Education Services, Inc.
Selected applicants must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screen, and employment background investigation, including criminal background, education, and fingerprint checks.

Responsibilities

Assist in collecting, analyzing, and managing GIS data.
Support planning and development projects by creating maps, analyzing spatial data, and contributing to reports.
Provide administrative support for the advisory committee focused on school overcrowding.
Organize and manage meetings and maintain accurate records.
Facilitate communication among committee members, the public, and other stakeholders.
Assist in developing, modifying, and administering the master plan, zoning regulations, and other policies, legislation, and development guidelines.
Research, prepare, and present studies of planning issues, including land use, growth management, and zoning.
Research petitions and issues related to comprehensive and cyclical zoning processes.
Create maps and data in accordance with applicable zoning regulations and community and master plans.
Conduct and participate in meetings with community groups, advisory groups, representatives of County and other governmental agencies, developers, and others concerning planning, zoning, and development issues.
Assist and provide information to the public regarding planning and zoning.
Operate GIS and other automated computer systems to research and analyze planning issues.
Perform other related duties as required.