Planner III (13672, Grade 28)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Wheaton, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Montgomery County Planning Department is seeking a motivated Planner III for its West County Planning Division. This role is for someone passionate about shaping Montgomery County for the 21st century with a broad impact on the built environment. The West County Planning Division covers communities west of Rock Creek Park and I-270, overseeing development and master planning for areas like Bethesda, Potomac, and the Great Seneca Science Corridor. As the Planner III, you will lead the review and analysis of regulatory review applications in West County, serve as the project manager for complex development projects, and coordinate with various review staff and agencies. You will also communicate directly with the public on planning and land use issues, demonstrate knowledge of site design, and be able to read and interpret land use plans. Strong presentation and writing skills, along with an understanding of zoning and subdivision regulations, are essential. You will draft reports and make presentations to the Planning Board and Hearing Examiner.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
Ability to work well with team members with a diverse set of backgrounds and expertise.
Capable of effectively communicating with county residents, developers, planners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and public officials.
Knowledge and understanding of site design.
Ability to read and interpret land use plans.
Strong presentation and writing skills.
Understanding of zoning and subdivision regulations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate complex and critical development review functions in high-profile development areas.
Provide timely, considered, and accurate reviews of complex concept plans, sketch plans, preliminary plans, site plans, and other regulatory applications.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, adopted policies, best practices, guidelines and regulations.
Develop goals, schedules for work effort and ensure that objectives are met for completion and occasionally meet with staff to ensure progress.
Write and develop planning reports, correspondence, plans and other materials.
Explain technical planning issues and concepts to support research conclusions and recommendations.
Ensure the development and design of presentations, charts, graphs, maps, data, and other exhibits as appropriate.
Prepare staff reports that clearly state staff recommendations, issues, and findings, and illustrate issues graphically.
Incorporate knowledge of planning standards, codes, and master and sector plans to develop alternatives to resolve identified issues.
Present and defend staff recommendations to the Planning Board in a Public Hearing setting.
Coordinate meetings and workshops with potential applicants to provide general guidance and design feedback on development proposals.
Coordinate inter-divisional project teams.
Train and mentor staff.
Handle complex and often controversial situations.
Balance multiple deadlines and projects.
Effectively identify problems and be resourceful and creative in developing solutions, requesting the assistance or input of others as appropriate.