Planning Specialist II - Planning and Zoning, Division of Land Development

Howard County Government•Ellicott City, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Howard County Government is seeking outstanding individuals to join their team and contribute to excellence in County operations. They offer a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace where input is encouraged. Benefits include competitive compensation, medical, retirement, and wellness programs. This position involves complex professional planning work, including collecting, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating data for comprehensive land use plans, subdivision regulations, transportation, historic, or environmental planning. The role includes providing technical assistance to peers and other planning personnel, and potentially directing and coordinating project-related work groups.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret 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.
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.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning or environmental science.
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.
Experience with plan review, landscape architecture and Howard County Regulations.
Previous experience reviewing forest conservation plans in accordance with the Forest Conservation Act.
Familiarity with Howard County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

Responsibilities

Review advanced-level subdivision and site development plans for compliance with Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Regulations, the Landscape Manual, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, and the Forest Conservation Act.
Review certain plans for compliance with the Route 1 Manual, Route 40 Manual and Clarksville Pike Streetscape Plan and Design Guidelines.
Prepare and review written comments, alternative compliance petition recommendations, necessary disturbance request recommendations, and letters.
Prepare written technical staff reports and PowerPoint presentations for the Planning Board and verbally present the information at a public meeting/hearing.
Perform site inspection verification of environmental features for development plan applications as needed.
Assist with development review and phasing tracking of Downtown Columbia to include tracking information and review of the required Downtown Plan Monitoring Report, Phasing Progression, and CEPPA program.
Serve as project manager for assigned subdivision plans, site development plans, and alternative compliance petitions.
Compile review comments from Subdivision Review Committee agencies and determine appropriate plan status.
Prepare and forward recommendations for plan action by the Department.
Monitor progress of assigned subdivision and site development plans for compliance with milestones and submission deadlines.
Assist Division Chief in tracking and assigning redline revisions to road construction drawings and site development plans, and Design Manual waivers to review staff.
Communicate extensively (in writing, by phone, and in meetings) with developers, property owners, engineering consultants, environmental consultants, design professionals, government officials, and Subdivision Review Committee agencies.
Communicate with community groups and interested citizens (in writing, by phone, and in meetings).
Regularly engage with property owners, developers, design professionals, and members of the public by fielding general questions by phone and at the DPZ front counter as Planner of the Day.