Assistant Planning & Zoning Officer - Development

About the Role

This is a full-time, permanent position within the Office of Planning and Zoning, involving advanced administrative and technical work to assist in conducting the programs and activities of the office. The Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning - Development oversees and manages the work program and staff of the Development Division.

Work includes assisting in planning, organizing, and directing development review-related programs and activities, researching and coordinating budget requirements, and evaluating reports of findings for the Planning and Zoning Officer. The role involves supervising employees in the Development Division and interacting with various constituencies as part of the County’s Planning and Zoning leadership team. Considerable latitude for independent initiative and judgment is provided under the administrative direction of the Planning and Zoning Officer.

Responsibilities

• Assists in planning, organizing, and directing the development review-related programs and activities of the Office of Planning and Zoning.
• Participates in determining and establishing the department’s strategic annual goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Contributes to the development of the department’s organizational structure, including managerial, technical, professional, and clerical levels.
• Assists in directing ongoing departmental initiatives to enhance operational improvements and efficiencies.
• Reviews and approves Development Division expenditures and ensures budgetary compliance.
• Supervises a large staff of professional, technical, and clerical employees engaged in design and development activities, either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Represents the department at community meetings, council hearings, and other engagements.
• Implements established policies and procedures; reviews divisional policies and recommends necessary changes.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings related to the administration and financial status of the office.
• Contributes to the development of the County’s strategic plans, priorities, and initiatives.
• Directs the preparation and maintenance of necessary records and reports.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public or business administration, planning, or a related field.
• Six or more years of experience in public administration, planning, development, and enforcement of regulations, including four or more years of supervisory experience.
• Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• A graduate degree in urban and regional planning or a directly relevant discipline.
• At least eight years of progressive supervisory experience.
• Ten or more years of experience working in the planning and land use field, including work with zoning, subdivision, and land development codes, preferably in the State of Maryland.
• Six or more years of experience working with environmental programs such as Critical Area, Forest Conservation, tidal and nontidal permitting, and bog protection.
• One or more years of experience working with and streamlining an electronic civic platform for development review and permitting.
• Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
• Proficiency in Google Suite.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of modern methods and techniques of administration and management.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of budget development and execution.
• Thorough knowledge of the functions of a comprehensive planning and zoning office, particularly in development review and administration.
• Superior ability to plan, organize, and direct a Development Division.
• Superior ability to develop and install administrative procedures and operations, evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness, and implement revisions for improvement.
• Superior ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to create an effective, collaborative, and trusting environment with staff, politicians, customers, and other stakeholders to promote the County's values and guiding principles.
• Ability to clearly express the department's vision and establish mechanisms to promote the exchange of ideas, goals, objectives, and information.
• Ability to keep stakeholders updated on issues, decisions, and actions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, employees, stakeholders, and the public.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.