Assistant Planning & Zoning Officer - Development

About the Role

This is an advanced administrative and technical position assisting in conducting the programs and activities of the Office of Planning and Zoning. The role oversees and manages the work program and staff of the Development Division, with responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing development review-related programs. The position interacts with various constituencies to represent the County and is part of the County’s Planning and Zoning leadership team. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent initiative and judgment 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.

Requirements

• 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

• 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 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 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 budget development and execution methods and practices.
• 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 implement administrative procedures, evaluate their efficiency, and revise 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.
• Ability to clearly express the department's vision and promote the exchange of ideas, goals, and objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, employees, stakeholders, and the public.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans: BlueChoice Advantage EPO, BlueChoice Advantage PPO.
• Dental Insurance: CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up), CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE), CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO).
• Vision Insurance: EyeMed.
• Employee Life Insurance: Term insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) at no cost; ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance.
• Disability Income Insurance.
• Pension Plan: Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service; option to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation: Section 457 Plan.
• Direct Deposit and Credit Union access.
• Holidays: Twelve days per year, thirteen in a general election year.
• Annual Leave:
  • Less than 3 years: 13 days
  • 3 to less than 15 years: 20 days
  • 15 years or more: 26 days
• Disability Leave: Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year.
• Personal Leave: 5 days per calendar year.
• Leave Sharing Program.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members (4x per year per problem per family member); counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Dependent Care Reimbursement, Health Care Reimbursement.
• Voluntary Benefits: Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider, United Legal Benefits (enrollment with payroll deduction).