Cultural Resources Planning Supervisor (13628, Grade 32)

About the role

The Montgomery County Planning Department is seeking a highly experienced preservation professional to supervise and lead the Department's Historic Preservation Regulatory Section. This position will serve under the Division Chief for Historic Preservation and will be primarily responsible for supervising the Regulatory Team and providing strategic direction for the Master Planning Team.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Acting Division Chief in the Division Chief’s absence, representing the division and exercising delegated authority as needed.
• Supervises and leads the Regulatory Team within the Historic Preservation Division; plans, assigns, and monitors staff work, ensuring performance standards and continuous improvement.
• Ensures compliance with historic preservation regulations and oversees enforcement activities, coordinating with partner agencies (e.g., DPS, DHCA, County Attorney) and ensuring proper procedures, required findings, and public notice.
• Prepares and reviews regulatory case opinions under the Board’s authority and coordinates submission for Legal review.
• Develops and maintains legislative and detailed milestone schedules for upcoming deadlines and requirements.
• Provides project management and coordination for the Master Planning Team within the division, as directed.
• Provides technical expertise to the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board, and County Council, and oversees core preservation programs, including the Master Plan for Historic Preservation, Locational Atlas & Index of Historic Sites, design review, tax credit, and easement programs.
• Develops policies, procedures, and planning methodologies; contributes to staff training, performance management, hiring recommendations, and annual budget and work program development.
• Leads complex planning studies and policy initiatives; prepares reports and works with senior officials to address high-level public policy issues and advance planning objectives.
• Represents and defends preservation programs and regulatory decisions before boards, courts, and public bodies; responds to complex stakeholder inquiries and builds partnerships across government and external organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History, Architecture, Urban Planning or any related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible historic preservation, historic research and writing, museum management, cultural resource management, archaeology or closely related experience that includes supervisory or project leadership and coordination experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 10 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.

Qualifications

• Microsoft Office Suite
• ArcGIS
• Sketch-Up
• Adobe Suite