Description

Are you passionate about having a significant impact on the quality of life for current and future generations? If so, the Montgomery County Planning Department is where you want to work! We are seeking an experienced Planner III / IV to lead and contribute to the Upcounty Planning Division's most complex plans and projects, while also assisting in mentoring and training newer staff. Join our dynamic team!
Montgomery Planning is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For over 95 years, M-NCPPC has had a national reputation for excellence in planning, and today serves a culturally diverse population of over one million people on the border of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County. We provide county-wide planning functions including long range planning, as well as reviews of development applications in diverse built environments of downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. We have pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we encourage you to watch this brief video here and visit our website at www.montgomeryplanning.org.
The Upcounty Planning Division is responsible for nearly two-thirds of the land area in Montgomery County, including Germantown, Clarksburg, Potomac, Darnestown, Damascus, Olney, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Burtonsville, Fairland Briggs Chaney and the Agricultural Reserve.
This position requires experience in project leadership. You will also collaborate with a diverse team including county residents, developers, planners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and public officials. Occasional evening meetings, site visits and fieldwork within various communities will be required.
As the Planner III, you will lead and assist with various master plan initiatives and will review development applications, zoning applications, mandatory referrals, and agricultural initiatives. You will serve as project manager of certain complex and high-profile plans by coordinating the reviews of internal staff and agencies. You will also draft reports and presentations to the Planning Board, Hearings Examiner, and County Council. Knowledge and experience of the master planning process, Zoning Ordinance, regulatory process, mandatory referral process.
As the Planner IV, you will perform duties similar to the Planner III, but more independently and under more general direction. The Planner IV will also possess demonstrated experience in leadership training and/or mentorship programs and is considered a subject matter expert in one or more relevant planning related fields. This position also provides consultation and expertise on Upcounty and Department-wide planning matters.

Minimum Qualifications

Planner IV:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience that includes project consultation and coordination.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total ten (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.

• 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.

Supplemental Information

About Us:
The M-NCPPC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness. Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available. We work in one of the first LEED Platinum-certified government-owned office buildings in Maryland. Check it out here!
Classification Specification: Planner III (2244) / Planner IV (2245)
The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).
Diversity Statement
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.