What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Technician position at CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT?
Summary
The hiring salary for this position is $60,060.20 annually.
Open until filled with a best consideration date of August 11, 2026. This posting may close without notice.
Telework eligibility is determined by county policy and the approval of the hiring department.
Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Planning Technician to perform technical and administrative work in support of the division. Technician will assist in the development of staff reports; coordinate meeting arrangements; respond to citizen requests; and serve as a clerk to the boards and commissions.
Essential Job Functions
- Provides guidance in completing various applications and forms, making sure applicants understand the permitting and planning processes and the necessary information and attachments required to submit a complete and accurate permit application.
- Responds to inquiries from architects, contractors, builders, and the public; explains and interprets requirements and restrictions. Directs applicants to appropriate agencies/reviewers, as necessary.
- Prepares data and statistical reports. Researches and compiles background data for planning studies and maintains current project files.
- Assists in development of findings and staff reports for projects presented to various boards, committees and citizen groups.
- Compiles and reports data for inclusion in the Planning Commission annual reports and the annual Board of Education facilities master plan.
- Serves as clerk to the boards and commissions. Responsible for scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, coordinating Public Notices, recording the proceedings, preparing and distributing minutes, and managing the day to day operation of assigned board or commission.
- Performs general administrative duties in support of the division.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in related field. Two (2) years of experience in a planning or a development agency, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
Licenses or Certifications:
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
Work is subject to frequent interruptions.
Required to work outside of normal hours of operation, including evening hours.
This position is required to receive climate competency training level 1.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge and understanding of land use planning studies, policies, codes and site plans.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to exercise initiative, make sound independent decisions, deal with non-routine matters and assist in routine managerial decisions.
- Ability to perform plan, application, and permit reviews effectively.
- Ability to manage a wide range of duties in a timely and effective manner, including timely permit processing and routing during periods of frequent interruptions.
- Ability to provide excellent customer services and assist customers through difficult processes.
- Ability to review plans and/or proposals for conformance to the pertinent codes and planning studies.
- Ability to coordinate projects with other staff divisions, departments and agencies.
- Ability to maintain files and records.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to compile data and prepare reports.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Attendance at some evening meetings is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.
Department/Division: Planning and Growth Management/Planning
Pay Grade: 112
FLSA Status :Non-Exempt
Telework Eligible: Yes
Reports to: Planning Supervisor
Supervises: None
Charles County Government
BENEFITS SUMMARY
www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/CharlesCountyMD
BENEFITS SUMMARY
www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/CharlesCountyMD
Health Insurance
Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage.
Flexible Spending Account
Provides medical and dependent care options.
Supplemental Income Products
Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy.
Long Term Disability Insurance
No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month.
Life Insurance
No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available.
Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan — Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory.
Deferred Compensation Plan
457(b) Governmental Plan — Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.
Employee Leave
Transfer of Sick Leave
New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment.
Work Schedules
Additional Fringe Benefits
Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage.
Flexible Spending Account
Provides medical and dependent care options.
Supplemental Income Products
Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy.
Long Term Disability Insurance
No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month.
Life Insurance
No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available.
Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan — Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory.
Deferred Compensation Plan
457(b) Governmental Plan — Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.
Employee Leave
- Charles County Government full-time employees earn annual, sick, and paid time off (PTO).
- The County currently recognizes 20 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
- Away from work programs like paid parental leave and FMLA are available to employees.
Transfer of Sick Leave
New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment.
Work Schedules
- Most work weeks are 37.5 hrs, and some positions may offer the opportunity for flexible work schedules or allow telework.
Additional Fringe Benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement for full-time employees upon completion of probation period
- Discounted, Onsite Childcare at a County Government facility.
- House Keys 4 Employee Program offers assistance to full-time employees who are first-time homebuyers.
- Free, Employee Wellness Programs
- Legal Resources (prepaid benefit)
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (free, short-term counseling)
Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective: March 1, 2026
Salary : $60,060 - $105,106