DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & ZONING (APPOINTED/FT/BENEFITS)

The Director of Planning and Zoning is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the Planning and Zoning Department. The Director is charged with the responsibility and duty of planning for the physical development and growth of the County. This includes the preparation and revision of master plans, the preparation and revision of rules and regulations governing subdivisions. This position is also responsible for the preparation, administration, and enforcement of a zoning map and of zoning rules and regulations, which constitute a zoning code.

The Director is a Cabinet-level, term-appointed position. Harford County Government's Core Values are essential to successful job performance, and this position, as with all positions at Harford County, is accountable for integrating Core Values in the execution of responsibilities.

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the Director position.  Actual assignments may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the Department and Division.  The list is not inclusive, and the position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the Department and Division.)  

• Supports the preparation of the annual budget and assists with the management of budgets, ensuring cost control and expenses are in alignment with the budget. 
• Consults with representatives of state departments, federal agencies, housing, engineering firms, boards, committees, and legislatures on community development. 
• Prepares and implements strategic goals and performance targets for the department, which support the organization in achieving its strategic plan and build and maintains a culture that embraces the County's mission, vision, and values. Anticipates and plans for resources needed to meet performance targets; analyzes reports to evaluate and improve the performance of areas of responsibility. 
• Directs the overall planning programs, including such activities as Comprehensive plans, existing and future land use plans, zoning plans, subdivision regulations, major street plans, parking studies, park and recreational plans, community facility plans, and public improvement programs.
• Plans, directs, assigns, and supervises the work of County Planners, Clerical, and Drafting personnel engaged in planning work. 
• Prepares and revises the master plans and the rules and regulations governing subdivisions as required. 
• Directs other activities concerning the physical and financial development of urban and rural areas. 
• Collaborates with Human Resources to develop recruitment plans based on labor needs, participates in internal and external job candidate selection, including screening, conducting interviews, testing, and onboarding. Authorizes all hiring/promotional decisions, ensuring compliance with all related policies and regulations
• Prepares, administers, and enforces the zoning map and zoning rules and regulations, which shall constitute a zoning code. 
• Supervises a team and manages the performance of individuals through ongoing coaching, feedback, and development to motivate, engage, and drive a high-performing team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices; understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors affecting planning.
• Knowledge of the basic planning and zoning principles, the zoning code, subdivision regulations, and the development review process.
• Knowledge of legal, fiscal, environmental, and social determinants of community planning and development.
• Knowledge of code structure and interpretation of law as it relates to land use and planning.
• Ability to prioritize daily work, including planning and creating schedules based on staff availability and priority of work involved.
• Ability to conceptualize, plan, and manage multiple projects or tasks.

EDUCATION:

Graduation from a recognized college or university and shall have completed a program of studies in city and urban planning of sufficient scope for acceptance to membership in the American Institute of Planners. 
 
EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) years of experience in an executive position with a planning or zoning agency of a state or local government.
 
LICENSES:  

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000