Historic Preservation Planning Technician - (Planning Support Technician II) - Planning and Zoning

JOB Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is technical planning work in support of the Department of Planning and Zoning’s Resource Conservation Division. This Division is responsible for Environmental, Agricultural and Historic Preservation and this position will primarily support its historic preservation programs. Work can cover a broad range of topics, such as historic preservation, development plan review, land use and zoning, relevant to the Resource Conservation Division, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board. Work also includes compiling and analyzing data, preparing oral and written reports and presentations, and assisting with the review of applications, along with the evaluation of the impact development projects may have on historic resources. This position works under the general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$27.23 - $34.66
$56,645 - $72,092

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs advanced technical level planning and zoning support work under general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes the final review and processing of plans, building permit applications; and carrying out other planning and zoning related procedures. Collects and enters data for use in the planning database and assists the public at the service counter.

***Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810*** EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists in reviewing applications to the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as preparing staff reports and Minor Alteration determinations. Utilizes design guidelines, the County Code, and general preservation and architectural knowledge to draft reports and other determinations.
• Attends meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board and performs routine administrative tasks, including drafting meeting minutes, scheduling and setting-up in-person, virtual and hybrid meetings, maintaining project files, and drafting correspondence.
• Conducts preliminary review of subdivision and site development plans, alternative compliance requests, conditional uses and other zoning or land development actions involving historic properties and resources.
• Conducts site visits and performs field work as needed for application review, documentation of historic properties or to review conformance with historic planning policies and regulations.
• Assists in conducting studies and surveys. Collects and compiles population, land use, historic resource, and other data; analyzes data; and manages and updates databases and other data tracking documents.
• Assist in the daily operations of the division including general administrative and technical tasks, such as updating County web pages and preparing mailings.
• Assists with the documentation of historic properties through photography, measured drawings and historical research. This may include expanding documentation of the County’s historic resources to reflect their diverse cultural and ethnic context.
• Assists with evaluating applications for Demolition Permits, referring appropriate historic structures to the Historic Preservation Commission for consideration to add to the Historic Sites Inventory, as well as possibly saving the structure from demolition or salvage by deconstruction.
• Assists in applying for, and administering, various grant programs.
• Assists the division with maintaining historic cemetery and historic sites inventories and Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board tasks.
• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels. Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.