Community Planner (PermFT/Benefits)

HCG Harford County, Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 44,941 - 121,736; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

State Retirement Plan and Deferred

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

HCG Harford County, Maryland seeks a Community Planner to develop and manage comprehensive planning initiatives, including land use, redevelopment, and long-range projects aligned with the County Master Plan.

The role requires coordinating with internal departments, engaging the public, and producing planning documents, maps, and reports while applying zoning and subdivision regulations to guide development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in planning or related field; no experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field; 1 year planning experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in planning; 2 years planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages comprehensive community plans, including redevelopment strategies.
• Maintains land use inventories and supports long-range planning initiatives.
• Implements County Master Plan policies on land use, transportation and historic preservation.

Skills

Community planning

GIS analysis

Zoning

Land use

Data analysis

Report writing

Public engagement

Presentation skills

Education

Master’s degree in planning or related field

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field with 1 year experience

Bachelor’s degree with planning coursework + 2 years experience

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

Prezi

Job description

Job Description Summary:

The Community Planner supports the development and implementation of comprehensive and community-level planning initiatives, including land use, redevelopment, and long-range planning efforts aligned with the County Master Plan.

Job Description:

Salary Range: $44,941.00-$121,736.00 BUDGETED SALARY: $55,000.00

Essential Duties:

• Develops, updates, and manages comprehensive community plans, including redevelopment and revitalization strategies.
• Prepares and maintains land use inventories and supports implementation of long-range planning initiatives.
• Implements policies and strategies identified in the County Master Plan, including land use, transportation, and historic preservation priorities.
• Conducts research, field studies, site inspections and surveys to collect and analyze planning data, including natural resource and environmental information.
• Performs GIS data collection, analysis, and mapping; produces spatial and tabular planning products.
• Reviews zoning, subdivision, and development applications for compliance with applicable regulations and land use policies.
• Assists in processing subdivision plans, site plans, and related environmental and building permits.
• Provides guidance to the public regarding zoning, permitting, subdivision regulations, and departmental processes.
• Engages with the public, advisory boards, government agencies, and civic organizations to support planning initiatives and gather input.
• Prepares reports, studies, and planning documentation, including analysis of goals, alternatives, and recommended actions.
• Develops maps, charts, brochures, and other planning materials to support communication and decision-making.
• Supports online and public dissemination of planning information and materials.
• Applies for and manages grants that support community planning and project implementation.
• Collaborates with internal departments to ensure coordination of community needs and planning objectives.
• Attends Community Advisory Board meetings and other stakeholder meetings as a departmental representative.
• Supports all long-range planning efforts (community planning, historic preservation, and transportation planning).

Years of Experience and Education:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field AND no experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or related field AND one year planning related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university with coursework in planning-related subjects (applicants must list coursework on employment applications) AND completion of two years planning related experience.

Years of Supervisory Experience:

None

Certifications, Licensures, and Examinations:

A valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Please be advised that this position requires a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of planning, zoning, land use, and development review principles and practices.
• Knowledge of permitting processes, subdivision regulations, and development compliance procedures.
• Knowledge in cultural resources and historic documentation
• Knowledge of research methods, data analysis, and technical report writing techniques.
• Knowledge of GIS principles and ability to perform routine spatial data analysis and mapping.
• Knowledge of planning-related design and presentation software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), SketchUp, and presentation tools (e.g., Prezi).
• Skill in analyzing complex planning issues and developing practical, data-informed solutions.
• Skill in organizing, synthesizing, and presenting technical and non-technical information clearly and effectively.
• Skill in preparing accurate reports, maps, charts, and supporting planning documentation.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records, databases, and supporting documentation systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with internal staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and planning standards to real-world development scenarios.
• Ability to conduct research, evaluate alternatives, and support evidence-based planning recommendations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

Safety:

Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manuals as required for this position.

Compensation:

Other compensation may include, but is not limited to: Overtime Compensatory time Shift Differentials

Benefits:

Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental & Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
• Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement