Environmental Planning Specialist: Field & Policy Analyst

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; Largo (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework opportunities (up to two tele

Flexible schedules

Onsite Fitness Center

Free parking

Tuition assistance

Federal loan forgiveness eligibility

Job summary

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a Planner II or Planner I with a background in environmental planning, including technical review skills, to join our planning team. The Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The Planner II/ Planner I will focus on environmental planning and review of site development applications, coordinating with local, state,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (or 6 years combined education/experience).
• Valid driver’s license appropriate to assignment.

Responsibilities

• Review of Natural Resource Inventory Plans and Tree Conservation Plans.
• Review development applications for compliance with laws and policies.
• Attend meetings with developers, agencies, and attorneys; coordinate with others.
• Prepare routine correspondence and speak at public hearings as needed.
• Assist in field investigations and data collection for planning and reporting.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Writing skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or related field

Equivalent combination of education and experience (total 6 years)

Tools

GIS

PC-based planning & mapping programs

Job description

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a Planner II or Planner I with a background in environmental planning, including technical review skills, to join our planning team. The Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland. As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George’s has a population of approximately 900,000 residents, is characterized by urban, suburban and rural areas, and is home to The University of Maryland at College Park, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and Joint Base Andrews Air Force Base. This position may be filled at the level of Planner II or Planner I depend on the qualifications of the applicant.

The Planner II/ Planner I will play an important role in assisting in the implementation of the applicable environmental regulations, educating the public on the requirements, permitting regulations, and assisting with the myriad of state reporting requirements. The position also requires the ability to apply land use regulations and to meet deadlines.

The duties of this position are highly technical and will primarily focus on environmental planning and review of short-term, site-specific land development applications. The job will require coordination with other local agencies as well as state and federal agencies. Long term planning assignments may be assigned as needed. Fieldwork and occasional evening meetings are required. Knowledge of natural resources and land development processes is highly preferred.

The Prince George's County Planning Department is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland, near Metro and I-495.

Planner I:

• Conducts review of Natural Resource Inventory Plans
• Conducts review of stand-alone Tree Conservation Plans (TCP)
• Reviews and analyzes simple amendments to preliminary and site plans, non-controversial conditional use applications and administrative mandatory referrals to determine compliance with all Local, State and Federal laws.
• Attends meetings with developers, their consultants, and attorneys
• Interacts with other agencies to obtain their input
• Conduct field investigations as needed to support review of NRI’s and TCP’s
• Conducts review of permits
• Collects and maintains data, databases, and other information for planning and reporting purposes
• Assists in quality control and scanning of files
• Serves customers directly both in-person and on the phone

Planner II

• Planner I duties listed above
• Reviews development applications for compliance with County laws, master plans, and policies
• Conducts review of mandatory referrals
• Conducts field investigations as needed to support review of development applications and enforcement actions
• Prepares routine correspondence related to the implementation of the requirements of County Code
• Speaks at public hearings as necessary to provide expertise and information for development applications
• Assists Planner III’s and Planner IV’s as needed

Planner II -Salary Range $65,465 - $115,941

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience or specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
4. 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.

Planner I Level – Salary Range $57,747 - $102,275

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
2. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which together total four (4) years.
3. 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.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Background in environmental planning, natural resources protection, soils, arboriculture, water resources, or related field with the ability to conduct field work including plant, wetland, stream and/or soils identification; experience with GIS and PC based planning and mapping programs; excellent interpersonal and presentation skills. Must demonstrate excellent writing skills; ability to obtain Qualified Professional status as defined in COMAR 08.19.06B (1)-(4); ability to interpret ordinances; ability to communicate effectively; ability to establish working relationships and demonstrate excellent work ethic. Familiarity with the Forest Conservation Act and various local environmental and permitting regulations.

Classification/Specification: Planner II

May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing.

WHY PRINCE GEORGE’S PLANNING?
Amenities:

• Telework opportunities (up to two telework days per week)
• Flexible schedules
• Onsite Fitness Center
• Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County
• Free parking is available for employees
• Professional development opportunities/Tuition assistance
• Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance

The Prince George's County Planning Department is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland, near Metro and I-495.The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $57,747 to $102,275 at the Planner I level and $65,465 to $115,941 at the Planner II level with an excellent benefits package including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, employer's retirement plan, and work-life programs. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

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 ofrace, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.