Placemaking Planner II (14844 Grade 24)

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

Complimentary gym access

Free parking

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a versatile Placemaking Planner II to revitalize urban and suburban spaces through thoughtful design and community engagement. You will support the Placemaking Project Manager and work with urban planners, architects, and stakeholders to transform spaces into vibrant hubs.

Ideal candidates bring placemaking experience, strong communication, and the ability to engage diverse

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (or equivalent).
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Support Placemaking Project Manager in developing and executing placemaking initiatives from conception to completion.
• Collaborate with urban planners, architects, landscape designers, and stakeholders to implement projects.
• Provide design input using design software to share ideas with colleagues and communities.
• Conduct site assessments, research, and analysis to inform strategies and solutions.
• Assist in community engagement activities, workshops, and events to build consensus.
• Attend partnership meetings with local governments and nonprofits and assist materials development.
• Potentially provide planning services in assigned County areas and review development permits.
• Collaborate with staff from other sections as needed.

Skills

Placemaking experience

Community engagement

Multilingual Spanish

Public speaking

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Urban planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field

Two years planning experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

GIS

SharePoint/Teams

Job description

Do you have experience working on revitalizing underutilized public spaces? Do you have a passion for connecting with the community through the canvas of the built environment? Do you have the drive to work with diverse local communities as a deputy project manager? If so, we are looking for you! Join our innovative team dedicated to transforming spaces into vibrant, inclusive communities. At the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we believe in the power of placemaking to enhance the quality of life for individuals and foster a sense of belonging. Our Placemaking Section specializes in creating dynamic environments where people can live, work, and play harmoniously.

The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a versatile Placemaking Planner II to join the Placemaking Section to support our efforts in revitalizing urban and suburban areas through thoughtful design, community engagement, and strategic implementation. Supporting the Placemaking Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in multidisciplinary projects aimed at transforming underutilized spaces into thriving hubs of activity and connection.

The Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the Division is responsible for developing and implementing community plans, neighborhood revitalization programs, and assisting with implementation programs.

As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George’s has a population of approximately 900,000 residents with 15 Metro Rail Stations and is home to the University of Maryland at College Park, National Harbor, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and a world class parks and recreation system. If you are interested in working for the Prince George’s County Planning Department, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Placemaking Planner II position.

Qualified applicants for this position will be self-starting and highly motivated, and have a passion for successful and meaningful placemaking and redevelopment; outstanding analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills; a demonstrable understanding of placemaking, community partnerships, and being a team player.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

The primary roles for this position include:

• Support the Placemaking Project Manager in the development and execution of placemaking initiatives from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including urban planners, architects, landscape designers, and community stakeholders to conceptualize and implement placemaking projects.
• Provide design input – including working with design software – to help share design ideas with colleagues, the community, and other key partners.
• Conduct thorough site assessments, research, and analysis to inform project strategies and design solutions that enhance the built environment and promote social interactions.
• Support the Placemaking Project Manager in preparing for community engagement activities, workshops, and events to solicit feedback, build consensus, and cultivate a sense of ownership among diverse stakeholders.
• Under direction, participate in partnership meetings with local governments, county government, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations, and other entities, taking meeting notes and assisting in development and dissemination of materials.
• May provide planning services in assigned area of the County, to include development and permit review.
• Collaborates with staff from other sections and divisions as needed.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING:

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and organized, have strong analytical and critical thinking skills, possess outstanding communication skills, and be proactive. In addition, they must be independently engaged in the work program and highly dependable.

• Proven experience supporting placemaking projects from initiation to implementation, preferably in a community development, business improvement district, main street coalition, or urban design context.
• Experience in a Placemaking role with a Business Improvement District or Main Street Coalition.
• Strong understanding of urban dynamics, placemaking principles, and best practices in community engagement.
• Excellent work ethic with the ability to prioritize tasks, work to timelines, and support the Placemaking Project Manager in tracking resources effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build consensus across various interest groups.
• Passion for creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities through placemaking initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Comfort in addressing a wide range of groups from elected leaders to community residents.
• A desire to serve the public, collaborate with other agencies and departments, and work closely with other planning team members.
• The ability to cope effectively with change, be flexible, and shift gears comfortably.
• Experience with Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), Sharepoint/Teams, GIS is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp) preferred.
• Ability to perform other related duties as assigned.
• Multilingual verbal and writing skills (Spanish desired).

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.

Classification Specification: Planner II

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions

Works in an office. Field work will be required for site selection, event planning, and events. Required to attend and/or facilitate public meetings with members of the community and/or events in the evening or on weekends.

WHY PRINCE GEORGE’S PLANNING?

Amenities:

• Telework opportunities (up to two telework days per week)
• Flexible schedules
• Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County
• Free parking is available for employees
• Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance Program, subject to annual budget allocations and program funding availability
• Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance

The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $65,465 to $115,941 (salary is commensurate with education and experience) at the Planner II level with excellent benefits including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, and employee pension plan.

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 of race, 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.