Planner I

Town of La Plata; La Plata (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of La Plata seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Planner I to join our Planning Department. This entry-level professional role supports development review, planning, zoning enforcement, and public-facing services under supervision.

Starting at $28.65–$32.95 per hour, based on experience, the position offers opportunities to work on site, review site plans and variances, assist with long-range planning, and contribute to the Comprehensive Plan while collaborating with staff and boards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering, geography, urban planning, environmental science, or a related field.
• One year of planning experience in long-range or neighborhood planning, development review, transportation planning, urban design, or similar work.

Responsibilities

• Review and process site plans, plats, variances, special exceptions, and other development applications.
• Evaluate forest conservation plans, NRI/FSD submissions, and related materials.
• Conduct research to identify trends and planning issues.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, county, and local development regulations.
• Prepare organized, well-written technical reports and recommendations.
• Present staff analyses at Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Design Review Board meetings.
• Support Town Council and other boards on zoning, long-range planning, and urban design matters.
• Provide zoning and permitting guidance to residents, applicants, and partner agencies.
• Maintain development records and assist with updates to land-use maps, zoning ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Perform field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering, geography, urban planning, environmental science, or related field

Job description

Description

The Town of La Plata seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Planner I to join our Planning Department.

Description

The Town of La Plata seeks an enthusiastic, detail-oriented Planner I to join our Planning Department. This entry-level professional role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Town’s development, long-range planning, and zoning initiatives. Working under the supervision of the Senior Planner and Director of Planning, the Planner I supports development review, planning, zoning enforcement, and public-facing services.

Starting Rate Range

$28.65 - $32.95, based on experience

Status

Full-time, Non-Exempt

Benefits

Details can be found on the Town website at https://townoflaplata.org/35/Employment

ADA Statement

The Town of La Plata is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities. Individuals who may need accommodations in the application or hiring process are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department ([e-mail]). Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Duties

• Review and process site plans, plats, variances, special exceptions, and other development applications.
• Evaluate forest conservation plans, NRI/FSD submissions, and related materials.
• Conduct research to identify trends and planning issues.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, county, and local development regulations.
• Prepare organized, well-written technical reports and recommendations.
• Present staff analyses at Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Design Review Board meetings.
• Support Town Council and other boards on zoning, long-range planning, and urban design matters.
• Provide zoning and permitting guidance to residents, applicants, and partner agencies.
• Maintain development records and assist with updates to land-use maps, zoning ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Perform field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans.

Requirements

Any combination of training and experience substantially equivalent to:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, civil engineering, geography, long-range planning, urban planning, environmental science, or a related field, and
• One (1) year of planning experience in long-range or neighborhood planning, development review, transportation planning, urban design, or similar work.