Planner II - Community Planning

Baltimore County, MD; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Community Planning within the Baltimore County Department of Planning seeks a professional to shape the county's future through planning projects and land-use analyses. You will work under mentorship to develop plans, coordinate their implementation, and provide thoughtful recommendations on development proposals.

You will engage diverse stakeholders, review zoning and land-use proposals, and collaborate with other divisions to inform planning decisions using GIS, reports, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of professional planning, zoning, development, or land use experience.
• Master’s degree in planning or related field with 1 year of professional planning experience.
• Education substitutions allowed year-for-year; up to 4 years for required education.

Responsibilities

• Engage with diverse stakeholders to gather input and provide feedback on planning initiatives.
• Assist in creating comprehensive plans and coordinating their implementation (e.g., Small Area Plans, Master Plan updates).
• Review development, zoning, and land-use proposals for alignment with community plans and policies.
• Prepare comments and supporting documentation for Planning Board and County Council.

Skills

Presentations

Collaboration

Inclusion & Belonging

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Master's degree in planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Schedule I, Grade 29, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week.

The Department of Planning is dedicated to implementing programs and projects that strengthen existing communities, revitalize older commercial centers, and preserve rural resources. Join our committed team and make a positive impact on the future of Baltimore County.

Division and Role Overview

In the Division of Community Planning, you will actively engage with various stakeholders and constituents on planning-related projects and initiatives, including developing plans and coordinating their implementation, under the mentorship of a senior planner and the Division Chief. Working alongside the Development Review Division and the Research, Analysis and Design Division, Community Planners utilize relevant reports, zoning codes and regulations, Small Area Plans, Master Plan 2030, and neighborhood plans to provide thoughtful recommendations on development proposals and other land‑use requests.

Job Purpose

This position performs professional planning work shaping Baltimore County's future. As a key member of the Community Planning Division in the Department of Planning, under the supervision of the senior planner and the Division Chief, you will support initiatives that enhance community development, foster sustainable growth, and improve the quality of life for our residents.

Essential Job Duties

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, advocacy groups, and the public to seek input, gather feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure that initiatives and policies reflect diverse perspectives and consider various stakeholders' interests.
• Address questions and potential concerns from diverse constituents to assist with problem‑solving and planning‐related issues within their respective communities.
• Cultivate strong relationships and consult with community members, organizations, and government officials.
• Conduct and participate in meetings with community groups, representatives of other county and governmental agencies, and others regarding planning, zoning, and development issues.

Plan Creation and Project Development

• Assist in creating comprehensive plans that guide the development and revitalization of communities such as Small Area Plans and State Sustainable Community Plans.
• Coordinate and assist in the implementation of community plans and projects.
• Assist in the development, modification, and administration of the Master Plan, community plans, and other planning policies, legislation, and guidelines affecting zoning and land use.
• Collaborate with the Research, Analysis and Design Division to gather and analyze data from various software platforms (including GIS, Adobe, and other specialized tools) to assess conditions and inform planning decisions.

Review Development, Zoning, and Land Use Proposals

• Review and comment on development and zoning change petitions to ensure compliance with land use policies, regulations, and community plan goals.
• Review development proposals and provide comments to ensure alignment with community feedback and community plans.
• Assist with the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) by analyzing requested zoning changes to ensure that proposals align with the community’s long‑term vision, goals, and the neighborhood's existing land use and character.

Examples of Other Duties

• May be asked to provide comments or supporting documentation to the Planning Board and/or County Council on community planning‑related matters.
• Research and develop policy recommendations to advocate for policy changes that support sustainable and equitable development.
• Review existing legislation and propose changes or new laws to address emerging issues or to align with evolving needs.

NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all essential job functions for each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree;
• Plus
• Three years' professional planning, zoning, development, or land use experience.
• Additional planning education beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
• Additional professional and/or paraprofessional planning, zoning, development, or land‑use experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of four years, for the required education.
• OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in planning or a related field*
• Plus
• One-year professional planning, zoning, development, or land use experience.
• *Related Fields such as: architecture, business administration, civil engineering, landscape architecture, law, public administration, and social sciences (e.g., economics, geography, political science, sociology, urban and/or regional affairs or studies, etc.)

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including community groups and stakeholders.
• General understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Microsoft Office, and other planning‑related software.
• Committed to working with diverse communities to foster inclusion and belonging.
• Candidates must be aware of the importance of equitable practices.
• Ability to collaborate with community organizations and other professionals to develop plans and policies.
• Proficiency in another language (other than English) is a plus.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of professional licenses, certifications, and education beyond high school to meet the position's required and preferred qualifications. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a Non‑Commercial, Class C Maryland Driver's License is required at the time of appointment.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalency documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be evaluated based on their training and experience, as stated in their applications, including their responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants must clearly and completely state the dates and duties of their past and present experience for evaluation purposes.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of this classification is essentially sedentary. Some positions may require travel between work sites.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening, and employment investigation, including, but not limited to, criminal background checks, education certification checks, and fingerprinting.