Planner II - Community Planning

Baltimore County; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltimore County's Office of Planning, Community Planning Division, invites applications for a Planner II. Join a team shaping neighborhoods and land-use decisions under the guidance of a senior planner and the Division Chief.

You will engage with stakeholders, analyze plans, and contribute to Small Area Plans, Master Plan 2030, and zoning discussions, applying GIS and related tools to inform decisions and promote sustainable communities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to seek input, gather feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure initiatives reflect diverse perspectives.
• Address questions and concerns from diverse constituents to assist with problem-solving and planning-related issues.
• Cultivate relationships with community members, organizations, and government officials.
• Conduct and participate in meetings regarding planning, zoning, and development issues.
• Assist in creating comprehensive plans such as Small Area Plans and State Sustainable Community Plans.
• Coordinate and assist in the implementation of community plans and projects.
• Assist in development and administration of Master Plan and related policies affecting zoning and land use.
• Collaborate with Research, Analysis and Design Division to gather data using GIS, Adobe and other tools to inform decisions.
• Review and comment on development and zoning change petitions to ensure alignment with policies and community plans.
• Support CZMP by analyzing zoning changes to align with long-term community visions.
• Provide comments or supporting documentation to Planning Board or County Council on planning matters.
• Research and develop policy recommendations for sustainable and equitable development.
• Review legislation and propose changes to address evolving needs.

Job description

A vacancy exists in the Office of Planning, Community Planning Division.

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

About the Department of Planning

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.

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.

Definition of Responsibility

Join us in strengthening Baltimore County’s communities! As a Planner II in the Department of Planning’s Division of Community Planning, you will play a vital role in building and maintaining a thriving Baltimore County. We are seeking candidates who can leverage their experience, education, and technical knowledge to excel in this position.

Be a part of a great team dedicated to positively impacting the future of Baltimore County. As a Community Planner II, you'll help build sustainable, vibrant communities through strategic planning and community engagement. If you are driven by the opportunity to create meaningful change, we invite you to join our mission.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

List all promotion and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s), and/or degree(s), and/or certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

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.
• Addressquestionsandpotentialconcernsfromdiverseconstituentstoassistwithproblem-solvingandplanning-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.