Planner III- Trails (14855, Grade 30)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; Largo (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission seeks a Planner III to advance trail planning, land use strategies, and policy management for parkland across Prince George’s County. This senior role provides expert guidance on complex trail planning issues and collaborates with internal leaders, regulatory agencies, and external partners to align with the Department’s trails mission.

Responsibilities include leading trail planning strategies, coordinating environmental projects, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or related field.
• Four years of progressive professional planning experience in transportation/environmental/urban planning.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling eight years may be substituted.
• Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment).

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and implementation of trail planning strategies that support long term park, trails, preservation and strategic planning goals.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on trail policy, regulatory requirements, and emerging planning trends.
• Serves as a liaison with external regulatory agencies and jurisdictions (e.g., MDOT, DPIE, DC DOT) to represent the Department’s trails interests.
• Leads coordination of complex, multi-agency environmental projects to align objectives, schedules, and deliverables.
• Directs land use and trail analyses using GIS, field assessments, and related data to inform planning decisions.
• Evaluates park and trail conditions to support strategic planning initiatives.
• Supports Enterprise Asset Management, Capital Planning & Development, and Facility Services in trail asset planning and capital improvements.
• Facilitates review of development proposals and environmental reports impacting parkland; ensures compliance with policies and regulations.
• Represents the agency in public meetings and interagency forums related to trail planning.
• Leads or contributes to master plans, sector plans, and trail and park plans updates.
• Oversees preparation of technical reports and environmental documentation; guides consultants and project teams.

Skills

GIS

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Project management

Budgeting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning/related field

Four years of planning experience

8 years total via education+experience

Valid driver’s license

Job description

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award winner, is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as a Planner III within the Park Planning & Environmental Stewardship Division.

The selected candidate will function as a senior-level trail planner, responsible for advancing trail planning and policy, land use planning strategies, development review and trail project and policy management initiatives for parkland throughout Prince George’s County. This position provides expert-level guidance on complex trail planning issues and leads coordination with internal leadership, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with the Department’s trails management mission.

The following examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position.

• Leads the development and implementation of trail planning strategies that support long term park, trails, preservation and strategic planning goals.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and advises management and partner divisions on trail policy, regulatory requirements, and emerging planning trends.
• Serves as a primary liaison with external regulatory and partner agencies and jurisdictions including the Maryland Department of Transportation, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), DC DOT, non-profit partners, municipalities and the County Department of Planning & Public Works (DPW&T) representing the Department’s interests in trails planning.
• Leads coordination of complex, multi-agency environmental projects to align objectives, schedules, and deliverables.
• Directs land use and trail analyses using GIS, field assessments, and related data to inform planning decisions.
• Evaluates park and trail conditions, including environmental resources and developed areas, to support strategic planning initiatives.
• Supports the Enterprise Asset Management Division, Capital Planning & Development Division and Facility Services Division in planning for trail assets and condition maintenance and capital improvements.
• Facilitates the review of development proposals, environmental reports, and regulatory submissions impacting parkland and ensures compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Represents the agency in public meetings, interagency forums, and community engagements related to trail planning efforts.
• Leads or provides key input into the development and update of master plans, sector plans, and trail and park plans.
• Oversees preparation of technical reports, environmental documentation, and planning analyses to support departmental initiatives.
• Provides direction to consultants and project teams to ensure project outcomes align with strategic planning objectives.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Position may require site visits to parkland and project areas and participation in public meetings, some of which may occur outside of normal business hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of environmental planning principles, land use analysis, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Skill in GIS and data analysis tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public presentation experience.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, agencies, and community members.
• Knowledge of project management practices and budgeting. Ability to provide leadership, technical direction, and staff development support.

Education and Experience

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. Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to 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 eight (8) 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree and/or professional certification in recreation management, landscape architecture, construction management, transportation planning, natural resources, civil engineering, geography or a related field.
• Six (6) or more years of experience in planning, geography, project management or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling eight (8) years.
• Proven proficiency in project management and the ability to manage multiple projects and changes in prioritization of work.
• Experience in trail planning, design, implementation, management, and/or maintenance.
• Background in development review planning and ability to interpret site development plans and visualize design elements in context.
• Experience with public and elected official engagement in the trail planning processes.
• Strong communication skills and creative problem‑solving abilities

Class/Specification: Planner III

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

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. 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.