Planner III- Trails (14855, Grade 30)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - PGC Parks and Recreation; Largo (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a Planner III to advance trail planning, land use analysis, and policy around parkland in Prince George’s County. The role requires expert guidance to internal leadership, regulatory agencies, and external partners to ensure alignment with trails management goals.

Responsibilities include leading trail planning initiatives, coordinating with MDOT, DPIE, and other agencies, and providing technical direction for complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field required.
• Four years of progressively responsible planning experience; eight years with equivalent mix allowed.

Responsibilities

• Lead trail planning strategies aligning with long-term park goals.
• Advise management on trail policy, regulatory requirements and trends.
• Coordinate with external/regulatory agencies and partners to advance projects.
• Manage complex, multi-agency environmental projects and schedules.
• Direct land use and trail analyses using GIS and field data for planning decisions.
• Review development proposals and environmental reports for compliance.

Skills

Environmental planning principles

Land use analysis

GIS and data analysis

Public presentation experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management practices

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Planning

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

GIS

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.

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.