Planning Technician

CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT; La Plata (MD); Hybrid; USD 51,051 - 69,069; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Charles County Government seeks a dynamic Planning Technician to provide technical and administrative support in the Planning and Growth Management division. Responsibilities include assisting with staff reports, coordinating meetings, responding to citizen inquiries, and serving as clerk to boards and commissions.

Requires an associate degree and two years of related experience. Taxes and schedules are managed with attention to the permitting process, data compilation, and preparation of

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in related field required.
• Two years of planning or development experience or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing findings and staff reports for projects presented to boards and commissions.
• Coordinate meeting arrangements and public notices for hearings.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and guide applicants through permitting processes.
• Maintain project files and data for planning studies and annual reports.
• Perform general administrative duties in support of the division.

Skills

Land use planning

Data analysis

Report writing

Customer service

Education

Associate degree

Job description

The hiring salary for this position is $60,060.20 annually.

Open until filled with a best consideration date of August 11, 2026. This posting may close without notice.

Telework eligibility is determined by county policy and the approval of the hiring department.

Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Planning Technician to perform technical and administrative work in support of the division. Technician will assist in the development of staff reports; coordinate meeting arrangements; respond to citizen requests; and serve as a clerk to the boards and commissions.

• Provides guidance in completing various applications and forms, making sure applicants understand the permitting and planning processes and the necessary information and attachments required to submit a complete and accurate permit application.
• Responds to inquiries from architects, contractors, builders, and the public; explains and interprets requirements and restrictions. Directs applicants to appropriate agencies/reviewers, as necessary.
• Prepares data and statistical reports. Researches and compiles background data for planning studies and maintains current project files.
• Assists in development of findings and staff reports for projects presented to various boards, committees and citizen groups.
• Compiles and reports data for inclusion in the Planning Commission annual reports and the annual Board of Education facilities master plan.
• Serves as clerk to the boards and commissions. Responsible for scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, coordinating Public Notices, recording the proceedings, preparing and distributing minutes, and managing the day to day operation of assigned board or commission.
• Performs general administrative duties in support of the division.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree in related field. Two (2) years of experience in a planning or a development agency, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Licenses or Certifications

Must possess a valid driver's license.

Special Requirements/Qualifications

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

Required to work outside of normal hours of operation, including evening hours.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 1.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of land use planning studies, policies, codes and site plans.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to exercise initiative, make sound independent decisions, deal with non-routine matters and assist in routine managerial decisions.
• Ability to perform plan, application, and permit reviews effectively.
• Ability to manage a wide range of duties in a timely and effective manner, including timely permit processing and routing during periods of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to provide excellent customer services and assist customers through difficult processes.
• Ability to review plans and/or proposals for conformance to the pertinent codes and planning studies.
• Ability to coordinate projects with other staff divisions, departments and agencies.
• Ability to maintain files and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to compile data and prepare reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Attendance at some evening meetings is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division: Planning and Growth Management/Planning

Pay Grade: 112

FLSA Status :Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports to: Planning Supervisor

Supervises: None