Urban Planner

Town of Elkton; Elkton (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Elkton seeks an Urban Planner I or II to perform advanced planning work and coordinate current and long-range planning activities, including development review and zoning administration.

The role requires independent judgment, strong customer service, and effective communication while coordinating with multiple agencies and the public to support orderly growth in Elkton.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with zoning administration and development review.
• AICP certification or ability to obtain.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning studies, reports, and research on land use and zoning.
• Support updates to comprehensive plan and zoning regulations.
• Review subdivision/site plans for compliance with ordinances.
• Manage development applications and coordination with stakeholders.
• Explain planning policies to the public and officials.

Skills

Urban planning

Analytical ability

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Urban Planner I or II position performs advanced professional and administrative work in the field of urban planning under the general supervision of the Director of Planning. The position is responsible for coordinating and managing a variety of current and long-range planning activities, including development review, zoning administration, comprehensive planning initiatives, research, and project coordination.

The Urban Planner I or II exercises independent judgment in the interpretation and application of planning principles, zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, and related ordinances. The position serves as a primary point of contact for developers, property owners, consultants, public officials, and citizens regarding planning and development matters and provides technical guidance throughout the development review process.

Work requires a high degree of customer service, analytical ability, professionalism, and effective communication while coordinating with multiple agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and the public to support the orderly growth and development of the Town of Elkton.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates and prepares planning studies, reports, recommendations, and related research involving land use, zoning, redevelopment, transportation, housing, sustainability, and community development initiatives.
• Participates in and coordinates updates to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, maps, and related planning documents, including drafting ordinance amendments and staff reports.
• Conducts technical review of subdivision plans, site plans, re-zonings, annexations, special exception applications, variances, and related development proposals for compliance with applicable Town ordinances, policies, regulations, and planning objectives.
• Serves as project manager for assigned development applications and planning initiatives, including coordination with developers, consultants, engineers, reviewing agencies, and Town staff.
• Interprets and explains zoning regulations, subdivision requirements, development procedures, and planning policies to the public, applicants, developers, consultants, and Town officials.
• Provides professional staff support to the Elkton Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Board of Appeals, and other boards or committees as assigned, including preparation of agendas, staff reports, presentations, public hearing materials, correspondence, minutes, and maintenance of official files.
• Coordinates project reviews and facilitates interagency review processes with local, county, state, and regional agencies.
• Conducts research, collects and analyzes data, prepares surveys, and develops maps, graphs, tables, and other illustrative materials to support planning projects and reports.
• Conducts field investigations and site inspections related to development applications, zoning compliance, and planning studies.
• Researches and responds to complex citizen inquiries, development concerns, and zoning-related issues utilizing sound professional judgment, customer service skills, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with professionals and non-professionals regarding planning, zoning, and development matters.
• Represents the Planning Department at interdepartmental meetings, regional committees, public meetings, trainings, seminars, and professional conferences as assigned.
• Maintains accurate records, files, and documentation related to planning and zoning activities.
• Takes initiative in completing assigned and unassigned tasks in support of the Planning Department and Town operations.
• Ability to prepare, administer, and monitor departmental budgets and grants.
• Works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with regular mandatory evening meetings as well as occasional trainings and seminars outside normal business hours. Maintains good attendance record.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists other Town departments with planning-related matters as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and objectives of municipal and regional planning.
• Knowledge of zoning administration, subdivision regulations, land development review processes, and comprehensive planning practices.
• Knowledge of Maryland land use law and municipal planning practices preferred.
• Ability to interpret and apply zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, codes, policies, maps, aerial photography, engineering plans, and technical reports.
• Ability to analyze complex site plans, development applications, planning data, and technical information.
• Ability to prepare detailed staff reports, planning analyses, ordinances, correspondence, presentations, and professional recommendations.
• Ability to present technical information clearly and effectively before boards, commissions, elected officials, developers, consultants, and the public.
• Knowledge of general office practices, procedures, and standard office equipment.
• Proficiency in computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and related planning software applications. GIS experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, public officials, developers, consultants, property owners, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to operate a Town vehicle.
• Ability to pass physical examinations, drug screenings, and background investigations.
• Physical requirements include frequently sitting for extended periods; using hands to finger, handle, or feel; reaching with hands and arms; standing, walking, climbing or balancing, and bending, stooping, and kneeling with sufficient flexibility and mobility to perform field inspections. Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Position also requires talking and hearing abilities sufficient to perform essential job functions.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Urban Planner II - Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably within a municipal or county government setting.
• Urban Planner I - One (1) to three (3) yearsof progressively responsible professional planning experience, preferably within a municipal or county government setting.
• Experience with zoning administration, development review, and comprehensive planning strongly preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or the ability to obtain certification within a reasonable timeframe preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to perform occasional business-related travel.