Planning Specialist II - Planning and Zoning, Division of Land Development

Posting number: 26-00687

Department: Planning & Zoning

Division: Planning & Zoning - Land Development

Job classification: Planning Specialist II- Planning and Zoning, Division of Land Development

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development, Land Use, Architecture

Summary

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is more complex professional planning work collecting, organizing, analyzing and evaluating data required in the development of comprehensive land use plans, subdivision regulations, transportation, historic or environmental planning. Work includes providing technical assistance to peers and other planning personnel; may also direct and coordinate the activities of project related work groups.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:$33.61 - $40.21$69,913 - $83,639

This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level planning and zoning work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes coordinating the plan review process; planning and implementing recycling activities; collecting, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating data required in the development and review of comprehensive plans and regulations.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months.*

Examples of duties

Regulatory and Technical Review:

• Review advanced-level subdivision and site development plans for compliance with Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Regulations, the Landscape Manual, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, and the Forest Conservation Act.
• Review certain plans for compliance with the Route 1 Manual, Route 40 Manual and Clarksville Pike Streetscape Plan and Design Guidelines.
• Prepare and review written comments, alternative compliance petition recommendations, necessary disturbance request recommendations, and letters.
• Prepare written technical staff reports and PowerPoint presentations for the Planning Board and verbally present the information at a public meeting/hearing.
• Perform site inspection verification of environmental features for development plan applications as needed.
• Assist with development review and phasing tracking of Downtown Columbia to include tracking information and review of the required Downtown Plan Monitoring Report, Phasing Progression, and CEPPA program.

Project and Process Management:

• Serve as project manager for assigned subdivision plans, site development plans, and alternative compliance petitions.
• Compile review comments from Subdivision Review Committee agencies and determine appropriate plan status.
• Prepare and forward recommendations for plan action by the Department.
• Monitor progress of assigned subdivision and site development plans for compliance with milestones and submission deadlines.
• Assist Division Chief in tracking and assigning redline revisions to road construction drawings and site development plans, and Design Manual waivers to review staff.

Stakeholder Communication and Engagement:

• Communicate extensively (in writing, by phone, and in meetings) with developers, property owners, engineering consultants, environmental consultants, design professionals, government officials, and Subdivision Review Committee agencies.
• Communicate with community groups and interested citizens (in writing, by phone, and in meetings).
• Regularly engages with property owners, developers, design professionals, and members of the public by fielding general questions by phone and at the DPZ front counter as Planner of the Day.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and two (2) years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning or environmental science. Strong communication, problem­ solving, time management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Increasingly responsible experience in land planning or a related discipline including the principles, practices, goals and objectives of urban, regional community planning work.
• An ability to read and interpret studies of social and economic matters, land use and development, housing patterns, environmental conditions and transportation factors.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently; prepare visual presentations; compile, collect and analyze complex social and economic statistical data; express ideas effectively orally and in written and graphic form; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public; maintain records and prepare technical reports.
• Experience with plan review, landscape architecture and Howard County Regulations.
• Previous experience reviewing forest conservation plans in accordance with the Forest Conservation Act.
• Familiarity with Howard County Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.