Talbot County, Maryland

Summary:

This position is responsible for more advanced professional planning responsibilities of high complexity and variety. The position administers the County’s long range planning activities and oversees land preservation and community development efforts. The position requires broad and specific knowledge of planning practices, including state and federal programs and regulations; requires frequent contact with government officials, community groups and the general public; serves as liaison to the community on comprehensive planning and land preservation efforts; and provides data collection and land use analysis to County departments and the public. The person in this position is required to drive a county vehicle and travel within and outside the County. Some evening meeting attendance may be necessary in the performance of duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·            Conducts advanced professional work, including research, policy development and report preparation, on assigned master planning and other long-range projects.

·            Oversees assigned, complex planning studies and projects, prepares Scopes of Work, develops project budgets, administers the bidding process under the Talbot County procurement policy, reviews consultant proposals and monitors contract expenditures and compliance.

·            Manages complex land development applications including site plans, zoning text amendments, zoning map amendments, and annexations.

·            Implements ordinances in conformance with the comprehensive plan.

·            Responsible for administration and facilitation of the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPF) and County land preservation efforts

·            Provides assistance to and acts as a liaison to County Boards and Commissions (e.g. Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission) and to State, Federal, community and regional organizations (e.g. U. S. Census Bureau, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Stories of the Chesapeake)

·            Coordinates regional planning initiatives with surrounding jurisdictions and other agencies.

·            Prepares graphic displays and maps for planning projects.

·            Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning Commission, County Council and other commission and advisory boards.

·            Organizes and conducts public meetings on planning matters.

·            Provides assistance to applicants and the general public with questions about the County comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, floodplain ordinance and other planning information associated with the department.

·            Research, prepare and submit grant application.

·            Assumes the responsibilities of the Assistant Planning Officer in his or her absence.

·            Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in community planning or related field and five years of planning experience OR: an equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience, which demonstrates the knowledge and skills stated herein.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive land use planning and community planning, including research methods and statistical analysis

Knowledge of land conservation and preservation programs and funding mechanisms

Knowledge of zoning, subdivision and other planning implementation techniques

Ability to research and analyze planning information and present the results in oral, written and/or graphic form.

Must be innovative, detail-oriented, experienced in and able to consistently deliver professional grade product for highly visible and complex projects.

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet deadlines. 

Ability to consistently and clearly communicate verbally and in writing complex policy issues and to accurately and consistently read and apply all rules and regulations.

Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Knowledge of the general operations of a planning office including duties and responsibilities of all personnel

Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers.

Creative problem-solving skills to planning issues.

Group facilitation skills for use with community meetings and workshops

Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.

Physical Demands:

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. Occasionally moves equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. May need to bend, squat, climb and/or move on uneven surfaces. 

Work Environment:

Typically works in an office setting. The noise level is quiet or moderate. May be out in heat and cold.

Application:

Apply

Talbot County is an equal opportunity employer. The county does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.