Position Summary/Class Description
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, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making.
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 advanced professional level planning work carrying out a variety of special administrative or functional responsibilities in the Department of Planning and Zoning's Public Service and Zoning Administration Division.
Salary Hiring Range
$35.78 - $44.13
$74,414 - $94,582
Class Description
Performs intermediate supervisory and advanced level professional planning and zoning work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes directing the collection, analysis, and compilation of technical data into plans to meet the County's needs; providing expertise in specialized areas of planning, zoning, development and preservation. Acts as project leader or work group leader and assists the division chief in carrying out the administrative responsibilities of the unit.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Assists the Division Chief with supervision of the code enforcement section and oversees staff in case management and the resolution of violations.
- Independently completes special projects assigned by the Division Chief or Deputy Director.
- Assists the Division Chief with the management and training of subordinate review staff and with interviewing candidates for Division vacancies and performing employee performance evaluations.
- Updates all applications, checklists, brochures and form letters, etc. associated with the code enforcement duties of the division.
- Makes contributions for regulatory changes and policy formulations.
- Communicates extensively in writing, on the telephone and in meetings with developers, property owners, community groups, engineering consultants, environmental consultants and other Subdivision Review Committee agencies.
- Represent Departmental decisions before appellant bodies and participate in court proceedings.
- Perform evening and weekend inspections as needed to address code complaints that arise outside of typical business hours.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position directly supervises two employees, assisting the Division Chief with the preparation of their performance evaluations.
Minimum Required Education/Experience
Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Bachelor's or master’s degree in planning, environmental science, public administration, or similar field.
- Increasingly responsible experience in land planning or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Experience with the Howard County Zoning Regulations.
- Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and goals of urban, regional and community planning. Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
- Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public administration. Ability to interpret maps, plats, legal documents and development plans.
- Ability to interpret and apply the various statutes, codes and regulations applicable to planning activities.
- Ability to coordinate objectives from several sources with overall goals and ability to present the results of research and analyses in oral, written and/or graphic form.
- Ability to compile, collect and analyze complex information and data relative to the review of proposed subdivisions and development plans.
- Ability to analyze and evaluate the planning implications of social, economic and physical data. Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to manage assigned projects and to implement effective time management skills to ensure timely completion of assignments.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, developers, County, State and regional officials, and the general public.
- Ability to maintain records and prepare technical reports.
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 and interpret regulations and manuals, professional journals, technical procedures, environmental reports, and legal documents. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS
Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted.
Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.
FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.
GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.
ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.
PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.
HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.
OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.
RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.
457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.
LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.
DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.
VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.
CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $74,414 - $94,582
- Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03
Are you willing to work evening and weekends as needed to address code complaints that arise outside of typical business hours?
- Yes, I am willing to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- No, I am not willing to work evenings and weekends as needed.
04
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or similar field and four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
05
If you possess four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, please explain where you acquired this experience/education include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
06
Do you possess experience in land planning or a related discipline?
07
If you possess experience in land planning or a related discipline, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
08
Do you possess experience with zoning regulations?
09
If you possess experience with zoning regulations, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
10
Do you possess knowledge of the principles, practices and goals of urban, regional and community planning?
11
If you possess knowledge of the principles, practices and goals of urban, regional and community planning, please explain where you acquired this knowledge include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
12
Do you possess experience interpreting maps, plats, legal documents and development plans?
13
If you possess experience interpreting maps, plats, legal documents and development plans, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
14
Do you possess experience interpreting and applying the various statutes, codes and regulations applicable to planning activities?
15
If you possess experience interpreting and applying the various statutes, codes and regulations applicable to planning activities, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
16
Do you possess supervisory/managerial experience comprised of interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems?
17
If you possess the supervisory/managerial experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.
Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
18
How did you hear about this position?
- NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
- Linked In
- Maryland Association of Counties
- National Association of Counties
- CEAM
- ASCE
- Indeed
- Employee Referral
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
- Handshake
- Career Fair
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
- International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
- Other
19
If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate "N/A" (Not Applicable).
20
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
21
Are you aware that this position may require evening and weekend work?
22
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
23
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
- Required Question
