Deputy Director of Planning, Housing & Zoning

Job Summary: The position is responsible for all departmental functions in the Planning Director’s absence, with the primary focus of ensuring that land use is serving the needs of community residents. Manages a complex mix of project management review duties requiring extensive knowledge of local regulations as well as state law. Supervises employees directly in the Planning workgroup.

Essential Functions

Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Manages planning and zoning project review, personally and through staff oversight, from permit assistance through and including major and minor subdivisions, major and minor site plan approvals, related variances and special exceptions, and amendments.

Processes directives from the County Commissioners, County Administrator, and the Director relating to planning and zoning, and provides feedback as appropriate on planning and zoning matters, representing the Department and the Director in a variety of situations and venues.

Provides expertise and advice to a wide array of boards and commissions under the purview of Planning, Housing, and Zoning, requiring regular attendance at meetings of those entities.

Provides effective direction to assigned staff, including monitoring and evaluating job performance.

Assists the Director in hiring, training, coaching, and modeling expected behaviors.

Provides direct assistance to contractors, consultants, and engineers in project management and interpretation of county and state regulations. Maintains, updates, and enforces the Land Use Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and all affiliated regulations in coordination with the Director;

Schedules meetings, assists with agenda preparation, oversees and reviews meeting minutes, prepares advertising, and coordinates with applicants and other staff.

Serves as a Planning Director's designee as Hearing Examiner for Special Exceptions or Variances.

Performs other duties as required.

Supervision: The position reports to the Planning Director. The position directly supervises department planning staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

Leadership and Management Skills: Creates and communicates the department’s vision.  Builds commitment and supports employee growth and success. Sets expectations and monitors activities.  Recognizes the accomplishments of others; demonstrates ability to create and lead in a team-oriented environment. Builds morale and group commitment to goals and objectives.  Inspires and motivates others to perform well. Demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Communication Skills: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with multiple boards, commissions, community groups, developers, and public officials.  Ability to write clearly and informatively; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, supervisors, and stakeholders.  Ability to communicate department decisions in an understandable and transparent manner to those unfamiliar with applicable state and local laws.

Customer Service: Represents the department professionally and effectively in both internal and external interactions. Manages difficult or challenging situations successfully, including the need to convey controversial or sensitive decisions. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of cultural background, status, or position.  Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.

Innovation and Change Management Skills: Displays original thinking and creativity.  Develops innovative approaches and ideas.  Presents ideas and information in a manner that is easily understood.  Understands and contributes to evolving processes in response to changing communities and advances in technology.

Technical Skills: Ability to use standard office software, use the Internet to access local, state, and federal data.  Ability to effectively use e-mail to communicate with stakeholders at all levels.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree and seven to ten years’ experience OR Master’s Degree and three to five years’ experience in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field.

Or equivalent technical training, education, or experience.

Valid Maryland Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle record.

Knowledge of standard office software, plus specific software for building plan review and project management.

Maintains a significant knowledge base of depth and breadth of applicable state, local, and federal laws. Maintains awareness of new or changing legislation.

American Institute of Certified Planners certification preferred.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in a normal office setting, which provides comfortable lighting, temperature, and air conditioning. Occasional light lifting, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other materials (up to 35 pounds), may be required.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations. Occasional outdoor weather conditions may include exposure to varied weather conditions.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. 

This and all County positions are subject to transfer, based on need.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.