Salary : $53,394.00 - $102,981.00 Annually
Location : MD 21043, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-00102
Department: Planning & Zoning
Division: Planning & Zoning - Land Development
Opening Date: 07/03/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION Howard CountyConveniently 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 GovernmentHoward 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 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. 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 routine technical work performing a variety of assigned tasks used in planning work. Work includes the preliminary reviewing, processing and tracking of plans, maintaining databases for the Division of Land Development for subdivision, site development plans, building permit applications and alternative compliance applications. It also includes assembly, review, and processing of data and work on land development related projects and carrying out official recording procedures. Other administrative duties include answering telephone calls, emailed inquiries, composing letters, scheduling meetings, checking estimates and freedom of information requests.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$25.67 - $28.11
$53,394 - $58,469CLASS DESCRIPTION:Performs advanced technical level planning and zoning support work under general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes the final review and processing of plans, building permit applications; and carrying out other planning and zoning related procedures. Collects and enters data for use in the planning data base and assists the public at the service counter.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Accepts plans submissions from developers, engineers and contractors; provides timely tracking of and reviews same for completeness and consistency; distributes plans to designated reviewing agencies; schedules meetings with reviewing agencies and boards; prepares routine plan approval letters; records development plans in land records office; answers routine public inquiries concerning the plans processing procedures.
- Gathers technical support data and statistical data for land development and other studies; prepares reports and maps for inclusion in planning reports and various presentations.
- Maintains house numbering and street address system. Maintains routine records of operations processed and prepares building and subdivision activity reports.
- Maintains tracking schedules and the website for various subdivision plan processing tasks and pre-submission applications.
- Prepares posters for pre-submission community meetings and Planning Board cases.
- Coordinates landscape plan and forest conservation plan inspections with developer and the Department of Recreation and Parks. Prepares tracking letters and maintains database of the same. Processes, assigns, tracks and maintains project files in ProjectDox, including entering and retrieving information from various databases and spreadsheets. This position will conduct testing, operational maintenance and monitoring services on DPZ's Project Dox electronic plan review and processing system on a permanent daily basis.
- Assesses and processes fees for plan submissions, alternative compliance applications, and posters. Coordinates with applicants on missing or incorrect information for PDox submissions.
- Researches property records and coordinate response to Freedom of Information Act requests.
- Provides other clerical and administrative support to the Division as needed, such as processing incoming and outgoing mail and correspondence, creating folders, memos and letters, filing, and official records keeping. Arranges appointments or meeting schedules for the Division Chief and as requested contacts participants and arranges for location and required materials.
- Provides support to the Design Advisory Panel, which include preparing materials and agendas, securing meeting venues, preparing meeting room set up, recording meetings, attending meetings, taking notes, and drafting clear, accurate minutes drafting minutes, updating web content, attending meetings in the daytime as well as evenings.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years' related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:- Knowledge of office practices and procedures; business correspondence; record keeping systems; office machine operation; English grammar, including usage and composition; telephone etiquette.
- Knowledge of research methods and techniques, especially in the collection and compilation of social, economic and physical data for database use and analysis.
- Knowledge of the nomenclature, symbols, methods, and techniques used in preparing planning maps, development plans, and chart preparation.
- Some knowledge of the methods and techniques of planning activities and operations.
- Skill in the interpretation of maps, sketches, and development plans.
- Ability to interpret and apply the various statutes, codes, and regulations applicable to planning activities to process assigned procedures and operations.
- Necessary skills to work independently to organize, carry out, and maintain control over complex office operations and employee issues.
- Ability to express ideas, effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to work in a cooperative, courteous, and effective manner with associates and the public.
- Ability to exercise good judgment in deciding when to act independently and when to refer situations to higher authority.
- Ability to use Microsoft Windows based software and other software applications on personal computer (Word, Windows, Excel, etc.) with basic knowledge of GIS.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:- The physical demands and work environment 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 touch, 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 noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
- 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.
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 . 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
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 $1500 contingent upon County funding.
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, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner's insurance programs.
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 supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly describe 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) for 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? $53,394 - $58,469 - Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03
Do you possess High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience performing advanced technical level planning and zoning support work?
04
If you possess two (2) years of experience performing advanced technical level planning and zoning support work, 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. 05
Do you possess knowledge of office practices and procedures to include business correspondence, record keeping systems, and office machine operation?
06
If you possess knowledge of office practices and procedures to include business correspondence, record keeping systems, and office machine operation, 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. 07
Do you possess experience preparing materials and agendas, securing meeting venues, preparing meeting room set up, recording meetings, taking notes, and drafting clear, accurate minutes, as well as updating web content?
08
If you possess experience preparing materials and agendas, securing meeting venues, preparing meeting room set up, recording meetings, taking notes, and drafting clear, accurate minutes, as well as updating web content, 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. 09
Do you possess the knowledge of research methods and techniques in the collection and compilation of social, economic, and physical data?
10
If you possess the knowledge of research methods and techniques in the collection and compilation of social, economic, and physical data, 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. 11
Do you possess the skill in the interpretation of maps, sketches, and development plans?
12
If you possess the skill in the interpretation of maps, sketches, 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. 13
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
14
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).
15
Are you aware that this position may require some evening work?
16
Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- None
17
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
18
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.
19
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