Talbot County, Maryland

Summary:

The Talbot County Department of Planning and Zoning administers and facilitates planning for the county’s physical development, growth and preservation. This includes comprehensive planning, zoning, subdivision, building codes and site plan review and enforcement of county, state and federal mandates and programs. The Department administers and coordinates the functions of several boards and commissions to include the Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board. The Department oversees the issuance and inspection process for a variety of permits and licenses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·         Provides assistance to applicants and the general public with questions about the County comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, forest conservation, floodplain ordinance and other planning            information associated with the department.  Explains to the general public code applicability, land use and property location requirements.

·         Reviews land development applications for completeness and accuracy with submittal requirements.

·         Manages and reviews land development applications including subdivisions, site plans, variances and special exceptions.  Determines project consistency with County, State and Federal ordinances and regulations.

·         Reviews licensure applications and inspection programs, including but not limited to, short-term rentals, bed and breakfast, produce stands and roadside vendors.

·         Administers provisions of the local Critical Area Program including planting plans. Coordinates with and prepares reports and annual grant request for the state Critical Area Commission.

·         Responsible for updating and administering the local Forest Conservation Program.

·         Participates as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee development review team. Responds to and oversees handling standard inquiries from other agencies, governments, etc.

·         Writes and presents formal staff reports for land development applications to be presented to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals and Short-Term Rental Review Board. Prepares graphic displays and                    mapping of planning related projects as necessary

·         Reviews temporary use permits and requests to Planning Officer.

·         Draft and execute environmental easements and agreements that result from development activities.

·         Performs field inspections as necessary to verify compliance with County regulations and planning-related citizen complaints.

·         Assists with the review, drafting and implementation of code and comprehensive plan updates.

·         Assists in public meeting coordination and facilitation related to specific projects including master plans and corridor plans.

·         Assists as necessary and perform certain duties when the normally responsible staff member is unavailable.

·         Assistance with special studies and projects as required. 

·         Duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

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

Creative problem-solving and facilitation skills to solve less well-defined planning problems.

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

Increasingly specialized knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive land use planning and practices.

Knowledge of zoning, subdivision and other planning implementation techniques.

Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.

Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare concise cogent reports utilizing effective writing techniques.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.

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

Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees.

Ability to work cooperatively and productively with County and other agency staff as well as the public.

Ability to accomplish the responsibilities of the position.

Valid driver’s license required to drive county vehicle and travel within and outside the County.

Some evening meeting attendance may be necessary in the performance of duties

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 office setting. 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.