Division Chief-Planning Manager-Planning and Zoning Public Service and Zoning Administration

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 recordbreaking 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 youll 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 youll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Oversees daytoday operation of the Division of Public Service and Zoning Administration under the direct supervision of the Director or Deputy Director including:

• The Public Service/Front Counter section including the processing building/grading/zoning permits and business licenses for compliance with the Zoning Regulations and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations and assisting walkin customers with inquiries/document requests related to the Zoning Regulations and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

• The Zoning Administration section in the processing of zoning petitions (variances conditional uses zoning map/regulation amendments administrative adjustments temporary uses and nonconforming uses) for compliance with the Zoning Regulations/County Code and consistency with the adopted General Plan

• The Code Enforcement section which is responsible for ensuring that violations to the Zoning Regulations Subdivision and Land Development Regulations and Historic District Design Guidelines are brought into compliance.

Assigns work to lower level professional and technical personnel and reviews for accuracy and completeness.

Responds to written and verbal zoning inquiries and prepares written interpretations of the Zoning Regulations.

Presents before various boards and/or legislative bodies; represents the County in meetings of various civic groups and federal state regional county and quasigovernmental authorities.

Develops directs and participates in the development of amendments to the Zoning Regulations and County Code.

Advises the County Executive Director Deputy Director and Elected Officials on zoning/permitting related matters.

Directs the compilation of data to support planning goals and regulations as well as for periodic reporting.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with associates governmental officials community representatives and the general public.

Develops new and revises existing administrative practices and procedures and prepares budget input for division.

Bachelors Degree and six 6 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in planning urban design public administration landscape architecture or related field.

• Experience directly supervising the work of others.

• Ability to manage complex and controversial issues recommend a course of action and exercise professional discretion when appropriate.

• Experience in interpreting and drafting zoning codes and/or other regulations is highly desirable.

• Experience in comprehensive rezoning zoning regulation amendments and zoning map amendments is highly desirable.

• Ability to plan coordinate and direct the work of planning personnel at various levels.

• Excellent ability to present information in a clear and concise manner orally and in written and graphic form.

• Knowledge of supervisory and management methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of the Countys zoning and subdivision statutes codes and regulations is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Ability to project needs and develop and implement goals and objectives.

• Knowledge of the principles practices goals and objectives of urban regional or community planning work.

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 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 or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard Countyis 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 statusmilitary 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.