Planner II

SUMMARY - This is an intermediate professional planning position with work involving a variety of general and specialized planning studies and analyses. Responsibilities include working on projects which involve the review of zoning and development applications; the preparation of written staff reports pertaining thereto; and presenting them to the Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council, Historic District Commission, or Board of Appeals, as required. Work also includes the review of various City of Laurel permits to ensure the compliance of the Unified Land Development Code as well as the Master Plan. Planning staff works diligently to ensure that land usage and development fulfill zoning requirements; to meet the City's social, cultural and economic needs. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Assists in the development of recommended plans, studies or reports dealing with orderly physical development of the City.
• Analyzes and assists in the preparation of long- and short-range planning studies, including recommendations, relative to such areas of planning concern as: transportation; land use; zoning; public facilities; community services; open space land development control ordinances and procedures; fiscal, social, and environmental impact analyses; etc.
• Performs research for special planning studies; summarizes and analyzes data; prepares accompanying report including design illustration, charts and tables.
• Analyzes reports from other government and private agencies; prepares summaries through the City Planner, for the Planning Commission and Mayor and City Council.
• Reviews special exception, variance, map amendment, text amendment, and use permit applications.
• Analyzes reports prepared by citizen groups and prepares summaries; assists in a technical capacity to such groups recommending methodology that may be used in preparation of such reports, and briefing on planning data, terminology procedures.
• Analyzes and compiles census and other demographic data as well as prepares related reports.
• Investigates citizen complaints; recommends corrective action to be taken.
• Coordinates interagency actions on special reports and studies.
• Briefs the Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council, and Board of Appeals on planning concerns they are reviewing.
• Assists developers, applicants, and the public to locate useful information, to comply with City requirements and to follow required procedures.
• Takes photographs; drafts maps, charts and tables.
• Reviews subdivision plats to ascertain desirability of layout, propriety of land use, and adequacy of proposed facilities.
• Assists in the preparation of staff reports with appropriate comments and assists developers to revise plats according to approved changes.
• Assembles economic and statistical data to be used in the preparation of comprehensive plans, the Master Plan, and requested reports, etc.
• Performs on-site inspections to determine conformance with approved plans and permits.
• Provides advice and assistance on all phases of planning and development.
• Attends Planning Commission meetings, Board of Appeals meetings, and when necessary, will attend Mayor and City Council meetings, Historic District Commission and Citizen's Advisory Committee meetings.
• Conducts and enforces the provisions of the Unified Land Development Code.
• An employee in this position must be able to work effectively with local citizens, developers, and elected and appointed officials.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Willingly and cooperatively accepts other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES – This position has no supervisory duties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – The minimum eligibility requirements for positions within this Class are as follows:

• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies, City or Regional Planning, or other related areas and two years in a planning related position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS – Must possess a Maryland class “C” driver’s license, or a comparable driver’s license issued by the employee’s state of residence, and a proven safe driving record.
• COMPUTER SKILLS - Ability to operate a computer terminal or Personal Computer. Proficient in the use of typical word processing software such as Microsoft Word and the use of spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel. Able to perform research in a Geographical Information System (GIS). Able to learn and apply other office software and automated office procedures.

MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND A CRIMINAL
BACKGROUND CHECK.

The City of Laurel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CLOSING DATE: July 4, 2025

Job Posting Eligibility Requirements for In-House Applicants:

1. You must meet the qualifications listed above.
2. You must meet the established criteria pertaining to promotion or transfer.
3. Your most recent evaluation must reflect your job performance as Satisfactory or better.

Job Posting Application Procedure for In-House Applicants:

1. Complete a memorandum requesting consideration for the announced vacancy and sent it along with a copy of your resume to BAPS along with a copy to your Department Director by the closing date above.
2. You will be contacted within 5 working days after the closing date of this notice.