Urban Planner

The Urban Planner I or II position performs advanced professional and administrative work in the field of urban planning under the general supervision of the Director of Planning. The position is responsible for coordinating and managing a variety of current and long-range planning activities, including development review, zoning administration, comprehensive planning initiatives, research, and project coordination.

The Urban Planner I or II exercises independent judgment in the interpretation and application of planning principles, zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, and related ordinances. The position serves as a primary point of contact for developers, property owners, consultants, public officials, and citizens regarding planning and development matters and provides technical guidance throughout the development review process.

Work requires a high degree of customer service, analytical ability, professionalism, and effective communication while coordinating with multiple agencies, departments, boards, commissions, and the public to support the orderly growth and development of the Town of Elkton.

• Coordinates and prepares planning studies, reports, recommendations, and related research involving land use, zoning, redevelopment, transportation, housing, sustainability, and community development initiatives.
• Participates in and coordinates updates to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, maps, and related planning documents, including drafting ordinance amendments and staff reports.
• Conducts technical review of subdivision plans, site plans, re-zonings, annexations, special exception applications, variances, and related development proposals for compliance with applicable Town ordinances, policies, regulations, and planning objectives.
• Serves as project manager for assigned development applications and planning initiatives, including coordination with developers, consultants, engineers, reviewing agencies, and Town staff.
• Interprets and explains zoning regulations, subdivision requirements, development procedures, and planning policies to the public, applicants, developers, consultants, and Town officials.
• Provides professional staff support to the Elkton Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Board of Appeals, and other boards or committees as assigned, including preparation of agendas, staff reports, presentations, public hearing materials, correspondence, minutes, and maintenance of official files.
• Coordinates project reviews and facilitates interagency review processes with local, county, state, and regional agencies.
• Conducts research, collects and analyzes data, prepares surveys, and develops maps, graphs, tables, and other illustrative materials to support planning projects and reports.
• Conducts field investigations and site inspections related to development applications, zoning compliance, and planning studies.
• Researches and responds to complex citizen inquiries, development concerns, and zoning-related issues utilizing sound professional judgment, customer service skills, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with professionals and non-professionals regarding planning, zoning, and development matters.
• Represents the Planning Department at interdepartmental meetings, regional committees, public meetings, trainings, seminars, and professional conferences as assigned.
• Maintains accurate records, files, and documentation related to planning and zoning activities.
• Takes initiative in completing assigned and unassigned tasks in support of the Planning Department and Town operations.
• Ability to prepare, administer, and monitor departmental budgets and grants.
• Works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with regular mandatory evening meetings as well as occasional trainings and seminars outside normal business hours. Maintains good attendance record.

• Assists other Town departments with planning-related matters as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and objectives of municipal and regional planning.
• Knowledge of zoning administration, subdivision regulations, land development review processes, and comprehensive planning practices.
• Knowledge of Maryland land use law and municipal planning practices preferred.
• Ability to interpret and apply zoning ordinances, subdivision…