Principal Planner II

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week;
Monday - Friday; 8 a.m.

- 5 p.m.; full-benefits

This position performs advanced and specialized professional planning work in support of Frederick County's long-range planning, development review, historic preservation, environmental planning, and community development functions. This classification manages complex planning projects, policy initiatives, regulatory reviews, and technical studies involving comprehensive planning, land use analysis, development applications, public engagement, and implementation of County planning objectives and regulatory requirements. Work includes coordinating with elected officials, boards and commissions, developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and the public to develop planning recommendations, interpret regulations and policies, facilitate public processes, and present technical information related to County planning initiatives and development activities.

This classification serves as a lead professional resource for complex planning matters, may coordinate specialized planning programs or major County initiatives, and works under limited supervision from a higher-level planning or management position.

NOTE:

The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy.  For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

The pay rate shown reflects the FY27 pay schedule effective June 27, 2026. If you are hired before this date, your starting rate will be the base of the FY26 pay scale and will be adjusted to the FY27 rate once it becomes effective.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

* 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

* 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

* 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

* Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

* Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

* 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

* County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

* Vesting after 5 years of service

* Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

* Work/Life balance programs include:
Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

* Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

* Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE:

Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

* Manage complex planning projects, development reviews, policy initiatives, technical studies, and implementation activities related to County planning objectives and regulations

* Review and evaluate development applications, subdivision plats, zoning requests, environmental studies, and related planning documents for compliance with County plans, ordinances, and regulatory requirements

* Prepare and present technical reports, policy recommendations, planning studies, graphics, correspondence, and public presentations for elected officials, boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups

* Develop and implement comprehensive plans, area plans, corridor studies, preservation initiatives, functional plans, and related long-range planning documents

* Conduct advanced research and technical analysis related to land use, zoning, transportation, environmental resources, historic preservation, urban design, growth management, and community development trends

* Coordinate public engagement activities, stakeholder outreach efforts, advisory committee meetings, Technical Advisory Committee meetings, and interagency collaboration processes related to planning initiatives

* Interpret and apply County, State, and federal planning laws, regulations, policies, and guidance documents to development review, policy…