Land Management Division Chief

The Land Management Division Chief is a critical leadership position responsible for protecting Calvert County's environmental and historic resources while navigating complex regulatory frameworks. This strategic role demands expertise in floodplain management, critical area regulations, forest conservation, and historic preservation—balancing competing stakeholder interests under strict federal, state, and local compliance requirements. Leading a team of specialized planners, you'll serve as the county's primary authority on FEMA flood determinations, Critical Area Commission regulations, and DNR/MDE environmental standards.

The position requires decisive leadership in high-pressure situations where development proposals, public safety concerns, and preservation mandates intersect. With accountability to multiple regulatory agencies and direct impact on community resilience, this role demands a seasoned professional who can manage complexity, lead with confidence, and make sound judgments when the stakes are high. Master's degree, three years of supervisory planning experience, and AICP/CFM certifications required.

The Land Management Division Chief provides strategic direction and leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of policies and programs related to Critical Area, Floodplain, Forest Conservation, Land Preservation, Historic Preservation, and other environmental department responsibilities. The role ensures the sustainable use and conservation of land resources while balancing ecological, economic, and social considerations. The position supervises a team of historic, rural, and environmental planners.

The Land Management Division Chief serves as an expert on complex plans and ordinances governing land use in Calvert County, including Floodplain Ordinance, FEMA Floodplain insurance rate maps, County liability for flood zone determinations, Critical Area Law, Critical Area Commission Buffer regulations, Forest Conservation, Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, Maryland Department of the Environment regulations, application of County Board of Appeals procedures in accordance with local and state ordinances, Historic District Preservation, Land Preservation, cultural resources and land preservation zoning determinations, and COMAR and FEMA Federal requirements for interagency collaborations.

This position reports to the Planning and Zoning Deputy Director.

Supervises subordinate staff, providing direction, setting standards and priorities, managing schedules, and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Provides direction to staff reviewing all proposed projects that impact the Floodplain, Forest Conservation, Critical Area, Land Preservation, and Historic Preservation in Calvert County, including building and grading permits, site plans, and subdivisions.

Meets with property owners, representatives of business associations, citizen groups, surveyors, and engineers to discuss the impact of proposed plans. Meets with various officials to discuss proposed plans and regulations and/or makes formal presentations.

Advises and answers questions from planning staff concerning interpretation of plans and ordinances on proposed site plans, subdivisions, and interpretation of regulations.

Performs regulatory planning through the review of submitted development proposals. Meets with applicants about their projects, advises committees on regulations, and applies for and administers grants to support activities, projects, and equipment.

Researches full scope of advanced planning data on projects.

Works with local, State, and Federal partners (MDA, MDE, DNR, FEMA, etc.) on devising and implementing new policies and serves as the principal re-writer of the Critical Area regulations for the Commission.

Drafts goals and objectives and develops innovative solutions to help resolve planning and zoning problems.

Develops or otherwise coordinates methodology for reconciling bonds held for Critical Area (CA) and Forest Conservation planting and establishes streamlined procedures for inspections.

Prepares zoning regulation language for text amendments…