Land Management Division Chief

Overview

The Land Management Division Chief is responsible for protecting Calvert County’s environmental and historic resources while navigating complex regulatory frameworks. This strategic role requires expertise in floodplain management, critical area regulations, forest conservation, and historic preservation. Leading a team of planners, the Chief serves as the county’s primary authority on FEMA flood determinations, Critical Area Commission regulations, and DNR/MDE environmental standards.

The position demands decisive leadership, balancing stakeholder interests under strict federal, state, and local compliance.

Educational and professional requirements:
Master’s degree, three years of supervisory planning experience, and AICP/CFM certifications.

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 and comprehensive updates.

Speaks to civic groups, school classes, and government agencies to educate regarding environmental regulations and implications for development projects.

Maintains all records regarding floodplain projects and provides outreach for citizen inquiries.

Prepares scope of work selection procedures, drafts contacts for consultants, and coordinates consultants’ work as applicable.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complex plans/ordinances governing land use (floodplains, flood zone determinations, critical area law and regulations, forest conservation, historic preservation, land preservation, cultural resources, zoning).
• Applicable State regulations (MD Department of Natural Resources, MD Department of the Environment).
• Principles of regulatory planning and project development review, including building and grading permits, site plans, and subdivisions.

• Lead and manage a high‑performing team, daily operations, and policy development and implementation.
• Manage multiple projects and competing demands under stringent deadlines.
• Apply sound judgment to resolve technical issues and problems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including business owners, surveyors, government officials, and citizen groups.
• Draft and explain or interpret complex regulations.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.

Master’s degree required in planning, environmental science/studies, or related field.

Three years of professional planning or related experience managing daily operations,…