NATURE OF WORK
This supervisory position is primarily responsible for evaluating proposed development projects, assist in community planning efforts, preparation of land use planning policies and procedures, and coordination with Senior staff, City and County officials, residents, regional planning staff and developers. This position reports to the Director of Community & Economic Development
The work requires an in-depth knowledge of basic principles of community and urban planning, land use and zoning, familiarity with the Prince George’s County General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and municipal government functions.
Responsibilities will include the preparation of written and graphic reports on various planning matters, review of zoning, variance, permit, subdivision, design review, and other similar planning related applications. This position provides technical support to the City, makes oral presentations, performs site inspections, collaborates with other city departments, assists with community planning efforts, responds to requests for information at the public counter, and performs other duties as assigned. This position will be responsible for oversight of economic development programming to include the City’s GIS program, community development and related programming.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provide technical support to the Director of Community & Economic Development, City Administrator, City Council, and Planning Committee with respect to proposed development within the City, or adjacent development which may impact the City.
- Responsible for the supervision and written evaluations of Planning Department personnel.
- Develops planning studies and reports in support of new and updated plans, programs and regulations.
- Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations.
- Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies.
- Assists with the collection of a variety of statistical data and prepare reports and maps on topics such as census information, land use, tax base data, and occupancy rates.
- Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezoning, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances, and other proposals.
- Responsible for the review of community planning, zoning, variance applications, conceptual and detailed site plan development proposals and coordinates the review with other City staff, the Planning Committee and City Council.
- Serves as the initial point of contact regarding land use, permit applications procedures and other planning issues.
- Prepares and presents testimony related to planning and development on behalf of City Council to County and State Officials.
- Assists with the community planning efforts including the updating and implementation of the City’s Community Sustainability Plan.
- As necessary, conducts or assists with feasibility studies for proposed community development projects.
- Responds to public inquiries regarding land-use, development standards, permitting application procedures and other planning issues.
- Has oversight of the City’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program and related programming.
- Prepares materials and may present to the City Council, community groups and organizations and special interest groups.
- Conducts field evaluations and assessments.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
- Knowledge of urban and community planning concepts.
- Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation management, land use, or affordable housing is desired.
- Ability to review and analyze conceptual and detailed site plans.
- Knowledge of governmental agencies and processes related to community development, land-use, long-range planning, urban design, and building construction.
- Knowledge of basic architectural and design principles, techniques, issues and methods.
- Basic understanding of LEED and sustainability principles and criteria implementation.
- Basic understanding of computer aided design (CAD) and the application of GIS data.
- Skill in communicating complex technical information both orally and in writing to others within the profession, to staff, the City Council, and to the community.
- Ability to develop and deliver public presentations.
- Ability to develop community input and support of community development.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver on schedule.
- Awareness of community interests, problems and needs related to community planning.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with Adobe creative suite and Arc GIS.
- Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to all audiences.
- Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems
- Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
- Ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics is highly desirable.
- Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.
- Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
- Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
- Ability to attend evening or weekend meetings as necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred candidates shall have two (2) to four (4) years of professional experience for this position. A Masters degree from an accredited college or university in the field of community, city or urban planning, or a related field is required for this position.
LICENCES AND CERTIFICATION
The following licenses or certifications are preferred, but are not required:
- • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification
- • USGBC LEED Accreditation
- • Valid driver’s license required.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to complete and submit a City of Hyattsville employment application, which is available for download here, and three professional references to the attention of Vivian Snellman, Director, Human Resources. Questions specific to the duties/qualifications of this position may be directed to Vivian Snellman, Director of Human Resources, at (301) 985-5043. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Cynthia Canfield, Coordinator, Human Resources and Special Projects at (240) 487-1706.