Planner II - Research Planner

This posting will be used to fill a Full Time, Permanent, Planner II - Research Planner in the Research and GIS Division in the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning (OPZ)

The Research and GIS Division in the Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and Zoning (OPZ) is responsible for providing demographic, geographic, and economic information through the collection, maintenance, and analysis of county data. The Division provides Geographic Information System (GIS) services to the Office, other governmental agencies and the public. All demographic and mapping data support major planning efforts such as the Plan 2040 (General Development Plan for County); Region Plans; zoning updates; Sewer and Water Master Plan Updates; population, household and job forecasts; and other annual/special reports affecting economic development in the County. This Division also includes Map Information services to the public and addressing for the County.

The Planner II - Research position will provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) support for a variety of planning functions. Typical work will include the use of desktop GIS and ArcGIS Online/Portal. The position will require strong oral and written communication skills for collaborating with staff in defining GIS service needs and the ability to develop GIS tools, apps and services. The ability to automate repetitive tasks using Python or R is highly desirable but not required. General knowledge of community/region planning is also preferred, seeing as this position is the liaison with the OPZ Long Range Planning section.

This is responsible and moderately complex professional work in the field of planning which includes current building and zoning, long range planning and development, new subdivisions, proposed land use, land preservation, economic conditions, transportation, critical areas (wetlands, flood plain, coastal zone management, etc.), and zoning (reclassifications, exceptions, variances, waivers, etc.) laws, regulations and ordinances as they affect growth and development within the County (building, development and infrastructure).

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

An employee in this class is fully proficient in performing a wide variety of planning functions which require application and interpretation of complex building and zoning Codes both residential and commercial. Employees must exercise considerable judgment in carrying out assignments which are broad and varied in scope and in nature.

Many planning activities involve projects of a long-term nature such as new subdivisions, commercial sites, shopping centers, small area development plans and transportation issues which are 5 to 10 years or more from conception to implementation.

Assignments include studies, collection of data, and analysis to be used for written, graphic and oral presentations in both small and large forums of a diversity of individuals who may have divergent views. These studies result in current and future growth and development of County property, land use, and highways. Development within the County includes both residential and commercial aspects. These include, but are not limited to, Plan 2040; Region Plans; and subject specific land use studies (i.e. economic development).

The Planner II - Research Planner represents the journey level which progresses to assignments which are moderately complex and being performed with greater independence, less supervision and direction, and requiring guidance from Lead or Senior Planners as necessary.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.)

Gathers, analyzes, and interprets data relating to local social, economic, population, housing, industrial development, zoning, and land uses; prepares written reports on various planning matters; reviews and analyzes legislative provisions; prepares revised drafts of laws or regulations.

Conducts or assists in conducting special studies; develops and coordinates development plans, e.g., open space, parks and recreation facilities, shopping centers, office/apartment complexes, etc.

Assists in the preparation of graphic materials concerned with planning problems and elements of Plan 2040 (the comprehensive County plan) and Region Plans.

Assembles information and provides assistance to governmental agencies and individual citizens on matters relating to property use regulations and other functions of planning.

Conducts or participates in special studies of land use, land economics, and other factors.

Performs research, planning, and technical analysis for complex planning projects. These long range planning studies include but are not limited to: community facilities, environmental protection, and land preservation. These responsibilities include data collection, analysis, and interpretation for internal and external County audiences. Collaborates with County agencies to assure consistency in data and policies.

Assists in the formulation of planning or zoning policy; represents superiors at various meetings; provides information on planning matters and regulations to the public.