Are you passionate about data analysis and using data to develop strategic, equitable, and sustainable land
use policies? If so, the Montgomery County Planning Department is where you want to be! We are currently
seeking an experienced Research Planner II for our Research and Strategic Projects (R&SP) Division. The
position will be responsible for supporting research on a variety of topics, including demographic conditions,
equity issues, the economy, and land use patterns.
The Research and Strategic Projects (R&SP) Division serves as a “think tank” on a broad range of issues
affecting land use and the built environment. Our mission is to foster stewardship of Montgomery County’s
natural and built environment and its communities by understanding the past, examining current conditions,
and anticipating the future. We do this by providing insightful, understandable and data-driven analysis and
policy-relevant research on land use, demographics, economic indicators, real estate and other markets,
employment and housing to Planning Department leadership and staff, County officials, businesses and
residents, to increase their understanding of our community and inform decisions. Our work helps promote
evidence-based, informed and transparent decisions and policies that enhance all aspects of life in
Montgomery County.
The person in this role will support a large variety of research projects underway by the team, such as
analyzing demographic data to assess equity issues and neighborhood change, analyzing employment
trends, developing indicators to track master plan implementation, updating the regional land use forecast,
and responding to data requests from other staff and outside agencies. The person should have an
enthusiasm for spatial data analysis and using data to inform planning decisions.
Examples of Important Duties
The Research Planner II will be expected to perform the following duties:
Analyzing data from a range of sources (e.g., US Census, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate market
databases, etc.) to prepare analyses of demographic and employment conditions, countywide and in sub-
areas. These analyses require strong attention to detail and ability to analyze and distill complex technical
information using ArcGIS and statistical packages such as R Studio.
Supporting the development of data tools to understand equity issues by collecting and cleaning data from
a variety of sources for display and analysis in ArcGIS Online. Developing story maps to explain the data and
findings from the analysis. Collaborating as part of a working group to develop analytical methodologies
and refine approaches
Leading data collection, cleaning and ongoing data maintenance and quality control efforts for critical
research datasets. Examples include verifying establishment addresses for employment data and verifying
property characteristics to update the land use file.
Creating accurate, easily comprehensible, thoroughly documented charts, maps, and graphics to enhance
written products and presentations as appropriate.
As requested, completing one-off research assignments for demographic, economic, and land use issues
such as a literature review for precedent case studies or demographic data for a particular neighborhood.
Writing trend sheets, blog posts, master plan sections and research reports summarizing findings from
research. Materials should clearly communicate key findings to a range of audiences.
Developing presentations to the Planning Board and other key regional stakeholders.
ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS
Experienced with using ESRI Arc GIS software suite to map and analyze spatial data.
Experienced with data analysis and statistical tools, such as Excel, SPSS, and R Studio
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design,
Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience or specific area of
assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6)
years.
Valid driver's license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission
rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or
points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required
by the position of assignment.
Contact Information
301-495-4525
Thank you for your information. Your position description will be posted and shared with relevant
student or alumni groups. Questions? Please contact Kristen Stack at kjstack@umd.edu