Long-Range Planner at City of Gaithersburg, MD
City of Gaithersburg, MD · Gaithersburg, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Professional
- Office in Gaithersburg
About the Department
The Planning Division of the Department of Planning & Code Administration is seeking a talented experienced full-time Long-Range Planner to perform professional and technical work developing, coordinating, implementing, and administering the City's land use policies and goals. You'll be joining a collaborative and innovative team that plays a key role in the planning and development of one of the largest cities in Maryland -- Gaithersburg, which has just over 70,000 residents and is located in the heart of Montgomery County.
The Long-Range Planner position is part of a team that oversees the amendment process for the City's Master Plan, develops growth policies, and collaborates with other local, state, and federal agencies to guide the region toward a balanced and sustainable future. The ideal candidate, along with strong and effective writing skills, will have knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of comprehensive planning in Maryland; planning-related data (census, economic, housing, etc.) collection and analysis methods; urban design; community engagement and outreach; and statistical analysis for demographic and socioeconomic land-use and zoning issues.
The Long-Range Planner position is part of a team that oversees the amendment process for the City's Master Plan, develops growth policies, and collaborates with other local, state, and federal agencies to guide the region toward a balanced and sustainable future. The ideal candidate, along with strong and effective writing skills, will have knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of comprehensive planning in Maryland; planning-related data (census, economic, housing, etc.) collection and analysis methods; urban design; community engagement and outreach; and statistical analysis for demographic and socioeconomic land-use and zoning issues.
This position may be filled at the Planner II or Planner III level, depending on qualifications. Starting salary is negotiable within the anticipated hiring range (see below) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate:
Planner II - $79,000 - $88,000
Planner III - $88,000 - $100,000
We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life); paid time off; generous retirement contributions; tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans; excellent work/life balance; and opportunities for professional growth and career progression.
Position Duties
What you will do with us:
- Collect and analyze various demographic, economic, and land use data.
- Produce biannual dwelling and population reports and growth projections, including City development pipeline.
- Develop, prepare, and update the City Master Plan Elements including public engagement strategies.
- Review and analyze various regional land use and transportation studies, master plans, and projects.
- Conduct the review of various development applications including annexations, sketch plans, and rezonings.
- Make oral presentations on long-range planning matters and projects at public meetings and other outreach opportunities.
- Represent the City on local and regional land use or transportation-related committees and project teams.
- Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.
Key job responsibilities are highlighted above; please click the appropriate link to view the complete classification description for the Planner II and the Planner III positions. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for these positions to provide opportunity for growth and development (Grades 109 and 112, respectively, in the City's FY 2026 Schedule of Salary Ranges).
Minimum Qualifications
To be considered for a Planner II level position, you will need:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 6 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred); OR
- A Master’s Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 5 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred). (Any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position is qualifying.)
- In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning.
- Strong, effective writing skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects effectively with demonstrated attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and perform work with more autonomy.
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (preferred).
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 10 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred), including at least one year of experience functioning in a project lead or supervisory capacity; OR
- A Master’s Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 7 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred), including at least one year of experience functioning in a project lead or supervisory capacity. (Any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position is qualifying.)
- Advanced, in-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning.
- Strong, effective writing skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and provide technical assistance, advice, and guidance to junior staff in developing analytical procedures and in the solution of large or complex planning issues.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative on assigned major projects.
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (required).
Other Qualifications
Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:
- A complete online application (include relevant education and work experience; incomplete applications will not be processed)
- Current Resume (attached to the online application)
- Letter of interest (attached to the online application) - Your letter of interest should include why you are interested in the position and what specific skills and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position.
Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is highly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.
This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). Attendance at some early morning/evening public meetings or events and other work outside of regular business hours is required. The position may accommodate limited situational remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.
The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.
For more information about the position, contact Director of Planning & Code Administration Greg Mann at 240.805.1071 or [email protected]. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 301.258.6327 or [email protected].
This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancies and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.
