Research Planner III (15251, Grade 28) at The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, MD

About the Department

The Prince George's County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is committed to promoting economic vitality, environmental sustainability, design excellence, and quality development.

The Department provides land use planning for the physical development of Prince George's County, Maryland. As the second most populous county in Maryland, Prince George's has a population of approximately 967,201 residents and is home to The University of Maryland at College Park, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and Joint Base Andrews. Prince George's County is also home to attractions such as Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field) and National Harbor, and Six Flags. Are you ready to make a difference in Prince George’s County? If so, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Planner III position.

This Planner III position is situated within the Research Section of the Information Management Division (IMD) and will concentrate on advanced analytical research to support planning initiatives across the Planning Department. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, organized, determined, detail-oriented, attentive, and capable of working efficiently and independently. It is essential for a Planner III level employee to manage time sensitive responses and long-term projects effectively and accurately.

Qualified applicants for this position should have experience in planning and zoning, including data collection, analytical research, and technical and communication skills to provide accurately informed decisions for public policy and program formulations. Experience with software applications related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Creative Suites, Office 365 collaboration tools, or land development systems is desired.

Position Duties

• Play a pivotal role in developing the Annual Report on Growth.
• Serve as a key contributor to the annual Pupil Yield Factors and School Clusters Report, utilizing Excel and ArcGIS Pro.
• Under the supervisor’s guidance, prepare a comprehensive planning research report on topics such as affordable housing, economic development, public transit, or residential and nonresidential market analysis.
• Upon the request of the supervisor, may review consultant applications based on the M-NCPPC Request for Proposal, adhering to planning principles and practices.
• Conduct advanced analytical research requiring knowledge and skills in planning and zoning to support comprehensive plans, master plans, functional plans, and special planning studies.
• Collect and analyze data from governmental resources using ArcGIS Pro, Excel, and statistical packages when applicable, to inform data-driven policy decisions for internal and external customers.
• Utilize tools such as Zonda, CoStar, and other online resources to support planning research and studies.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced education, such as a master's or doctoral degree in planning, is substantially desired. 
• Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is highly preferred. 
• A thorough knowledge of comprehensive planning (physical and social), affordable housing, zoning is crucial. 
• A proper understanding of governmental organizations, operations, policies, and procedures is necessary. 
• Experience collaborating with diverse communities, elected and appointed officials, faith-based groups, academia, attorneys, private firms, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders is a plus.

Professional or Technological Skills: 

• Possess the ability to think critically and thoroughly.
• Capable of seeing the big picture while being detail oriented.
• Skillful in preparing and performing market research and analysis.
• Able to write in an accurate, concise, understandable, and unambiguous manner.
• Experienced in creating visually friendly tables and graphics.
• Proficient in effective and professional communication.
• Experienced in geocoding, spatial analysis, attribute and location selections, and thematic mapping in ArcGIS Pro.
• Adept in data visualization tools such as Microsoft Power BI and Tableau.
• Knowledgeable in database analysis and statistical analysis tools.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment and involves sitting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods of time. On occasion field work is required. Must be able to work evenings as required for meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field. 
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. 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.

Other Qualifications

Classification Specification Planner III

Why Prince George’s County Planning Department?

• Telework opportunities 
• Flexible schedules 
• Onsite fitness center
• Complimentary access to M-NCPPC gymnasiums throughout Prince George’s County 
• Free parking is available for employees 
• Professional development opportunities/Tuition assistance 
• Positions may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness assistance 

The M-NCPPC offers a competitive salary range of $73,523 to $132,614 at the Planner III level with an excellent benefits package including generous leave, extensive health coverage, deferred compensation plan, employer's retirement plan, and work-life programs. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

The Prince George’s County Planning Department is conveniently located in Largo, Maryland, near Metro and I-495. 

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

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