Division Chief - (Planning Manager) - Department of Planning & Zoning - Land Development na Howard County Government, MD

About the Department

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 85 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Planning Manager oversees the Department of Planning and Zoning's Division of Land Development, managing the  development review. This role includes leading subdivision and site development activities, coordinating the County's Subdivision Review Committee and Design Advisory Panel, and supervising the preparation of technical staff reports and presentations to the Planning Board.  

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$44.79 - $60.47
$93,155 - $125,769

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs management and advanced level planning work under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Work includes conferring with officials and governmental representatives, preparing budgetary requests, and managing monies and other assets.  Work may also include directing and coordinating a variety of environmental planning activities, developing and administering operating budgets, and overseeing the work of consultants.  Work may also include directing the collection, analysis, and compilation of technical data into plans to meet future County needs and the review of developer submitted plans.

Position Duties

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Land Development Division including the development review process, staff assignments, division policies and procedures, administrative functions and communications with the development community and public regarding land development matters.
• Coordinates the land development plan review process; chairs the interagency Subdivision and Land Development Review Committee; acts as executive secretary to the Design Advisory Panel; coordinates the multi-agency directors review process for alternative compliance applications; and determines whether development plans conform to County regulations, the General Plan and related development design manuals and policies.
• Approves development plans for compliance with County regulations on behalf of the Land Development division.
• Assigns and supervises the work of professional and technical personnel and reviews development proposals, making recommendations on their approval. 
• Directs the compilation of data and the preparation of periodic reports.
• May prepare, direct, or contribute to preparing subdivision and land development regulations, departmental procedures, development design manuals and guidelines.
• Responsible for coordinating meetings with engineers, land developers, and the general public to address issues related to development projects.
• Oversees preparing reports, memos and presentations to various boards and/or legislative bodies; represents the County in meetings with civic groups, the private sector and federal, state, regional, county and quasi-governmental representatives.   Develops or modifies administrative practices and procedures; helps prepare Land Development Division budget; and may administer grants.   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with County and department policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities also include interviewing, hiring, and training staff; planning, assigning, and directing their work; assessing staff performance; addressing personnel issues; and resolving complaints and problems.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Degree in Planning or related field of study such as Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Public Administration.
• Experience effectively working with and supervising a staff of planners.
• Experience preparing or reviewing site, landscape, and related development plans.
• Experience interpreting zoning, subdivision and environmental regulations.
• Experience in project management
• A graduate degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Environmental Science or a related field of study.
• Familiarity with planning, urban form, land use and development issues especially in rapidly growing and urbanizing jurisdictions.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and direct the work of planning personnel assigned to development review.
• Ability to effectively and clearly present information and write. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, industry professionals, governmental officials, and the general public.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of local government administration.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or the public. Ability to write reports that conform to a prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, the public, and boards or commissions.

Ability to apply mathematical concepts and operations to analyze land development projects, such as algebraic equations and spreadsheets to arrive at conclusions.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

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