A Planner works in the field of land use, zoning, and subdivision, as well as data and demographics, environmental, and permitting. An employee in this classification conducts research and prepares analysis, studies, and reports on a variety of planning topics. The employee performs work under the general supervision of a senior planner through conferences, reports, observations of results, and team assignments.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF WORK: (The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. The list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)
Implements strategies contained in the Harford NEXT, the County Master Plan, particularly those which are related to Chapter 2 - Grow with Purpose
Interprets and implements adequate public facilities of the Harford County Zoning Code
Analyzes problems, identifies goals and objectives, and evaluates alternatives
Prepares maps, charts, manuals, and brochures for planning and planning-related matters
Aids in the dissemination of information via online formats; ensure that online offerings are current and consistent on all platforms (e.g. County website, social media, etc.)
Conducts field studies and surveys to collect original data for planning studies and projects
Performs site visits and field inspections
Assists the public regarding matters relating to permitting, zoning/subdivision code, and department policies and processes
Prepares the Annual Growth Report
Represents the department at internal and external meetings
Participates in meetings with government agencies, civic organizations, and other groups, representing the department
Prepares and publishes reports by documenting data collection, problem analysis, identification of goals and objectives, analysis of alternatives and ways to meet the goals and objectives of planning, and planning-related matters
Conducts studies, performs research, and provides analysis for projects relating to land use, zoning, demographics and data, community development, or transportation planning
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualification Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of demographics analysis, forecasting, and land use
Individuals must possess knowledge of land use planning principles and practices
Familiarity with advanced features of Microsoft Office suite products as well as planning office procedures
Ability to perform routine GIS work
Must have the ability to enter data, maintain records, and research archival information in various formats
Requires the ability to devise and implement thoughtful solutions to complex problems
Possess the ability to thrive in a team environment, foster and maintain harmonious working relationships with coworkers and external stakeholders
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to organize information and produce reports clearly and concisely
Ability to maintain effective records and back up documentation
Knowledge of building and planning and zoning principles
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, or sit depending upon work assignment; to drive a County vehicle while carrying out some assignments
EDUCATION:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field with a concentration in urban planning, statistics, or data and analytics, AND no experience required OR Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field with a concentration in urban planning, statistics, or data and analytics, AND one (1) year of planning experience
LICENSE: Possession of a valid Class "D" or Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points.
SAFETY:
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations, and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.
COMPENSATION:
Other compensation may include but is not limited to:
Overtime
Compensatory time
Shift Differentials
BENEFITS :
Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:
Health, Dental & Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
FRINGE BENEFITS
(Effective July 1, 2023)
ANNUAL LEAVE - Begin accruing first day of employment and cannot be taken until successful completion of probationary period, EXCESS of 40 DAYS [320 hours] will be deposited into an 106 Premium Reimbursement Account.
0 months - 3 years 1 day per month (12 days per year)
4 years - 9 years 1 ¼ days per month (15 days per year)
10 years - 15 years 1 ¾ days per month (21 days per year)
Over 15 years 2 days per month (24 days per year)
* Please note that leave is prorated according to your status determined by actual hours worked*
SICK LEAVE - Begin accruing first day of employment (UMLIMITED ACCUMULATION)
1 day is allowed after first month of employment
1 ¼ days per month accumulation
PERSONAL LEAVE - For new employees, personal leave is prorated according to schedule below, for the first year only. Any employee on board as of December 31st of each year automatically receives 8 days as of January 1st the following year. (NOTE: Personal Leave may not be taken until successful completion of probationary period; personal leave will be lost if not taken before December 31st of each year.)
1/1 to 1/31 6 days 4/1 to 4/30 3 days
2/1 to 2/28 5 days 5/1 to 5/31 2 days
3/1 to 3/31 4 days 6/1 to 6/30 1 day
7/1 to 12/31 0 days
FAMILY LEAVE - Up to 12 weeks per year
FUNERAL LEAVE - 3 days + 1 day for extended travel
MILITARY LEAVE - 3 weeks per year with no loss in pay for Reserve or National Guard Training, Active Duty and serving during emergencies.
CIVIL LEAVE - No loss in pay while serving Jury Duty.
RETIREMENT - State Pension System (7% employee contribution)
COUNTYFLEX - Provides the employee with a range of health care and other employee benefit options which gives employee the opportunity to design a benefit plan that best meets the employee's needs. Employee may use available credits to purchase the following:
HEALTH INSURANCE - CareFirst Triple Option and BlueChoice Opt-Out Plus Open Access and Kaiser Permanente (all plans include prescription drug coverage)
DENTAL INSURANCE - CareFirst Dental PPO Plus Plan and CareFirst Dental PPO Plan
VISION INSURANCE - Provided through BlueVision Plus
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Provided through American Fidelity. Employees may fund health and child care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
PRE-TAX - All deductions for health, dental, vision and flexible spending accounts are subject to deductions from paycheck before federal and state taxes are applied.
LIFE INSURANCE -
Provided through MetLife - $50,000 policy - NO COST TO EMPLOYEE
SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE (TERM/WHOLE/UNIVERSAL AND AD&D)
Provided through MetLife.
LONG TERM DISABILITY - Provided through MetLife.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION -
Lincoln Financial Group - Retirement Consultant David Weiland
Phone 410-236-2494 Email- Dave.Weiland@LFG.com
[Customer Service Representative 1-800-234-3500]
RETIREE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE BENEFITS-
Employees hired on or after 7/1/2010 will have an automatic Retirement Health Savings account made available as the primary retiree healthcare benefit. This 105(h) Universal Reimbursement Account will only be able to be accessed upon separation of service and/or retirement whichever applicable. These accounts are employer funded, tax free, & portable with 20 different Nationwide investment options.
These funds are solely for the use of offsetting your premium health care cost, prescriptions, co-pays and deductibles. Upon death funds are made available immediately to the surviving spouse or qualified dependents (as defined by the IRC 152 (a).
DEATH BENEFITS - PAID BY COUNTY
50% of accumulated sick leave
All accumulated annual leave
Personal leave (maximum of 2 days)
$50,000 life insurance
One (1) month's salary
PAID BY RETIREMENT
One year's pay (after 1 year's service) plus employee's contributions refunded with interest.
