Assistant Planner Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $102,373.00 - $198,865.00 Annually
Location : Anne Arundel County, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08703
Department: Planning and Zoning
Division: Development
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
This posting will be used to fill a Full Time, Permanent, Assistant Director of Planning and Zonning - Development position wihin the Office of Planning and Zoning.
This is advanced administrative and technical work in assisting in conducting the programs and activities of the Office of Planning and Zoning. Specifically, this position will oversee and manage the work program and staff of the Development Division.
NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
Work includes responsibility for assisting in planning, organizing, and directing the development review-related programs and activities of the Office of Planning and Zoning. Work also includes the research, coordination, review, and evaluation of operating budget requirements and of reports of findings to the Planning and Zoning Officer. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinate supervisors over employees in the Development Division. The position is responsible for assisting in directing, coordinating, and managing development review-related work for the County. The position interacts with various constituencies to represent the County and is a member of the County's Planning and Zoning leadership team. Work is performed with considerable latitude for independent initiative and judgment under the administrative direction of the Planning and Zoning Officer, and is reviewed through conferences and reports.
Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(May not include all duties performed)
Assists in planning, organizing, and directing the development review-related programs and activities of the Office of Planning and Zoning.
Participates in the determination and establishment of the department's strategic annual goals, objectives, and priorities.
Participates in the development of the department's organizational structure; managerial, technical, professional, and clerical levels.
Assists in the direction of ongoing departmental initiatives to enhance operational improvements and efficiencies.
Assists in the review and approval of Development Division expenditures and ensures budgetary compliance.
Supervises directly or through subordinate supervisors a large staff of professional, technical, and clerical employees engaged in design and development activities.
Represents the department at community meetings, council hearings, and other engagements.
Implements established policies and procedures; reviews divisional policies and recommends necessary changes; attends and participates in staff meetings related to the administration and financial status of the office.
Contributes to the development of the County's strategic plans, priorities, and initiatives.
Directs the preparation and maintenance of necessary records and reports.
Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of modern methods and techniques of administration and management.
Knowledge of the methods and practices of budget development and execution.
Thorough knowledge of the functions of a comprehensive planning and zoning office, particularly in development review and administration.
Superior ability to plan, organize, and direct a Development Division.
Superior ability to develop and install administration procedures and operations, to evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness, and implement revisions for improving efficiency and effectiveness.
Superior ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to create an effective, collaborative, and trusting environment with staff, politicians, customers, and other stakeholders to promote the County's values and guiding principles.
Ability to clearly express the department's vision.
Ability to establish mechanisms and promote the constant exchange of ideas, goals, objectives, and information.
Ability to keep various stakeholders up to date on issues, decisions, and actions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, employees, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public or business administration, planning, or a related field; six (6) or more years of experience in the field of public administration, planning, development and enforcement of regulations, including four (4) or more years of supervisory experience; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.
Supplemental Qualifications
Preference will be giv en to applicants with the following:
1.) A graduate degree in urban and regional planning or a directly relevant discipline.
2.) At least eight (8) years of progressive supervisory experience.
3.) Ten (10) or more years of experience working in the planning and land use field, including work with zoning, subdivision, and land development codes, preferably in the State of Maryland.
4.) Six (6) or more years of experience working with environmental programs such as Critical Area, Forest Conservation, tidal and nontidal permitting, and bog protection.
5.) One (1) or more years of experience working with and streamlining an electronic civic platform for development review and permitting.
6.) Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.
7.) Google Suite Proficiency.

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans
  • BlueChoice Advantage EPO
  • BlueChoice Advantage PPO
• Dental Insurance
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
  • CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
  • CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)
• Vision Insurance
  • EyeMed
• Employee Life Insurance
  • Term insurance of up to 2 times salary ($100,000 maximum) for employees at no cost.
  • Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance
• Pension Plan
  • Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.
• Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan
• Direct Deposit
• Credit Union
• Holidays
  • Twelve days provided per year, thirteen in general election year
• Annual Leave
  • Less than 3 years - 13 days
  • 3 to less than 15 years - 20 days
  • 15 years or more - 26 days
• Disability Leave
  • Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year
• Personal Leave Day, 5 per calendar year
• Leave Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Care Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
  • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
  • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.Your response and lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
Did you graduate from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public or business administration, planning, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03
Please list your degree type and major coursework completed.
04
Do you have six (6) or more years of experience in the field of public administration, planning, development and enforcement of regulations?

• Yes
• No

05
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience to include position title, length of time in position and MAJOR duties.
06
Do you have four (4) or more years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please explain how you possess this experience to include position title, length of time in position and MAJOR duties.
08
Do you hold a graduate degree in urban and regional planning or a directly relevant discipline?

• Yes
• No

09
If yes, please list the type of degree or discipline and major coursework completed.
10
Do you have at least eight (8) years of progressive supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

11
Detail your at least eight (8) years of supervisory experience.
12
Do you have ten (10) or more years of experience working in the planning and land use field, including work with zoning, subdivision, and land development codes, preferably in the State of Maryland?

• Yes
• No

13
Please detail how you possess have ten (10) or more years of experience working in the planning and land use field, including work with zoning, subdivision, and land development codes, preferably in the State of Maryland.
14
Do you have six (6) or more years of experience working with environmental programs such as Critical Area, Forest Conservation, tidal and nontidal permitting, and bog protection?

• Yes
• No

15
If yes, detail how you possess six (6) or more years of experience working with environmental programs such as Critical Area, Forest Conservation, tidal and nontidal permitting, and bog protection.
16
Do you have one (1) or more years of experience working with and streamlining an electronic civic platform for development review and permitting?

• Yes
• No

17
If yes, please detail have one (1) or more years of experience working with and streamlining an electronic civic platform for development review and permitting.
18
Do you possess certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?

• Yes
• No

19
What is your skill level in Google Suite?

• No Knowledge
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Expert

20
Do you possess a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license from the State or an equivalent license from another State?

• Yes
• No

21
Did a county employee refer you? If yes, indicate their name, department and badge/id number. If you weren't referred by an Employee indicate N/A.
Required Question