Commission Preservation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $65,465.00 - $115,941.00 Annually
Location : Wheaton, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 14172
Department: MC Planning
Opening Date: 05/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Are you passionate about history or architectural history? If so, the Montgomery County Planning Department is where you want to be! We are currently seeking a Cultural Resources Planner II to join our Historic Preservation Division. In this role, you will evaluate properties for designation to the County's Master Plan for Historic Preservation, support historic preservation outreach efforts, and assist with special research projects.
Examples of Important Duties
Including but not limited to:
Plans and Projects

• Prepares historic preservation components for master, sector, and functional plans
• Performs research, analysis and recommendations related to historic resource designation, architectural styles and designs, potential historic districts, and archaeological protection and treatment
• Conducts site inspections in determining architectural style and construction techniques
• Performs surveys for potential historic districts, identification of boundaries and relevant data gathering for outreach meetings or workshops

Research and Planning Studies

• Researches and reviews history and historic preservation section of master plans, including recommendations for historic designations
• Conducts on-site inspections of sites. Works with architects, engineers and specialists
• Recommends historic preservation education and outreach strategies, enforcements, and materials

Planning Reports and Presentations

• Drafts final amendments on master and sector plans involving cultural resources, including preparation of supporting maps and visual aids for presentations to the Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Board
• Prepares presentation of work products, marketing, and outreach

This position involves extensive interaction with other government departments and agencies, as well as with citizens and civic associations. The Cultural Resources Planner II responds to general inquiries from citizens, developers, engineers, architects, and attorneys regarding development activities, Planning Board actions, and planning regulations. The position also maintains historic resources files and coordinates historic preservation, archaeology, and cultural resource content across the division's website, newsletters, blogs, and social media.
Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History, Architecture, Urban Planning or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible historic preservation, cultural resource management, archaeology or closely related experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) 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.

Supplemental Information
Classification/Specification: Cultural Resources Planner II
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing
In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above, the following qualifications are a plus!

• A Master's Degree in Architectural History, History, Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture; or a closely related field
• Excellent research and writing skills
• An understanding of building fabric and the ability to read historic structures
• The ability to communicate directly with clients in the public and private sector and the ability to work both on own initiative and as part of a team
• A demonstrated ability to meet budget and schedule requirements
• Experience in interpretation and evaluation of resources in an urban planning context
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Sketch-Up, Adobe Suite

About Us
Montgomery Planning is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For nearly 100 years, M-NCPPC has had a national reputation for excellence in planning and today serves a culturally diverse population of over one million people in Montgomery County. We provide county-wide planning functions including long range planning, as well as reviews of development applications covering a range of natural and built environments from downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. We have pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we encourage you to watch this brief video and visit our website at
The M-NCPPC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness. Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available. We work in one of the first LEED Platinum-certified government-owned office buildings in Maryland.
The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).
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 applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2026 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.
Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) - Plan E excludes FOP members.

PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• 457 (b) Plan (Optional) (Pre-tax and Roth)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
• Retiree Healthcare - Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M-NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) - (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) - (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) - (20%)
• Prescription - CVS Caremark - (15%)
• Dental - Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO - (20%)
• Vision - EyeMed - (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account - Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
• Dependent Care Account - Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental - 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission's Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.