Urban Planner Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers. We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government. ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY.

APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction Do you enjoy leading teams and collaborating with stakeholders to shape land use policies. If you thrive in fast-paced environments solving land use issues, consider joining Loudoun County, Virginia's Department of Planning and Zoning as a Legislative Land Use Planner.

You'll manage the review process for legislative land development applications in a growing community near Washington, D.C. After an initial training period, you may telework two days per week. Job Summary The Department is committed to delivering high-quality customer service and presents unique opportunities for professionals to advance their careers in the planning field

Employees benefit from exposure to a wide range of experiences, including working on projects in rural, historic, suburban, and urban parts of Loudoun County. These opportunities include involvement in innovative initiatives such as data center development, multi-unit residential complexes, and commercial spaces, allowing staff to broaden their expertise in diverse planning environments. The Department is seeking an experienced professional to play a significant role in implementing the Loudoun 2019 Comprehensive Plan and contribute as part of the team guiding future development in the county.

In this role, you will serve as a project manager overseeing a caseload of medium-to-large-scale land development applications. Specific responsibilities include: Analyzing proposed development projects for compliance with county policies and ordinances. Coordinating the review process with other departments and external agencies.

Providing clear, actionable recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors at regular night meetings. You will also address land use issues related to projects such as data center development, energy infrastructure, multi-unit residential communities, and commercial uses, contributing to the high quality of life in Loudoun County. The ideal candidate will have advanced expertise in zoning laws, environmental regulations, and urban design principles, along with at least five years of experience successfully managing land development projects.

Strong presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to deliver clear, cohesive technical analyses to decision-makers, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple assignments. Candidates with a proven track record of leading large-scale urban development initiatives and collaborating with diverse stakeholders will be preferred, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and specialized knowledge in land use planning. This position is eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County's Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.

Salary commensurate with experience. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field; five (5) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Progressive responsible work experience at a level that required management of complex planning and land use projects is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications Include: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification Certified Zoning Administrator (CZA) Certified Zoning Official (CZO) Project Management Professional (PMP) Experience with ArcGIS, Bluebeam Revu software, and/or EnerGov software Job Contingencies and Special Requirements This position requires a valid driver's license, driving record, and criminal background check. Relocation assistance is available to successful candidates who live more than 40 miles away. This position calls for an analytical thinker with real-world experience in land planning, such as developing zoning plans, reviewing site designs for compliance with local regulations, or overseeing resource preservation initiatives.

Typical responsibilities include evaluating building and conceptual site development plans/plats, preparing reports for the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, and coordinating with multiple departments to ensure projects align with community standards. The ability to efficiently manage a high case load, prioritize tasks, analyze policies and regulations, and meet critical deadlines is essential. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with the flexibility to adapt to a range of situations involving staff, applicants, governmental officials, and citizens.

In addition to the daily responsibilities, this role provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement through ongoing training, exposure to complex projects, and regular interaction with top governmental officials. Attendance and presentation at regular night meetings after normal business hours is required, to discuss project approvals and gather feedback from community stakeholders. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Equal Employment Opportunity Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance.

As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. Reasonable Accommodation Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.