Planner I

Job Description:

Performs routine technical planning work and specialized informational work in support of the planning function.  Work involves field inspections and investigations to establish facts and to prepare recommendations regarding compliance with land use laws, rules and regulations. Work may involve administrative support and presentations to boards, committees, and commissions. Work at this level requires technical training in land use planning. May require working in multiple specialized areas.

Essential Job Functions

Reviews and approves permits/applications: determines if project meets all regulations and policies; notifies and/or meets with applicants and/or surveying and engineering firms to correct problems.

Conducts and/or attends meetings with various committees to discuss proposed plans/policy regulations.

Receives and distributes applications for review and processing. Prepares staff report for review and authorization by supervisor.

Answers questions from public regarding planning and zoning regulations and procedures.

Works with boards and commissions in an advisory or administrative capacity to include scheduling of meetings and testimony, record keeping, invoice payment, and other related services.

Reviews development plans and permits.  Meets with developers, engineering firms and other County reviewers to provide comments on proposed projects.  Verifies that the project complies with regulations.  Submits written comments on findings, recommendations, and requirements.

Assists senior staff in providing technical information and preparing reports and/or special projects.

Prepares and distributes approval/denial papers.

May prepare and/or present material and studies to County Boards or higher officials in the department.

Other Duties

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (These are pre-employment KSA that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)

Knowledge of --

• Basic principles and practices of land use planning as applied to municipal planning and zoning administration.

Ability to --

• Perform field investigations to establish facts pertaining to site development, construction, and land use and prepare reports of findings and recommendations.

• Interpret and apply land use laws, rules and regulations.

• Write technical reports, summaries and memoranda.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Deal effectively with the public.

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)

Training and/or Education:

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field.

Experience:

One year of experience in planning or related field.

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

Operation of County owned vehicle.

Physical Demands:

Requires long periods of standing, frequent walking indoors, repeated bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching; recurring lifting of objects up to 49 pounds; operation of keyboard devices.

Unusual Demands:

Site work exposes workers to dirt and soil, and work is subject to inflexible deadlines.

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt

Non-competitive promotions are an investment in the future success of County employees and the future growth and success of Calvert County. The Department of planning and Zoning promises to engage staff in the roles and responsibilities which improve skills in current positions and the opportunities for the acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed for new roles and responsibilities in the County. 

Non-competitive promotion from Planner I to Planner II will be based on the Director and supervisor’s performance assessment and upon obtaining the required education, experience, and/or certification(s), of which two (2) years of experience must have been with Calvert County Government.

Compensation Steps:

Pay rate: $33.05 - $37.91 per hour; $60,151 - $68,996 annually

Grade 722, full-time position, 35 hours per week

Planning & Zoning

Position closing date: August 19, 2026

Please Note: This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on August 19, 2026. To be considered for the role, ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline. The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on August 20th.

This position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs.

Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• 15 days of sick leave
• 10 days of annual leave
• 5 days of personal leave
• 13 paid holidays *14 in an election year
• Defined Contribution Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts

Please Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.

Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] with as much notice as possible.