Housing Planner (13339, Grade 28)

The Montgomery County Planning Department is seeking an experienced and innovative Housing Planner to contribute to the Housing, Infrastructure, and Zoning Team within the Countywide Planning and Policy Division. Montgomery Planning has a history of advancing innovative housing solutions in the county and as the key department subject matter expert on all housing issues for the Planning Department, this position will lead the department's housing initiatives.

The Countywide Planning and Policy Division addresses issues, plans, and policies that affect more than one area of the county, including transportation, zoning, housing, historic and natural resources, and water quality. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for housing policy, a strong work ethic, and a clear vision for how to advance the department's housing goals.

To succeed in this position, the selected candidate must possess excellent oral and written communication and consensus-building skills and be comfortable crafting policy and long-range planning recommendations. Experience in project management and the capability to work well with a team with diverse sets of backgrounds, as well as residents, developers, planners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and public officials is desired.

• Develop countywide housing plans and policies.
• Provide consultation and expertise on housing policy.
• Defend planning programs, concepts, and policies to the Planning Board and County Council, and before other boards and bodies as required.
• Monitor the implementation of the Housing for All chapter of Thrive Montgomery 2050.
• Advise Planning Staff on housing policy implications of master plans. Write the housing chapters of master plans.
• Assess housing affordability impacts resulting from proposed development and planning policy.
• Lead major housing-related projects that are important to the department's overall work program. Monitor consultant work and contracts.
• Represent the department at local, state, and national meetings on housing policy; serve as key interagency contact and liaison for all housing issues.
• Advise the Planning Supervisor and Division Chief on all housing policies and issues.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Geography, Architecture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Urban Design, Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Economics or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience related to specific area of assignment such as transportation planning, environmental planning or urban planning.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) 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.

Classification Specification: Planner III

About Us

Montgomery Planning is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For over 95 years, M-NCPPC has had a national reputation for excellence in planning, and today serves a culturally diverse population of over one million people on the border of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County. We provide countywide planning functions including long-range planning, as well as reviews of development applications in diverse built environments of 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 here and visit our website at www.montgomeryplanning.org.

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.

Diversity Statement

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.

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).

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

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 application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1). M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.