Environmental Planner II/ III (10948, Grade 24/28)

The Montgomery County Planning Department is currently seeking an experienced Environmental Planner within the Upcounty Planning Division to develop environmental recommendations and content for master plans and conduct environmental reviews of development applications. Regarding master plans, the selected candidate will be responsible for conducting an inventory of natural resources, community engagement, and environmental recommendations. Regarding development review, the selected candidate will review Natural Resource Inventories/Forest Stand Delineations (NRI/FSDs), Special Protection Area Water Quality Plans, and Forest Conservation Plans, and will provide environmental content for staff reports and presentations.

This position requires the capability to work well with a team with a diverse set of backgrounds and areas of expertise such as county residents, developers, planners, architects, engineers, attorneys, and public officials. Fieldwork and occasional evening meetings are required.

Upcounty is responsible for nearly two-thirds of the land area in Montgomery County, including Germantown, Clarksburg, Potomac, Darnestown, Damascus, Olney, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Burtonsville, Fairland Briggs Chaney, and the Agricultural Reserve. This is an opportunity to help shape the built environment while protecting valuable natural resources through application of the Environmental Guidelines and Forest Conservation Law and promoting environmental sustainability and resilience in Montgomery County.

• Knowledge of the various master plans in Montgomery County and how they provide guidance on environmental decisions.
• Developing environmental sections and recommendations for master plans.
• Understanding of policies, procedures, regulations, and standards that affect plan reviews, Environmental Guidelines for Development in Montgomery County, Chapter 22A Forest Conservation Regulations, the Trees Technical Manual, Special Protection Area Water Quality Plan requirements, and the Patuxent River Primary Management Area forest planting requirements and impervious surface limits.
• Review and provide comments and recommendations on Natural Resource Inventories/Forest Stand Delineations (NRI/FSD), Special Protection Area Water Quality Plans, and Forest Conservation Plans within the regulatory timeframes established by law.
• Perform field work throughout the year with expertise to identify trees and other vegetation, streams, and wetlands.
• Perform comprehensive environmental review of preliminary plans, site plans, parks projects, zoning, and mandatory referral applications as assigned for conformance with Forest Conservation Law and Environmental Guidelines.
• Coordinate with appropriate local, state, and/or federal agencies on environmental issues. Provide direction and facilitate resolution wherever possible.
• Submit draft staff reports for development for applications as required.

As the Environmental Planner II, you will perform the duties above and has some experience performing and leading independent environmental review of plans; possesses general knowledge of the master plan and regulatory processes; is familiar with reviewing environmental plans and studies; is able to identify trees, vegetation, streams and wetlands in the field and on plans; requests the assistance and input of others as appropriate; and effectively identifies problems while creatively developing solutions, while generally requiring supervision and feedback to complete tasks.

As the Environmental Planner III, you will perform the duties above, but more independently and under more general direction due to clear demonstrated experience; has considerable experience performing and leading independent environmental review of plans and identifying trees, vegetation, streams and wetlands in the field and on plans; and possesses proficient knowledge of the master plan and regulatory processes.

Planner II (Grade 24) Salary Range ($63,891 - $113,151) annually

Planner III (Grade 28) Salary Range ($73,523 - $132,614) annually

Planner II

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. Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level planning experience or 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 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.

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.

Applicants called for an interview should provide a portfolio or be able to demonstrate their master plan and/or development review experience in environmental planning.

May be subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Classification Specification: Planner II/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).

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.