Posted: 02-Jan-25
Location: La Plata, Maryland
Type: Full Time
Salary: $110,000 – $130,000
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Internal Number: R-03589MD24.02
The Position
The Town of La Plata is in search of a skilled and forward-thinking professional to take on the position of Planning Director. The Planning Director is responsible for overseeing all planning, zoning, and development activities in the Town, ensuring that growth occurs in a way that meets the community’s needs while adhering to regulatory and environmental standards. This includes reviewing and approving site plans, subdivision applications, and building permits and ensuring that all developments comply with the Town’s zoning laws and land use regulations. The Planning Director reports to the Town Manager and supervises a small, dynamic planning team with two planners, guiding them in reviewing development projects, and other planning-related activities.
As the head of the department, the Planning Director will play an integral role in the development, implementation, and regular updates to the Town's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. This includes ensuring that the Town’s zoning regulations remain relevant in the face of changing growth patterns, regional trends, and environmental considerations. The Director will work closely with the Town Manager, the Town Council, and external agencies like Charles County government, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to address key challenges such as water capacity and infrastructure expansion. The Planning Director will also provide expert guidance on annexation requests and work with developers to ensure that new developments align with the Town’s long-term vision.
The Planning Director will manage the department's budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support planning, development reviews, and enforcement functions. The next Director will also prioritize key projects, such as revising zoning codes, updating the Town’s planning documents, and advancing the Town's sustainability initiatives. The Planning Director will ensure the staff have the training and tools to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. The next Director will also support the Town Council and other decision-making bodies, such as the Planning Commission and Design Review Board, by providing expert advice on land use issues, zoning changes, and economic development strategies.
The next Director will collaboratively work with staff members from various departments to review development applications. The Planning Director will ensure that the Technical Review Team (TRT) operates smoothly, further facilitating communication between departments, and providing feedback to applicants. The Director will represent the department at Town Council and Planning Commission meetings, providing updates on planning activities, advocating for the Town’s development goals, and advising the Council on planning and zoning matters. With a focus on these priorities, the Planning Director will ensure that the Town’s development is sustainable, aligning residential, commercial, and environmental goals.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range is $110,000 – $130,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning February 10, 2025.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field. Five years of progressively responsible planning experience, supervisory experience, and local government experience are also required.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field, and/or an AICP certification. At least five years of experience in a planning department within a town, city, or county setting is preferred. Experience handling growth and development, a proven track record of managing comprehensive plan updates, and demonstrated experience with plan review.