The Town of Bel Air – Planning and Zoning Deputy Director

This is a professional-level position in the Department of Planning & Community Development (DPCD) requiring responsible administrative duties and involving complicated technical planning assignments. This employee is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Bel Air Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations. The Deputy Director provides administrative support and technical advice to the Board of Appeals, the Bel Air Tree Committee and the Economic and Community Development Commission. This position assumes primary responsibility for development and maintenance of the Town Geographic Information System and assists the technology support specialist, as needed. The Deputy Director is responsible for comprehensive planning and assistance to the Director of Planning in all phases of planning administration. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Planning Department Director. The Deputy Director serves as the Acting Director in his/her absence.

Essential Job Functions

• Initiate and participate in complex planning studies relating to several specialized areas including demographics, land use, housing, transportation, environmental features, public facilities, historic preservation, and community services.
• Oversee the conduct of field studies and surveys to collect original data for planning assignments. In addition, determine techniques to be used in compiling and analyzing the collected data, utilize demographic and economic forecasting techniques, perform original planning research and interpretation of research data as applied to planning challenges.
• Prepare, publish, and distribute reports of complex planning studies by documenting data collection, problem analysis, identification of goals and objectives, analysis of alternatives, design of programs and policies to meet the objectives. In addition, describe the legal, social, fiscal, and environmental consequences of recommended programs and policies.
• Perform reviews of zoning applications and subdivision plans for conformance with land use plans and development regulations and understand legal, fiscal, environmental and traffic impacts. Perform site plan analysis of development proposals and apply expertise in land use and environmental analysis techniques to the review.
• Coordinate census and demographic data collection, analysis and distribution.
• Prepare agenda materials and reports for the Board of Appeals and the Tree Committee.
• Meet with the public to assist with citizen needs and concerns, resolve complaints or provide information on Town zoning laws, services, or programs.
• Advise developers, contractors, etc. concerning zoning matters and regulations.
• Review requests and applications for building permits and use and occupancy permits.
• Coordinate the address system with Harford County DES and administrate the town boundary and other comprehensive planning related data.
• Maintains floodplain maps and assists Public Works and property owners in determining floodplain regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Geographic Information Systems (GIS); coordinate database development and maintenance; and supervise Town staff in automated mapping.
• Attend Alliance Board of Director meetings to represent the Town and provide an update on Planning activities.
• Assist selected organizations in Town on GIS related needs.
• Supervise and participate in the preparation and review of natural resource plans, including Forest Conservation, floodplain management and wetland protection.
• Participate in the creation and/or revision of development regulations and other legislative initiatives as assigned.
• Conduct field verification of development to ensure that all conditions of the Site Plan, Subdivision Plan and other zoning approvals have been met.
• Attend the required evening meetings.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The ability to interpret, analyze and comprehend local, State and Federal governmental regulations and notices, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban, regional and community resource planning; database development and maintenance; automated mapping principles and procedures; and the concepts of natural resource planning.
• Expertise with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is preferred.
• The ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with representatives from other local, State and Federal agencies, the business community, employees in other departments, elected officials, and citizens.
• Effective communication and people skills to prepare and present information and respond to questions from residents and the public, as well as the ability to represent the Town of Bel Air professionally and effectively when working with the public in meeting situations.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Capable of handling confidential material.

Minimum Requirements, Experience, and Training

• The position requires a master’s degree from an accredited college, preferably in planning or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with five (5) years of relevant experience in planning or environmental work, or ten (10) years’ experience with any equivalent of acceptable education, training, and experience.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, is required.
• Willingness to vary work hours as needed to attend evening meetings is required.
• A valid non-commercial driver’s license with no more than three (3) points.
• The ability to walk steps, use ladders, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, move, and carry items that weight up to twenty pounds frequently or more occasionally; sit for extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and detailed data.
• Requires repetitive motion in the operation of a computer.

The Town of Bel Air’s central location as the county seat has earned the town the slogan as “The Heart of Harford,” with the various county and state agencies, regional medical facilities, shopping, entertainment, and recreation opportunities conveniently placed within easy access for citizens of Harford County Maryland. The town’s excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, and historic district add to its appeal for residents and businesses.

We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to help us uphold our mission to provide outstanding services that meet the changing needs of its citizens and businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work here. If you want to help us uphold our values of service, respect, communication, and accountability, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!

The Town of Bel Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

• Health Insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Expenses on a Pre-tax Basis
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement – Pension (Defined Benefit Plan)
• Retirement – 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Annual Leave Paid Vacation
• Sick & Safe Leave
• Holidays Paid Leave
• Personal Leave
• Funeral Leave
• Family & Medical Leave
• Military Leave
• Civil Leave (jury duty)
• Service, Safety and Attendance Award Program
• Employee Assistance Program