<p>Description</p> <p>The Planning Division of the Department of Planning & Code Administration is seeking a talented experienced full-time Long-Range Planner to perform professional and technical work developing, coordinating, implementing, and administering the City's land use policies and goals. You'll be joining a collaborative and innovative team that plays a key role in the planning and development of one of the largest cities in Maryland -- Gaithersburg, which has just over 70,000 residents and is located in the heart of Montgomery County.</p> <p>The Long-Range Planner position is part of a team that oversees the amendment process for the City's Master Plan, develops growth policies, and collaborates with other local, state, and federal agencies to guide the region toward a balanced and sustainable future. The ideal candidate, along with strong and effective writing skills, will have knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of comprehensive planning in Maryland; planning-related data (census, economic, housing, etc.) collection and analysis methods; urban design; community engagement and outreach; and statistical analysis for demographic and socioeconomic land-use and zoning issues.</p> <p>This position may be filled at the Planner II or Planner III level, depending on qualifications. Starting salary is negotiable within the anticipated hiring range (see below) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate:</p> <p>Planner II - $79,000 - $88,000</p> <p>Planner III - $88,000 - $100,000</p> <p>We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life); paid time off; generous retirement contributions; tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans; excellent work/life balance; and opportunities for professional growth and career progression.</p> <p>Job Functions</p> <p>What you will do with us:</p> <ul> <li>Collect and analyze various demographic, economic, and land use data. </li><li>Produce biannual dwelling and population reports and growth projections, including City development pipeline. </li><li>Develop, prepare, and update the City Master Plan Elements including public engagement strategies. </li><li>Review and analyze various regional land use and transportation studies, master plans, and projects. </li><li>Conduct the review of various development applications including annexations, sketch plans, and rezonings. </li><li>Make oral presentations on long-range planning matters and projects at public meetings and other outreach opportunities. </li><li>Represent the City on local and regional land use or transportation-related committees and project teams. </li><li>Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations. </li></ul> <p>Key job responsibilities are highlighted above; please click the appropriate link to view the complete classification description for the Planner II and the Planner III positions. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for these positions to provide opportunity for growth and development (Grades 109 and 112, respectively, in the City's FY 2026 Schedule of Salary Ranges).</p> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>To be considered for a Planner II level position, you will need:</p> <ul> <li>A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 6 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred); OR </li><li>A Master's Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 5 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred). (Any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position is qualifying.) </li><li>In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning. </li><li>Strong, effective writing skills </li><li>Ability to handle multiple projects effectively with demonstrated attention to detail. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and perform work with more autonomy. </li><li>American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (preferred). </li></ul> <p>To be considered for a Planner III level position, you will need:</p> <ul> <li>A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 10 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred), including at least one year of experience functioning in a project lead or supervisory capacity; OR </li><li>A Master's Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 7 years of progressively responsible professional planning experience (experience at the regional or local government level preferred), including at least one year of experience functioning in a project lead or supervisory capacity. (Any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the functions of the position is qualifying.) </li><li>Advanced, in-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning. </li><li>Strong, effective writing skills and demonstrated attention to detail. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and provide technical assistance, advice, and guidance to junior staff in developing analytical procedures and in the solution of large or complex planning issues. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative on assigned major projects. </li><li>American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (required). </li></ul> <p>Additional Information</p> <p>Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:</p> <ul> <li> <p>A complete online application (include relevant education and work experience; incomplete applications will not be processed)</p> </li><li> <p>Current Resume (attached to the online application)</p> </li><li> <p>Letter of interest (attached to the online application) - Your letter of interest should include why you are interested in the position and what specific skills and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position.</p> </li></ul> <p>Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is highly encouraged. The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.</p> <p>This is a full-time salaried "exempt" position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week (not eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the City's personnel regulations). Attendance at some early morning/evening public meetings or events and other work outside of regular business hours is required. The position may accommodate limited situational remote work (at the discretion of the Department Director). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.</p> <p>The successful candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.</p> <p>For more information about the position, contact Director of Planning & Code Administration Greg Mann at 240.805.1071 or Greg.Mann@gaithersburgmd.gov. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 301.258.6327 or hr@gaithersburgmd.gov.</p> <p>This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancies and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.</p> <p>The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.</p> <p>HEALTH BENEFITS</p> <ul> <li>Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier </li><li>Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family) </li><li>Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans) </li></ul> <p>Medical Insurance</p> <ul> <li>CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan </li><li>Prescription Drug Plan </li><li>Wellness Initiatives </li></ul> <p>Dental Insurance</p> <ul> <li>Sun Life Indemnity Plan </li><li>Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings </li><li>Basic or Enhanced Plans offered </li></ul> <p>Vision Insurance</p> <ul> <li>National Vision Administrators </li><li>Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings </li></ul> <p>RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS</p> <ul> <li>Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire </li><li>401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years </li><li>401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years </li><li>401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years </li><li>457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only) </li></ul> <p>PAID LEAVE</p> <ul> <li>Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service) </li><li>Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual) </li><li>Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually) </li><li>Holidays (11 holidays observed each year) </li><li>Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually) </li><li>Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed) </li></ul> <p>ADDITIONAL BENEFITS</p> <ul> <li>Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid) </li><li>Flexible Spending Accounts </li><li>Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans </li><li>Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance </li><li>Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance </li><li>Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly) </li><li>Language Learning Program (through Babbel) </li><li>Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees) </li><li>Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service) </li><li>Healthy Lifestyle Incentives </li><li>Employee Assistance Program </li><li>First-Time Homebuyer Assistance </li><li>Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs </li><li>Credit Union </li><li>Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts </li><li>Direct Deposit (required) </li></ul> <p>Click on the link below to view general information about the benefits available.</p> <p>Summary of Employee Benefits (pdf)</p> <p>01</p> <p>Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>Do you possess a valid driver's license?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>03</p> <p>Are you currently certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li><li>In Progress </li></ul> <p>04</p> <p>Briefly describe your professional regional or local planning experience and/or training in the principles and practices of comprehensive/master planning. (If no experience in this area, please state "None.")</p> <p>05</p> <p>Describe your experience in conducting community engagement and outreach. Include the type and purpose of the engagement; the strategies used; your role; and the outcome of your efforts. Identify the employer through which your experience was obtained. (If no experience in this area, please state "None.")</p> <p>06</p> <p>Describe your experience collecting and analyzing various land use data (e.g., demographics, zoning, development trends, or housing data). What was the purpose of the analysis, what data sources and tools did you use, and how did your findings influence the planning recommendations or decisions? (If no experience in this area, please state "None.")</p> <p>07</p> <p>Describe the most complex site plan or other planning project for which you had primary or principal responsibility. Your response should include the agency you worked for, the type of project, your specific role and responsibilities on the project, and the other individuals or agencies with whom you worked on the project. (If no experience in this area, please state "None.")</p> <p>08</p> <p>Which of the following best describes your proficiency level in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)?</p> <ul> <li>None </li><li>Beginner - Occasional use of basic functions </li><li>Intermediate - Frequent use of basic functions </li><li>Advanced - Regular use of advanced functions </li></ul> <p>09</p> <p>How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?</p> <ul> <li>City of Gaithersburg Website </li><li>Job Interest Card Notification </li><li>Indeed </li><li>American Planning Association Website </li><li>APA - Maryland Chapter Website </li><li>GovernmentJobs.com </li><li>Other Website </li><li>Social Media </li><li>Friend or Relative </li><li>I am currently a City Employee </li><li>Other </li></ul> <p>Required Question</p> <p>Employer City of Gaithersburg</p> <p>Address 31 South Summit Avenue</p> <p>Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877</p> <p>Phone 301-258-6327</p> <p>Website http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/government/job-opportunities</p>