Community Planner I​/II

Overview

The Planning Division of the City of Gaithersburg Department of Planning & Code Administration is accepting applications for a full‑time Community Planner to perform a variety of responsibilities primarily related to community planning, zoning, and land use. We are looking for a talented professional who is interested in 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.

As part of the Community Planning team, the successful candidate will perform professional and technical work reviewing site development plans and applying regulations governing community development, zoning, and land use. The Planner works directly with the public to respond to general zoning inquiries, and collect, analyze, interpret, and present technical land use, environmental, zoning, and other city planning data. The ideal candidate must possess basic knowledge of principles and practices of planning and zoning, have the ability to review site development applications, possess excellent research and writing skills, and be able to interact easily with city officials, representatives of other governmental agencies, members of commissions and boards, and the public.

This position may be filled at the Planner I or Planner II level, depending on qualifications. Starting salary is negotiable within the anticipated hiring range:

• Planner I – $63,000 – $72,000
• Planner II – $79,000 – $88,000

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.

• Process and review planning applications for compliance with city code and policies.
• Prepare planning reports and present materials at public meetings.
• Utilize the city’s Geographic Information System (GIS) to create and maintain the planning department’s database, analyze data, and prepare maps and data layers for planning and reporting purposes.
• Assist committee and board staff liaisons with meetings and agenda packages.
• Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Urban Studies, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field.
• At least one year of planning‑related experience, including internships, preferably at the regional or local government level, or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.
• Ability to handle multiple projects effectively with demonstrated attention to detail.
• Strong, effective writing skills.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

To be considered for a Planner II level position, you will need:

• 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
• A Master’s Degree in Urban Studies, Urban and Regional Planning, Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field and 5 years of progressively responsible 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.
• In‑depth knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage more complex projects and perform work with more autonomy.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (preferred).

• A complete online application.
• Current resume…