Planning Technician

Planning Technician

Salary

$60,060.20 - $105,105.59 Annually

Location

200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, MD 20646, MD

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2026-00194

Department

PGM PLANNING

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary

The hiring salary for this position is $60,060.20 annually.

Open until filled with a best consideration date of August 11, 2026. This posting may close without notice.

Telework eligibility is determined by county policy and the approval of the hiring department.

Charles County Government is seeking a dynamic Planning Technician to perform technical and administrative work in support of the division. Technician will assist in the development of staff reports; coordinate meeting arrangements; respond to citizen requests; and serve as a clerk to the boards and commissions.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides guidance in completing various applications and forms, making sure applicants understand the permitting and planning processes and the necessary information and attachments required to submit a complete and accurate permit application.
• Responds to inquiries from architects, contractors, builders, and the public; explains and interprets requirements and restrictions. Directs applicants to appropriate agencies/reviewers, as necessary.
• Prepares data and statistical reports. Researches and compiles background data for planning studies and maintains current project files.
• Assists in development of findings and staff reports for projects presented to various boards, committees and citizen groups.
• Compiles and reports data for inclusion in the Planning Commission annual reports and the annual Board of Education facilities master plan.
• Serves as clerk to the boards and commissions. Responsible for scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, coordinating Public Notices, recording the proceedings, preparing and distributing minutes, and managing the day to day operation of assigned board or commission.
• Performs general administrative duties in support of the division.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience:

Associate's degree in related field. Two (2) years of experience in a planning or a development agency, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Licenses or Certifications:

Must possess a valid drivers license.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:

Work is subject to frequent interruptions.

Required to work outside of normal hours of operation, including evening hours.

This position is required to receive climate competency training level 1.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of land use planning studies, policies, codes and site plans.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to exercise initiative, make sound independent decisions, deal with non-routine matters and assist in routine managerial decisions.
• Ability to perform plan, application, and permit reviews effectively.
• Ability to manage a wide range of duties in a timely and effective manner, including timely permit processing and routing during periods of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to provide excellent customer services and assist customers through difficult processes.
• Ability to review plans and/or proposals for conformance to the pertinent codes and planning studies.
• Ability to coordinate projects with other staff divisions, departments and agencies.
• Ability to maintain files and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to compile data and prepare reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of light physical activity and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Attendance at some evening meetings is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department/Division: Planning and Growth Management/Planning

Pay Grade: 112

FLSA Status :Non-Exempt

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports to: Planning Supervisor

Supervises: None

Charles County Government

BENEFITS SUMMARY

www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/CharlesCountyMD

Health Insurance

Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage.

Flexible Spending Account

Provides medical and dependent care options.

Supplemental Income Products

Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy.

Long Term Disability Insurance

No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month.

Life Insurance

No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available.

Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan - Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory.

Deferred Compensation Plan

457(b) Governmental Plan - Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.

Employee Leave

• Charles County Government full-time employees earn annual, sick, and paid time off (PTO).
• The County currently recognizes 20 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Away from work programs like paid parental leave and FMLA are available to employees.

Transfer of Sick Leave

New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment.

Work Schedules

• Most work weeks are 37.5 hrs, and some positions may offer the opportunity for flexible work schedules or allow telework.

Additional Fringe Benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement for full-time employees upon completion of probation period
• Discounted, Onsite Childcare at a County Government facility.
• House Keys 4 Employee Program offers assistance to full-time employees who are first-time homebuyers.
• Free, Employee Wellness Programs
• Legal Resources (prepaid benefit)
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (free, short-term counseling)

Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective: March 1, 2026

01

The core hours for this position are Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. However, a key part of this position is serving as a clerk to a board that meets one evening per week. Are you available for meetings that occur outside standard office hours?

• Yes
• No

02

The hiring salary for this position is $60,060.20 annually. Internal candidates selected for this position will receive a salary according to the county's promotional pay increase policy. Please confirm that you are acknowledging this is the salary for this position.

• I acknowledge this is the salary for this position.

03

The position you are applying for requires an acceptable driving record. The Charles County Government employee driving policy states that employees will be considered to have an acceptable driving record if ALL of the following statements are true: - I do not exceed a maximum of four (4) points on my driving record. - I do not have a suspended or revoked license. - I do not have a single motor vehicle violation, conviction, or plea of Nolo Contendere, or the acceptance of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) involving the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, refusal to take an alcohol or drug test, or the misuse of legal over-the-counter medication for any of these violations. - I have not demonstrated a pattern of unsafe vehicle operation as evidenced by moving violations or single infraction of such severity (e.g., eluding a police officer; evading responsibility; failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, reckless driving, etc.). According to these guidelines, do you have an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

04

For the top candidate selected for this position, the next steps in the hiring process will include verification of employment history and reference checking. We will contact your current employer and two additional professional references following a conditional offer. We will also conduct a background check, driver record check and physical exam, if applicable, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening before a final offer is extended. Please confirm that you are acknowledging that if you are the top candidate selected for this position, the steps described above will be taken during the hiring process.

• I confirm that I am acknowledging that if I am the top candidate selected for this position, the steps described above will be taken during the hiring process.

05

Are you a federal employee recently affected by a layoff/reduction in force?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Charles County Government