Principal Planner II

Principal Planner II

Salary

$79,757.47 - $135,587.70 Annually

Location

Planning and Permitting Division - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY26-00586

Department

Development Review and Planning

Opening Date

06/11/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; full-benefits

This position performs advanced and specialized professional planning work in support of Frederick County's long-range planning, development review, historic preservation, environmental planning, and community development functions. This classification manages complex planning projects, policy initiatives, regulatory reviews, and technical studies involving comprehensive planning, land use analysis, development applications, public engagement, and implementation of County planning objectives and regulatory requirements. Work includes coordinating with elected officials, boards and commissions, developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and the public to develop planning recommendations, interpret regulations and policies, facilitate public processes, and present technical information related to County planning initiatives and development activities. This classification serves as a lead professional resource for complex planning matters, may coordinate specialized planning programs or major County initiatives, and works under limited supervision from a higher-level planning or management position.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.

The pay rate shown reflects the FY27 pay schedule effective June 27, 2026. If you are hired before this date, your starting rate will be the base of the FY26 pay scale and will be adjusted to the FY27 rate once it becomes effective.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Vesting after 5 years of service

• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage complex planning projects, development reviews, policy initiatives, technical studies, and implementation activities related to County planning objectives and regulations
• Review and evaluate development applications, subdivision plats, zoning requests, environmental studies, and related planning documents for compliance with County plans, ordinances, and regulatory requirements
• Prepare and present technical reports, policy recommendations, planning studies, graphics, correspondence, and public presentations for elected officials, boards, commissions, and stakeholder groups
• Develop and implement comprehensive plans, area plans, corridor studies, preservation initiatives, functional plans, and related long-range planning documents
• Conduct advanced research and technical analysis related to land use, zoning, transportation, environmental resources, historic preservation, urban design, growth management, and community development trends
• Coordinate public engagement activities, stakeholder outreach efforts, advisory committee meetings, Technical Advisory Committee meetings, and interagency collaboration processes related to planning initiatives
• Interpret and apply County, State, and federal planning laws, regulations, policies, and guidance documents to development review, policy development, and planning recommendations
• Lead or coordinate multidisciplinary planning efforts involving County departments, municipalities, regulatory agencies, consultants, community organizations, and private development interests
• Prepare proposed revisions to zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, planning policies, design standards, and related regulatory documents
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping applications, databases, graphic design tools, and data visualization software to analyze information and communicate planning concepts
• Conduct field reviews, site inspections, and data collection activities to support development review, environmental analysis, historic preservation, and planning studies
• Provide professional planning assistance and technical guidance to residents, developers, consultants, elected officials, boards, commissions, and other stakeholders regarding planning processes and regulatory requirements
• Develop transportation elements for all components of the County Comprehensive Plan, with emphasis on active transportation and multi-modal accessibility
• Collaborate with stakeholders to monitor, evaluate, and report on progress toward transportation goals, initiatives, and supporting strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan
• Coordinate the Annual Transportation Priorities Review, including data collection, project evaluation, and preparation of recommendations for County leadershipLead the Toward Zero Deaths Steering Committee, guiding countywide strategies to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on the transportation network
• Maintain the regional travel forecasting model, with consultant support, ensuring demographic, land use, and transportation network inputs remain current and accurate
• Coordinate with transportation agencies at the local, state, and regional levels on transportation projects, programs, and planning initiatives
• Represent the County on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board (TPB) Technical Committee and other advisory bodies, including the County Transportation Services Advisory Council
• Analyze and interpret data to support reports and studies related to land use, transportation, housing, and demographic trends
• Deliver presentations to the Planning Commission, County Council, elected officials, community groups, and the general public on transportation planning topics and project updates
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employees position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Bachelors degree in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, or a related field

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are a Master's Degree in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, or a related field with 3 years of work experience as described above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of applied planning and implementation tools, including those tools appropriate in the regulatory, fiscal, political, and technical environments in the State of Maryland
• Advanced knowledge of larger planning context (federal, state, regional)
• Advanced knowledge of County laws and policies, State laws, State policies & guidance documents relating to land use planning
• Knowledge of land use and planning related laws to help ensure legitimate public decision-making and relevant crafting of regulatory revisions
• Advanced knowledge of County Plans, policies, and regulations and processes
• Advanced skill in technical writing
• Skilled in public speaking
• Skilled in data collection, analysis, and report writing
• Ability to evaluate the implications of various scenarios and decisions related to land use
• Ability to speak to large and small groups in a professional, clear, and calm manner
• Ability to manage staff resources effectively in preparation of reports, studies, data analysis, and background research
• Ability to communicate effectively with advocates and citizens seeking to participate in the local planning process
• Ability to develop a project scope, budget, and timetable, manage staff work tasks, and execute a public outreach effort
• Ability to translate complex concepts related to design, process, and data into visual form to communicate to audiences composed of a wide range of skills and background
• Ability to lead and facilitate the discussion of county planning priorities amongst elected and appointed officials

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Work experience in transportation planning
• Administrative work experience in grant management or grant writing
• Planning related certifications, licenses or professional associations

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit; frequently perform repetitive motions; occasionally walk; and rarely climb/ascend/descend, stoop/kneel/crouch, reach and drive
• While working in the position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; and rarely work outdoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Ability to provide own transportation as needed for field visits and other duties
• Available for evening and/or weekend working hours as needed for meetings and programs

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• A pre-employment physical examination and drug test

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• Less than a Bachelors degree received
• Bachelors degree received
• Advanced degree received

03

If you have earned a Bachelors degree or higher, was it in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of work experience in urban or regional planning, geography, public administration or a related field do you have?

• Less than 3 years of work experience
• 3 years of work experience
• 4 years of work experience
• 5 or more years of work experience

05

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

06

Do you have work experience in transportation planning?

• Yes
• No

07

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

08

Do you have administrative work experience in grant management or grant writing?

• Yes
• No

09

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

10

Do you have planning related certifications, licenses or professional associations?

• Yes
• No

11

Please provide details regarding the certifications, licenses or professional associations information in the text area below.

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs