Job Summary
Supervises the staff and operations of the Environmental Planning Division in its review of development projects and permits to ensure consistency with environmental regulations, including, but not limited to the critical area and floodplain. Manages case load of the Board of Appeals and its supporting staff and supervises the staff that provide administrative support for the Commission on the Environment. Performs other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions
- Supervises the daily operations and activities of the Environmental Planning Division staff, consisting of two Planners and one Senior Planning Specialist;
- Supervises the timely review of development applications to ensure that proposed development is consistent with the Critical Area Program and the County’s Floodplain Ordinance;
- Makes periodic recommendations for updates to the County’s Critical Area Program and Floodplain Ordinance and assists in the management of third-party consultants to prepare updates, as needed;
- Manages the case load of the Board of Appeals and ensures that all public notice requirements are satisfied in accordance with local ordinances;
- Supervises the preparation and presentation of the Board of Appeals Annual Report;
- Guides staff in the preparation and presentation of staff reports for variances, conditional use approvals, and administrative appeals, as needed;
- Serves as the Department’s representative in inter-agency collaboration with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Critical Area Commission and its staff;
- Serves as, or provides support to, the St. Mary’s County Representative for the Patuxent River Commission;
- Conducts periodic evaluation of all Division staff, establishes qualitative and quantitative benchmarks for staff; monitors continuing education of staff to facilitate professional development;
- Collaborates with other divisions and the Office of the County Attorney in curing violations, as needed;
- Prepares and manages the Division’s annual budget; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to gain advanced knowledge of St. Mary’s County Government policies and procedures;
- Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary’s County Government to the public;
- Knowledge of and experience in administering environmental regulations, such as the County’s Critical Area Program;
- Knowledge of and experience in administering floodplain regulations; ability to become a certified floodplain manager;
- Knowledge of the principles of land use planning and zoning;
- Ability to effectively communicate with the public, elected officials, appointed boards, attorneys, design professionals, outside regulatory agencies, and county staff;
- Ability to supervise and motivate staff;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills;
- Must be able to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and experience in current planning and development review; or
- Minimum eight years of experience in current planning and development review; and
- Pursuing certification for membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners, if not a current member or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience; and
- Successful completion of Leadership Academy or similar course work
Physical and Environmental Conditions:Work requires no unusual demand for physical effort.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of offices or meeting rooms.
Must apply safe workplace practices in using office equipment and must exercise appropriate care to avoid trips and falls.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
