JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; full-benefits

This professional position in the Livable Frederick Planning & Design Office is responsible for preparing analyses and planning studies required for the on-going comprehensive/long-range planning function of Frederick County. Direction may be given to support staff; supervision is received from the Director of Livable Frederick and/or the Division Director.

TOTAL COMPENSATON PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much 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 scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 10 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the development of area, corridor, treasured landscape, and functional plans called for in the Livable Frederick Master Plan (LFMP) and the associated Implementation Program
• Assist with the development of state-mandated cyclical plans and plan elements, including the Water Resources Element and the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan
• Assist with the development of the Annual Report to Maryland Department of Planning
• Conduct research and prepare reports on a variety of planning and zoning related topics
• Draft, review, and present planning reports and studies for review and approval by the Planning Commission, County Council, and County Executive
• Make presentations to elected and appointed officials in Frederick County, at the State level, and in the metropolitan area
• Provide professional planning assistance and advice to community members, local organizations, and various boards and commissions on a variety of planning related topics, including but not limited to: land use, transportation, growth management, healthy community best practices, sustainable and environmentally-friendly policies, development and community design considerations, pedestrian-friendly design practices
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned.

• 
  Master's degree in Planning or closely related field
• Minimum 2 years work experience in planning

OR

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or closely related field
• Minimum 4 years work experience in planning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of planning
• Working knowledge of the methods for conducting research and statistical analysis including the use of computer data programs
• Knowledge of computer applications utilized in planning word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic plan review software, and geographic information systems
• Knowledge of zoning and subdivision principles and practices
• Ability to effectively access and utilize GIS, word processing, data management and presentation software
• Ability to effectively organize work and determine priorities, work independently on complex projects, and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare technical reports
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to prepare and present effective reports, maps and charts relative to particular studies
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, elected officials, board members and the general public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position the employee is required to constantly sit; and frequently walk and perform repetitive motions
• While working in this position the employee is generally required to constantly work indoors; and occasionally 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

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 (10 year vesting) 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 employee's 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 $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 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 Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and 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 employee's 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.

Educational Reimbursement Program:
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. 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 doesn't 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 problem.

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 employee's 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, Military.

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