State of Maryland

A Planner I is the entry level of work in the field of land use, environmental, community development or transportation planning.  Employees in this classification  conduct research and prepare analyses, studies or background reports on issues regarding growth and demographic trends and projections and best practices on state, regional and local plans.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from a higher-level Planner.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria defined in the Nature of Work and Example of Work sections of the class specification.

The Planner I, Planner II and Planner III are differentiated on the basis of degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The Planner I learns to perform duties under close supervision.  The Planner II performs duties under close supervision at times and under general supervision at other times depending on the complexity of the specific duty being performed.  The Planner III performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Learns to prepare and conduct various phases of research and planning projects related to the development and use of land, water, transportation, community or natural resources by assisting in obtaining, analyzing and conducting research on information concerning demographic, socio-economic, political, cultural, geographic and land-use trends;

Learns to compile economic and statistical data to be used as part of a comprehensive plan for the utilization of resources in a given area;

Learns to provide technical assistance and advice to community and civic organizations interested in the development and planning of their area and in obtaining federal assistance for such projects;

Learns to plan and prepare charts, manuals, maps, and pamphlets regarding existing and proposed use of resources in a particular area;

Learns to review and prepare reports on the effects of proposed legislation on existing and contemplated development and planning programs;

Learns to outline proposed studies, write reports, and make statistical analyses and projections;

Learns to meet with public officials, local, regional and State planning commissions, civic groups, community agencies, associations and the general public to assist in providing advice and technical assistance in the development, review and administration of growth plans and urban renewal;

Learns to collect, create, edit, maintain, analyze, distribute and plot GIS data and perform mapping and data analysis tasks including producing graphic and tabular data;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the procedures for collecting, analyzing and producing research data;

Knowledge of subdivision plans, zoning maps and related documents;

Knowledge in conducting mapping research and maintaining and updating databases using GIS computer aided drafting and other software;

Ability to perform routine research tasks;

Ability to present reports clearly and concisely;

Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, community representatives and the general public.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university that includes 30 credit hours in Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Architecture, Public Administration, Engineering, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Economics, Public Finance, Political Science, Sociology, Regional Science, Information Technology or Urban Affairs.

Experience:  None.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Logistics, Urban Planning, Architect, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst or Crytologic classifications; or Logistics, Urban Planning, Architect specialty codes in the Architect field of work, on a year-for-year basis, for the required education.  

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series.  NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance level in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class, as defined by the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.