Historic Preservation Planning Technician - (Planning Support Technician II) - Planning and Zoning

Position Summary/Class DescriptionHoward County:Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.Howard County GovernmentHoward County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.What are we looking for?We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.POSITION SUMMARY:This is technical planning work in support of the Department of Planning and Zoning’s Resource Conservation Division. This Division is responsible for Environmental, Agricultural and Historic Preservation and this position will primarily support its historic preservation programs. Work can cover a broad range of topics, such as historic preservation, development plan review, land use and zoning, relevant to the Resource Conservation Division, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board. Work also includes compiling and analyzing data, preparing oral and written reports and presentations, and assisting with the review of applications, along with the evaluation of the impact development projects may have on historic resources. This position works under the general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.Starting Salary Hiring Range$27.23 - $34.66$56,645 - $72,092Class DescriptionPerforms advanced technical level planning and zoning support work under general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes the final review and processing of plans, building permit applications; and carrying out other planning and zoning related procedures. Collects and enters data for use in the planning database and assists the public at the service counter.Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810***Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesInclude the following. Other related duties may be assigned.Assists in reviewing applications to the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as preparing staff reports and Minor Alteration determinations. Utilizes design guidelines, the County Code, and general preservation and architectural knowledge to draft reports and other determinations. Attends meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board and performs routine administrative tasks, including drafting meeting minutes, scheduling and setting-up in-person, virtual and hybrid meetings, maintaining project files, and drafting correspondence. Conducts preliminary review of subdivision and site development plans, alternative compliance requests, conditional uses and other zoning or land development actions involving historic properties and resources. Conducts site visits and performs field work as needed for application review, documentation of historic properties or to review conformance with historic planning policies and regulations.Assists in conducting studies and surveys. Collects and compiles population, land use, historic resource, and other data; analyzes data; and manages and updates databases and other data tracking documents. Assist in the daily operations of the division including general administrative and technical tasks, such as updating County web pages and preparing mailings.Assists with the documentation of historic properties through photography, measured drawings and historical research. This may include expanding documentation of the County’s historic resources to reflect their diverse cultural and ethnic context. Assists with evaluating applications for Demolition Permits, referring appropriate historic structures to the Historic Preservation Commission for consideration to add to the Historic Sites Inventory, as well as possibly saving the structure from demolition or salvage by deconstruction.Assists in applying for, and administering, various grant programs.Assists the division with maintaining historic cemetery and historic sites inventories and Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board tasks.Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels. Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:This position has no supervisory responsibilities.Minimum Required Education/ExperienceHigh School Diploma or GED and two (2) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesBachelor’s Degree in historic preservation, architectural history, city and regional planning, urban planning, architecture, or a related field. Knowledge of the principles, practices, goals and objectives of historic preservation and restoration and community planning and zoning. Working knowledge of historic preservation, architecture and urban design, architectural terminology, with the ability to review site plans and building elevations.Working knowledge and ability to conduct historic research, title and deed searches and documentation of historic properties. Knowledge of the Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Inventory of Historic Property (MIHP) program.Knowledge of working in a local government planning office and supporting public boards and commissions.Knowledge of applying for and managing grants. Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Ability to read, comprehend and interpret documents relating to land use, zoning, environmental planning, public facilities, and information technology, among others.Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and to produce accurate final documents.Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze research data and present it in written/graphic form; Ability to analyze and evaluate land use and development plans and condition sound practical recommendations.Ability to analyze and prepare statistical or technical reports.Ability to use a computer to access information, conduct research, communicate via videoconferencing platforms, and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations.Ability to speak effectively before individuals, citizen groups, and public bodies; Ability to maintain records.Ability to maintain effective working relationships with County representatives, applicants, and the public.Ability to work independently, handle multiple deadlines, set individual priorities, manage time effectively, and apply consistently sound judgment. Physical Demands And Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, And Reasoning AbilityAbility to read, analyze, and interpret applications forms, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write minutes, reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Additional InformationTO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.01Your application, which includes any supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly describe the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) for each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.I have read and understand the language outlined above.02Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $56,645 - $72,092Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.03Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience performing advanced technical level planning and zoning support work?YesNo04If you possess two (2) years of experience performing advanced technical level planning and zoning support work, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 05Do you possess knowledge of the principles, practices, goals and objectives of historic preservation and restoration and community planning and zoning?YesNo06If you possess knowledge of the principles, practices, goals and objectives of historic preservation and restoration and community planning and zoning, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 07Do you possess a working knowledge of historic preservation, architecture and urban design, architectural terminology, with the ability to review site plans and building elevations?YesNo08If you possess a working knowledge of historic preservation, architecture and urban design, architectural terminology, with the ability to review site plans and building elevations, please explain where you acquired this knowledge include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 09Do you possess knowledge of the Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Inventory of Historic Property (MIHP) program?YesNo10If you possess knowledge of the Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Inventory of Historic Property (MIHP) program, please explain where you acquired this knowledge include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 11Do you possess customer service and public contact experience?YesNo12If you possess customer service and public contact experience, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 13Do you possess a working knowledge and ability to conduct historic research, title, and deed searches and documentation of historic properties?YesNo14If you possess a working knowledge and ability to conduct historic research, title, and deed searches and documentation of historic properties, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 15Do you possess experience scheduling and setting up in-person, virtual, and hybrid meetings, maintaining project files, drafting correspondence and meeting minutes?YesNo16If you possess experience scheduling and setting up in-person, virtual, and hybrid meetings, maintaining project files, drafting correspondence and meeting minutes, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response. 17Do you possess experience using Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop software systems?YesNo18If you possess experience using you Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop software systems software systems, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.19Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)?BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedNone20I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.I have read and understand the language outlined above.21I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.I have read and understand the language outlined above. Required Question