Category: 
Job
Organization: 
The University of Maryland Center for Smart Growth
Close date: 
Thursday, October 10, 2024


Location: Wheaton, MD

Planning Associate

Closing: 10/25/2024

Description

The University of Maryland Center for Smart Growth is seeking a Planning Associate to work at the Montgomery County Planning Department to advance the goals of the department related to community equity, economic health, and environmental resilience.

This position is in Montgomery Planning’s Director’s Office but would also assist the Research and Strategic Projects Division and the Countywide Planning and Policy Division to advance the goals of the department related to community equity, economic health and environmental resilience. Examples of job functions and projects for the Fall 2024 semester include:

  • Attainable Housing Strategies initiative
  • Local Housing Targets
  • Climate Action Plan support
  • Responding to data requests and mapping support
  • Creation of a methodology for fair housing assessments in master plans
  • MPDU changes and senior housing workgroup legislation #Master Plan Reality Check
  • Advancing the concept of Complete Communities and Corridor Growth Concepts
  • Thrive Montgomery 2050 implementation work

The types of assignments will include:

  • Researching and synthesizing information from past master plans, development approvals and other sources to assess how plans have been implemented, including what community facilities and amenities have been created through public and private investments.
  • Using ESRI ArcGIS to analyze development pipelines and build outs versus the vision of the master plan.
  • Using GIS, land use, and real estate analysis to assess past development patterns along corridors.
  • Support the department’s quadrennial update to the county’s Growth and Infrastructure Policy – a tool to administer the county’s adequate public facilities ordinance
  • Creating a methodology for fair housing assessments in master plans
  • Working on legislation to update the county’s Moderately Priced Dwelling Units program and senior housing.
  • Conducting research to help refine the concept of complete communities and document assets in Montgomery County’s various centers.
  • Obtaining and analyzing data from a range of sources (e.g., US Census, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate market databases, etc.) to complete one-off research assignments or information requests, as needed.
  • Creating accurate, easily comprehensible, thoroughly documented charts, maps, and graphics to share findings from research in written and online interactive formats.
  • Coordinating with staff in other divisions to obtain information about master plans and proposed development as needed.

Education and Experience:

  • Master’s degree in urban planning or similar field,
  • OR a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a similar field combined with two years of full time employment in a professional planning environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Proficiency with GIS, data analysis and visualization tools (Tableau, etc.). Previous experience creating story maps in ArcGIS Online or a similar program is a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Teams).
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to work on multiple assignments independently and meet deadlines.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Enthusiasm for qualitative and quantitative urban planning research.

Top Benefits and Perks:

Faculty Benefits Summary: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/1231/docs/2079812.pdf

How to Apply:

Apply online at this link: https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/123351