MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 4405

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 18

CLASS SPECIFICATION

PLANNING SPECIALIST I

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is beginning level work in a planning specialization such as community development, environmental planning, land use or transportation planning. Contacts include senior planning specialists, staff from other departments/agencies, consultants/contractors, developers, and community leaders for the purpose of obtaining or providing information. Employees in this class provide little or no direct public service or assistance.

An employee in this class performs relatively standardized tasks relating to a portion of a study or project such as compiling demographic or transportation data pertinent to community development or transportation management issues. Work is assigned by the supervisor or higher level staff personnel who define objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and provide guidance on appropriate methods to carry out assignments. The employee carries out routine planning assignments independently and, after receiving on-the-job training, receives more difficult projects and assignments. Completed work is thoroughly reviewed by the supervisor or a higher level staff personnel for technical soundness and conformity to requirements. Guidelines, which consist of previously completed projects, verbal instructions, and applicable procedures, may not cover new or unusual situations, and may require some modification to apply to certain assignments. The complexity of the work is characterized by duties that involve analyzing data or situations to determine an appropriate course of action from among many alternatives within a narrowly defined area of concern, such as analyzing individual community needs to develop recommendations on potential locations, areas and buildings that accommodate those needs; or analyzing traffic/parking data to prepare projection reports. The work involves dealing with conventional problems in conformance with established policies and procedures and ultimately affects the design and operation of planning programs. The work is primarily sedentary, performed in a normal office environment, and is not associated with any unusual hazards or physical demands.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Collects, compiles and analyzes population, transportation, housing, land use, census and other data; determines standard factors and variables to be used in analysis of data; and develops projection reports of findings.

Computes acreage that can be developed and the number of dwelling units that can be handled on a particular site; conducts studies and surveys to collect specific land use and transportation demand data.

Develops charts and graphs indicating population, transportation and other land use factors; converts technical planning maps to clearly representative maps for the public's use.

Prepares routine and special reports of research data on existing parking characteristics and recommendations for operational changes for review and action by supervisors.

Collects, analyzes, and summarizes information and data in the preparation of detailed narrative reports which present population characteristics, current and proposed zoning and land use designations, arrangements of streets and utilities, and service or facility needs of citizens.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Some (1 year) experience in a planning specialization.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate planning specialization or related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of the planning specialization appropriate to the assignment of the position.

Knowledge of the methods of statistical analysis and skill in interpreting numerical research data.

Knowledge of how communities, as a whole, and their component systems function and develop.

Skill in preparing and presenting effective reports, maps, and charts relative to planning projects.

Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to deal tactfully, effectively and equitably with people.

Ability to attend meetings or perform work assignments at locations outside the office.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to

serve a probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Medical History Review

Class Established: August 1987

August 1995(M)

October 1999