MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 7924
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND (Non-Merit)

CLASS SPECIFICATION

DEPARTMENT OF PERMITTING SERVICES

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is executive-level work directing the operation of the Department of Permitting Services. Contacts are with high-ranking legislative and executive officials within County Government, officials of equivalent rank in other governmental jurisdictions, developers, and private sector and community organizations or groups. The purposes of the contacts include presenting, justifying and defending controversial policy positions where conflicting and opposing viewpoints, goals and objectives are strongly advocated and must be reconciled to develop suitable alternatives or arrive at acceptable solutions in the development process.

The employee in this class plans, develops, implements, and evaluates overall policies concerning the County's regulation of construction and land development/issuance of construction permits, ensuring compliance with building codes and zoning laws; inspection of well, septic and fire protection systems; review of water quality issues, to ensure that builders have planned for sediment control/stormwater management; restriction of construction on flood plains; and monitoring of special protection areas where stricter building codes apply. The Director, DPS, administers the work of subordinate managers involving the review of proposed development plans, stormwater management designs, and building permit applications to ensure responsive, customer-friendly service and compliance with applicable Federal, State, and County regulations and codes. This work is performed under broadly defined missions and functions, and general administrative direction with little technical guidance. Services provided by the Department of Permitting Services are to be integrated and coordinated, internally and externally, so that customers receive responsive, timely, and informed service in a one-stop, seamless manner. The employee exercises full and final accountability for all matters associated with achieving the Department mission and the timely completion of work assignments related thereto. The Director determines the work to be performed, the methods utilized, and the standards of performance. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative, and are evaluated in terms of the Department's role in protecting public health and safety. Guidelines consist of broad policy directives and basic legislation, and require the employee to apply considerable judgment in interpreting the intent of the guidelines in generating specific policies and in formulating and implementing policy initiatives. Complexity of the work derives from the extensive planning involved, knowledge of current methods and state of the art construction technology and techniques, and coordination of a broad, interrelated spectrum of code compliance areas. The work of the Director involves consideration of issues concerning safe construction practices, occupancy of safe structures, healthful environmental conditions, and ensuring public health and safety; the development of solutions, including legislative changes, to expedite and facilitate the development process; and addressing the conflicting objectives of a variety of business and private organizations, groups, and individuals.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Develops and initiates code enforcement inspection, permitting, and development programs and guidelines to promote the safety and well-being of County residents, building/business owners and operators.
Directs inspection activities to ensure compliance with State and County regulations and codes concerning construction, land development and zoning; issuance of construction permits; zoning; inspection of well, septic and fire protection systems; and sediment control/stormwater management.
Directs the enforcement of and revisions to County and State building codes and zoning ordinances.
Conducts studies to determine problems, develops/revises practices and procedures for carrying out Departmental programs, and provides for their regular review and revision.
Directs the preparation and administration of the Department's annual budget.
Coordinates the preparation of reports and recommendations for the County Council and the County Board of Appeals concerning zoning appeals and hearings.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with local, regional, State and Federal agencies engaged in the regulation of construction
and development, zoning, health and water quality issues; and with news media and the general public.
Provides educational outreach to governmental organizations and business, community and civic groups concerning the objectives and activities of Departmental programs.
Performs other related duties as required.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Extensive (7 years) experience in construction, environmental, or zoning code enforcement and/or permitting services/related public administration work, with at least four (4) years in a managerial or supervisory capacity which included responsibility for fund and budget administration, program planning, implementation and administration.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in engineering, physical sciences, community planning, public administration, or a related field.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of advanced building construction methods, practices, materials, and equipment, and of structural engineering principles and practices.
Extensive knowledge of modern methods, principles, techniques and practices of public health engineering.
Extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental protection policies and standards.
Thorough knowledge of local government functions and organizations, including budgeting and financial administration.
Knowledge of and skill in implementing reengineering processes, customer focused services, quality management, case management processing and accountability.
Skill in planning, developing, coordinating, integrating, implementing and administering a broad range of code enforcement inspection/permitting service functions and programs to achieve a one-stop, seamless permitting services operation.
Skill in negotiating agreements which address, resolve, or accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups, organizations, and individuals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other governmental and bi-county agencies, business interests, private organizations, and the general public.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, and to develop justifications of decisions reached.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office.

LICENSE: None.

MEDICAL GROUP: Medical History Review.

Class Established: September, 1996
Revised: December, 2002