US Lawns
Job Description
This is a highly responsible professional and administrative position in the Town of Bel Air Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD). As Department Head, the Director manages and supervises all Planning Department personnel. The Director provides administrative and technical assistance in planning matters to the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners and Planning Commission. The Director will also coordinate subordinates regarding the Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Tree Committee. The Director is responsible to and works under the direct supervision of the Town Administrator.
Fiscal Year 2026 Pay Range: $94,299 to 165,665.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Manage the overall land use planning function for the Town. Oversee the review of construction and development plans and specifications for compliance with appropriate land use and zoning laws and regulations. Serve as Zoning Administrator for the Town.
Responsible for preparation and enforcement of the Comprehensive Plan and the Town Development Regulations.
Responsible for the community development aspects and the planning function for the Town of Bel Air in coordination with relevant Town departments and Commissions/Boards.
Responsible for providing staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission and the Tree Committee. Responsible for overall transportation planning and parking management within the Town.
Testify as an expert witness before the Circuit Court of Harford County and/or the District Court of Maryland for all matters pertaining to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and before the courts as the Zoning Administrator.
Coordinate transportation and parking needs with other department heads and key staff, through the NTMP (Neighborhood Transportation Management Program) Committee. Coordinate transportation and parking needs with other governmental agencies as necessary.
Responsible for park development and coordination of acquisition and development of Town park land with Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation. Provide oversight and design input for park land development projects.
Responsible for environmental planning activities including forest conservation, floodplain and wetland protection programs. Coordinate these activities through the Deputy Director and appropriate Federal and State agencies, as well as the Town Department of Public Works.
Responsible for providing technical assistance on annexation requests and oversight of the annexation process, as required by the State of Maryland. Serve as Town representative in planning related functions to State, County, and municipal agencies. Prepare reports, surveys, legislation, and in-depth studies on issues affecting planning and community development within the Town. Organize seminars and meetings related to areas of responsibility.
Planning liaison to the Maryland Municipal League, Maryland Department of Planning, Harford County, and other municipalities.
Interdepartmental coordination for sustainability, parking, capital improvement, wellness and related committees.
Responsible for preparation of the department budget and for fiscal accounting of applicable accounts related to the DPCD.
Coordinate the writing of legislation and associated regulations with the Town Attorney and related department heads.
Responsible for facility planning and development for all Town buildings and property in coordination with the Director of Public Works.
Liaison to the Bel Air Farmers Market (BAFM).
Responsible for coordination and administration of The Sustainability Work Group.
Coordinate volunteer activities and scout projects.
Attend required evening meetings.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Ability to plan and direct the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to prepare and present ideas and information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze and interpret plans and specifications for buildings, streets, roads, utilities, landscaping and other improvements of a public or private nature.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of urban and regional planning; pertinent laws and ordinances at all levels of government; research methods and functions of local inter-governmental agencies; and current literature and recent developments in the fields of urban planning, historic preservation, and environmental planning.
Thorough knowledge of economics, municipal finance and sociology as they apply to plans.
Working Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
An active Maryland Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) license or ability to obtain a license.
Must have a valid driver's license.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in planning or related field such as public administration or urban studies from an accredited college with five (5) years of professional experience or a bachelor’s degree with ten (10) years of professional experience.
At least two (2) years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity or with responsibility for program development.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required at the time of hire or must be obtained within one year of employment.
Expertise in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
Ability to walk steps, use ladders, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, move, and carry items that weigh up to twenty pounds frequently or more occasionally; Sitting for extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and detailed data in an office environment. Requires repetitive motion in the operation of a computer.
Company Description The Town of Bel Air’s central location as the county seat has earned the town the slogan as "The Heart of Harford," with the various county and state agencies, regional medical facilities, shopping, entertainment, and recreation opportunities conveniently placed within easy access for citizens of Harford County Maryland. The town’s excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, and historic district add to its appeal for residents and businesses. We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to help us uphold our mission to provide outstanding services that meet the changing needs of its citizens and businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work here. If you want to help us uphold our values of service, respect, communication, and accountability, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application! The Town of Bel Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Benefits
Health Insurance
HSA (Health Savings Account)
Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Expenses on a Pre-tax Basis
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement - Pension (Defined Benefit Plan)
Retirement - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Life Insurance
Short-term and Long-term Disability
Annual Leave Paid Vacation
Sick & Safe Leave
Holidays Paid Leave
Personal Leave
Funeral Leave
Family & Medical Leave
Military Leave
Civil Leave (jury duty)
Service, Safety and Attendance Award Program
Employee Assistance Program
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Fiscal Year 2026 Pay Range: $94,299 to 165,665.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Manage the overall land use planning function for the Town. Oversee the review of construction and development plans and specifications for compliance with appropriate land use and zoning laws and regulations. Serve as Zoning Administrator for the Town.
Responsible for preparation and enforcement of the Comprehensive Plan and the Town Development Regulations.
Responsible for the community development aspects and the planning function for the Town of Bel Air in coordination with relevant Town departments and Commissions/Boards.
Responsible for providing staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission and the Tree Committee. Responsible for overall transportation planning and parking management within the Town.
Testify as an expert witness before the Circuit Court of Harford County and/or the District Court of Maryland for all matters pertaining to the Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, and before the courts as the Zoning Administrator.
Coordinate transportation and parking needs with other department heads and key staff, through the NTMP (Neighborhood Transportation Management Program) Committee. Coordinate transportation and parking needs with other governmental agencies as necessary.
Responsible for park development and coordination of acquisition and development of Town park land with Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation. Provide oversight and design input for park land development projects.
Responsible for environmental planning activities including forest conservation, floodplain and wetland protection programs. Coordinate these activities through the Deputy Director and appropriate Federal and State agencies, as well as the Town Department of Public Works.
Responsible for providing technical assistance on annexation requests and oversight of the annexation process, as required by the State of Maryland. Serve as Town representative in planning related functions to State, County, and municipal agencies. Prepare reports, surveys, legislation, and in-depth studies on issues affecting planning and community development within the Town. Organize seminars and meetings related to areas of responsibility.
Planning liaison to the Maryland Municipal League, Maryland Department of Planning, Harford County, and other municipalities.
Interdepartmental coordination for sustainability, parking, capital improvement, wellness and related committees.
Responsible for preparation of the department budget and for fiscal accounting of applicable accounts related to the DPCD.
Coordinate the writing of legislation and associated regulations with the Town Attorney and related department heads.
Responsible for facility planning and development for all Town buildings and property in coordination with the Director of Public Works.
Liaison to the Bel Air Farmers Market (BAFM).
Responsible for coordination and administration of The Sustainability Work Group.
Coordinate volunteer activities and scout projects.
Attend required evening meetings.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Ability to plan and direct the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Ability to prepare and present ideas and information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze and interpret plans and specifications for buildings, streets, roads, utilities, landscaping and other improvements of a public or private nature.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of urban and regional planning; pertinent laws and ordinances at all levels of government; research methods and functions of local inter-governmental agencies; and current literature and recent developments in the fields of urban planning, historic preservation, and environmental planning.
Thorough knowledge of economics, municipal finance and sociology as they apply to plans.
Working Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.
An active Maryland Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) license or ability to obtain a license.
Must have a valid driver's license.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's degree in planning or related field such as public administration or urban studies from an accredited college with five (5) years of professional experience or a bachelor’s degree with ten (10) years of professional experience.
At least two (2) years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity or with responsibility for program development.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required at the time of hire or must be obtained within one year of employment.
Expertise in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
Ability to walk steps, use ladders, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, move, and carry items that weigh up to twenty pounds frequently or more occasionally; Sitting for extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and detailed data in an office environment. Requires repetitive motion in the operation of a computer.
Company Description The Town of Bel Air’s central location as the county seat has earned the town the slogan as "The Heart of Harford," with the various county and state agencies, regional medical facilities, shopping, entertainment, and recreation opportunities conveniently placed within easy access for citizens of Harford County Maryland. The town’s excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, and historic district add to its appeal for residents and businesses. We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to help us uphold our mission to provide outstanding services that meet the changing needs of its citizens and businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work here. If you want to help us uphold our values of service, respect, communication, and accountability, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application! The Town of Bel Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Benefits
Health Insurance
HSA (Health Savings Account)
Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Expenses on a Pre-tax Basis
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement - Pension (Defined Benefit Plan)
Retirement - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Life Insurance
Short-term and Long-term Disability
Annual Leave Paid Vacation
Sick & Safe Leave
Holidays Paid Leave
Personal Leave
Funeral Leave
Family & Medical Leave
Military Leave
Civil Leave (jury duty)
Service, Safety and Attendance Award Program
Employee Assistance Program
#J-18808-Ljbffr