Historic Preservation Planning Technician - (planning Support Technician II) - Planning And Zoning

Job Opportunity at Howard County Government

Howard 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.

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 - $72,092 CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Include 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.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor'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 ENVIRONMENT: The 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 ABILITY:

• Ability 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.

TO 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