Job Description:

The Land Management Division Chief is a critical leadership position responsible for protecting Calvert County's environmental and historic resources while navigating complex regulatory frameworks. This strategic role demands expertise in floodplain management, critical area regulations, forest conservation, and historic preservation—balancing competing stakeholder interests under strict federal, state, and local compliance requirements. Leading a team of specialized planners, you'll serve as the county's primary authority on FEMA flood determinations, Critical Area Commission regulations, and DNR/MDE environmental standards. The position requires decisive leadership in high-pressure situations where development proposals, public safety concerns, and preservation mandates intersect. With accountability to multiple regulatory agencies and direct impact on community resilience, this role demands a seasoned professional who can manage complexity, lead with confidence, and make sound judgments when the stakes are high. Master's degree, three years of supervisory planning experience, and AICP/CFM certifications required.

The Land Management Division Chief provides strategic direction and leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of policies and programs related to Critical Area, Floodplain, Forest Conservation, Land Preservation, Historic Preservation, and other environmental department responsibilities. The role ensures the sustainable use and conservation of land resources while balancing ecological, economic, and social considerations. The position supervises a team of historic, rural, and environmental planners. The Land Management Division Chief serves as an expert on complex plans and ordinances governing land use in Calvert County, including  Floodplain Ordinance, FEMA Floodplain insurance rate maps, County liability for flood zone determinations, Critical Area Law, Critical Area Commission Buffer regulations, Forest Conservation, Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations, Maryland Department of the Environment regulations, application of County Board of Appeals procedures in accordance with local and state ordinances, Historic District Preservation, Land Preservation, cultural resources and land preservation zoning determinations, and COMAR and FEMA Federal requirements for interagency collaborations.

This position reports to the Planning and Zoning Deputy Director.

Essential Job Functions

Supervises subordinate staff, providing direction, setting standards and priorities, managing schedules, and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Provides direction to staff reviewing all proposed projects that impact the Floodplain, Forest Conservation, Critical Area, Land Preservation, and Historic Preservation in Calvert County, including building and grading permits, site plans, and subdivisions.

Meets with property owners, representatives of business associations, citizen groups, surveyors, and engineers to discuss the impact of proposed plans. Meets with various officials to discuss proposed plans and regulations and/or makes formal presentations.

Advises and answers questions from planning staff concerning interpretation of plans and ordinances on proposed site plans, subdivisions, and interpretation of regulations.

Performs regulatory planning through the review of submitted development proposals. Meets with applicants about their projects, advises committees on regulations, and applies for and administers grants to support activities, projects, and equipment.

Researches full scope of advanced planning data on projects.

Works with local, State, and Federal partners (MDA, MDE, DNR, FEMA, etc.) on devising and implementing new policies and serves as the principal re-writer of the Critical Area regulations for the Commission.

Drafts goals and objectives and develops innovative solutions to help resolve planning and zoning problems.

Develops or otherwise coordinates methodology for reconciling bonds held for Critical Area (CA) and Forest Conservation planting and establishes streamlined procedures for inspections.

Prepares zoning regulation language for text amendments and comprehensive updates.

Speaks to civic groups, school classes, and government agencies to educate regarding environmental regulations and implications for development projects.

Maintains all records regarding floodplain projects and provides outreach for citizen inquiries.

Prepares scope of work selection procedures, drafts contacts for consultants, and coordinates consultants’ work as applicable.

Other Duties

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledges, Abilities and Skills (These are pre-employment KASs that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)

Knowledge of--

• Complex plans/ordinances governing land use (e.g., floodplains, flood zone determinations, critical area law and regulations, forest conservation, historic preservation, land preservation, cultural resources, and land preservation zoning determinations).

• Applicable State regulations (e.g., Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Department of the Environment).  

• Principles of regulatory planning and project development review, including building and grading permits, site plans, and subdivisions.

Ability to--

• Lead and manage a high-performing team, daily operations, and policy development and implementation.

• Manage multiple projects and competing demands under stringent deadlines.

• Apply sound judgment to resolve technical issues and problems.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including business owners, surveyors, government officials, and citizen groups.

• Draft and explain/interpret complex regulations.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)

Training and/or Education:

Master’s degree required in planning, environmental science/studies, or a related field.

Experience:

Three years of professional planning or related experience managing daily operations, projects, customer service, and policy development and implementation. Must include supervisory experience.

Licenses or Certificates:

Must have AICP and CFM certifications or obtain them within six months of hire.

Special Requirements:

None

Physical Demands:

Work primarily completed in an office setting, with occasional field work for site inspections.

Outdoor field work may involve exposure to dirt and dust, rain or snow, and extremes of hot or cold weather.

Operation of computer and mobile devices (phone, tablet).

Unusual Demands:

Work may include evening meetings as required.

Frequent work interruptions.

Strict deadlines for completing projects.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Compensation Steps:

Department of Planning and Zoning

Pay rate: $90,072 - $103,358 annually

Grade 727, contract position, 35 hours per week

Position will remain open until filled

This is a contractual (non-merit) position. The employee will be required to sign an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Contractual positions are reviewed annually by the Board of County Commissioners to determine continued employment with the Calvert County Government.

This position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs.

Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• 15 days of sick leave

• 10 days of annual leave

• 5 days of personal leave

• 13 paid holidays *14 in an election year

• Defined Contribution Plan

• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

• 35-Hour workweek

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Flexible spending accounts

• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement

• Gym membership discounts

Please Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.

Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruitment@calvertcountymd.gov with as much notice as possible.