Located in the "Great Valley" along the Blue Ridge, Hagerstown, Maryland is strategically located at the junction of Interstates 70 and 81. We are a short trip to the cultural centers in Baltimore and Washington, yet distant enough from them to offer a great quality of life combined with a lower cost of living than is available in the metro area. Minutes from Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the City of Hagerstown was founded in 1762 and is home to over 43,000 residents... welcoming new residents all the time! Might you be one?

If nature and history are more your "thing", several state and national parks are in the immediate vicinity of the "Hub City" and our own "City Park" was ranked as the second most beautiful urban park in the United States behind New York's Central Park. Hagerstown is booming, with downtown revitalization led by the renovation of large downtown buildings for a campus of the state's university system, market rate apartments and the recent construction of a new multi-use sports and event facility a block and a half from our center square. This facility is now the home of the Hagerstown "Flying Boxcars" (Atlantic League of Professional Baseball). Hagerstown is seeing significant demand for residential development as well as logistics centers (given our location at the intersection of two major interstate highways).

We are seeking a Planner IV or a Planner V for our soon-to-be created (and tentatively named) Department of Economic Growth and Development which is intended to further build on the City's recent accomplishments. Combining our very responsive planning and zoning team with our state-trend setting economic development team, we are repositioning our operations to maintain and accellerate our growth and revitalization momentum into the future. This new combined team will soon be moving into newly renovated office space for a great workplace environment!

Decision on whether the hire will be at Planner IV or V is dependent upon the qualifications and experience of selected candidate. The possibility of advancement within the department is real given approaching retirements.

The Planner IV/V position is under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director for Planning and will coordinate the City's plan review process for land development (site plans, subdivisions). This position also coordinates the annual update of the City's Land Management Code, in addition to occasional individual piecemeal text amendments. The planning team will be coordinating the update to our Comprehensive Plan in 2025-2028.

The successful candidate will need to analyze data and compile reports, communicate clearly in written and verbal venues and present oral reports effectively at public meetings, and will be required to maintain electronic records and create graphic presentation materials using PowerPoint or similar program.

Demonstrated ability to create presentation materials in GIS/ArcView desired, but absence of GIS/ArcView skills will not disqualify a candidate from consideration. Public speaking to community groups and written and oral presentations to Boards and Commissions in after-hours meetings is required. This position is primary staff to the Planning Commission.

For education, experience and certification expectations, as well as a description of the benefits package please visit the official position description and job announcement on the City's website for details.

Will you be the one to help write the next chapters in the Hagerstown story?