Small Business Navigator

JOB INFORMATION

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday – Friday; 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. full-benefits. Partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies. This position serves as the lead coordinator and project manager for Division of Planning and Permitting, overseeing planning, development review, zoning, permitting and inspection processes for small businesses, homeowners, and other applicants. The role provides guidance, and facilities effective and efficient communication by helping to expedite Division’s processes and resolve issues for large, complex capital improvement projects (CIP), including FCPS and other county-priority initiatives. The position provides technical and procedural oversight from initial planning through occupancy, ensures regulatory compliance, and leads process and workflow improvement efforts that reduce barriers and enhance service delivery. The role also supports strategic initiatives of the County Executive and Administration by resolving high-level issues, advising leadership on regulatory or policy changes, and coordinating with municipalities and agency partners. Direction is given to staff; supervision is received from the Deputy Division Director of Planning and Permitting. NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year. For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage complex projects, including CIP, FCPS, and county-priority initiatives, directing project activities from planning and design through construction and occupancy
• Provide effective and efficient support to ensure projects move through the planning, permitting, and construction processes in an expedited manner
• Oversee and ensure the effective operation of division processes across planning, development review, permitting, and inspections, ensuring coordination across all workgroups and partner agencies
• Serve as the principal coordinator for small businesses, homeowners, and applicants, directing communication, engagement, and navigation through planning and permitting processes
• Represent the division in high-level interactions with senior managers, division directors, department heads, municipalities, and elected officials to ensure leadership priorities, initiatives, and strategic directives are implemented effectively
• Carry out strategic initiatives of the County Executive and County Administration by eliminating barriers, improving programs, and providing high-visibility support based on evolving priorities
• Advise the County Executive, County Administration, County Council, Directors and other lead agencies, of any action needed to assist small business to comply with County planning and permitting regulations and requirements
• Lead conflict resolution and cross-agency problem-solving by evaluating issues, coordinating with technical experts, and implementing compliant and effective solutions to complex permitting, development, or inspection challenges
• Oversee and lead workflow and process improvements and policy changes by analyzing division operations, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing updated procedures that enhance efficiency and reduce barriers for small businesses
• Provide direction and guidance to staff across multiple disciplines involved in development review, zoning, permitting, engineering, inspections, and communications
• Manage business inquiries and project assignments by directing applicants through pre-application, review, permitting, inspection, and completion phases
• Provide oversight of applicant assistance, including reviewing complex issues, conducting independent research, offering recommendations, and resolving permitting or application conflicts
• Lead stakeholder engagement along with Office of Economic Development and represent the division in public-facing activities, including project briefings, presentations, workshops, and outreach efforts to chambers of commerce, realtor associations, municipalities, and community groups
• Direct the development, implementation, and improvement of standard operating procedures governing small business interaction, client communication, and project workflow
• Develop handouts and informational bulletins that outline the review and approval processes for applicants
• Investigate and resolve challenges applicants face while working through the planning, zoning and permitting application and approval processes, work closely with other agencies on behalf of those applicants
• Maintain and update applicant support systems, including databases, metrics, reports, and annual summaries to leadership and elected officials
• Participate in pre-application meetings with business owners, contractors, and review agencies
• Assist other staff in responding to emails and calls from applicants and other stakeholders
• Coordinate with the Office of Economic Development and division communications staff to develop and update public-facing resources that help applicants understand and navigate regulatory requirements
• Conduct site visits and field assessments with small business owners to evaluate project conditions, resolve issues, and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor's degree in planning, civil engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in planning, zoning, land use, construction codes, or a closely related field

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are an Associate’s Degree with 8 years experience or a Master’s Degree with 4 year experience KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Advanced knowledge of the functions, operations, and interdependencies of government agencies involved in development review and planning including site planning, subdivision, and land-use planning
• Advanced knowledge of the construction industry, including applicant submission requirements, building and zoning codes, and basic engineering principles
• Advanced knowledge of all permitting types and the full lifecycle of planning, development review, permitting, inspection, and occupancy processes
• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes governing planning, zoning, development, and construction, including Frederick County’s permitting processes and workflows
• Advanced knowledge of project management principles, process improvement methodologies, and workflow analysis
• Intermediate knowledge of construction industry practices and related terminology
• Ability to demonstrate technical judgment when assisting with planning and permitting processes
• Strong and effective written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports and information to leadership, elected officials, and the public
• Skill in customer service, including handling sensitive, confidential and complex inquiries and dealing with individuals with varying levels of understanding of planning and permitting requirements
• Skill in evaluating processes to identify inefficiencies, conflicts, or opportunities for improvement
• Skill in data analysis, tracking, reporting, and presenting findings to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to independently problem-solve to resolve complaints and respond to inquiries via email, phone, or in person
• Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft 365, project review and project management tools, permitting software, and related application processing systems
• Ability to facilitate communication and collaboration across multiple public-sector agencies, municipal partners, and internal work groups
• Ability to work with department and division leadership to improve service delivery through the development and implementation of revised procedures and protocols
• Ability to manage complex, multi-phase projects through pre-application, review, construction, and completion, while administering multiple project assignments simultaneously
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, developers, business owners, government agencies, municipalities, and the public, including individuals with differing backgrounds, objectives, and priorities

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Experience working with a municipal or county government
• Work experience maintaining Division of Planning and Permitting processes and procedures

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to consistently sit and rarely lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to consistently work indoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include):

• An evaluation of training and qualifications
• One or more interviews

Benefits

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year 0 – 2 years 11 days 2 – 10 years 17 days 10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement. NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013. Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov