What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Director position at Town of Amherst?
Department:
Planning
Job Status:
Full-Time
Days:
Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri.
Status:
Open Until Filled
Details:
This is a full-time benefited position that offers a starting annual rate of $95,844 - $128,806 depending on experience and/or qualifications.
Planning Director
Planning Department
FLSA Exempt
Non-Union Level: 9
Job Summary:
Serves as the Town's principal professional planner, responsible for administering the land use planning program and for developing or directing the development of a variety of short and long range planning projects and analyses.
Supervision Received:
Works under the broad supervision of the Director of Conservation and Development, who outlines policy, assigns areas of responsibility, and evaluates performance. Performs regular duties independently, within applicable State and local laws, policies, and procedures.
Supervision Exercised:
The Planning Director is responsible for the supervision, guidance and evaluation of all support and technical staff associated with the Planning function.
Major Duties:
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in urban, rural or regional planning or related field or 4 6 years’ experience in municipal planning, 2 years of which is in a supervisory capacity, or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating above knowledge and ability to perform above duties.
Thorough knowledge of municipal planning principles and techniques including the fields of land use planning, economics, demographic sociological problems, transportation and zoning. Extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications. skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public; and ability to establish effective working relationships.
Special Requirements:
None.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal computer, Microsoft Office applications; motor vehicle; standard office equipment;
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or 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, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
FLSA Exempt
Non-Union Level: 9
Job Summary:
Serves as the Town's principal professional planner, responsible for administering the land use planning program and for developing or directing the development of a variety of short and long range planning projects and analyses.
Supervision Received:
Works under the broad supervision of the Director of Conservation and Development, who outlines policy, assigns areas of responsibility, and evaluates performance. Performs regular duties independently, within applicable State and local laws, policies, and procedures.
Supervision Exercised:
The Planning Director is responsible for the supervision, guidance and evaluation of all support and technical staff associated with the Planning function.
Major Duties:
- Prepares annual budget, approves payrolls, authorizes purchases and payment of bills, supervises and trains personnel and carries out administrative policies of the Town.
- Supervises and participates in the preparation of and interpretation of comprehensive reports and plans for development of the land and related resources of the Town, including the physical redevelopment of specific areas, transportation, community development, conservation and open space preservation, and historical, architectural, and scenic areas
- Provides continuous technical assistance to the Planning staff and other staff within the functional area (Conservation, Inspections, Community Development), and to the Town boards that they support including with regard to zoning, subdivision regulation, and other local development regulations as well as population analysis, preparation, distribution and analyses of surveys, site assessment. Provides recommendations for Planning Board action and serving as the primary staff consultant in land use matters.
- Conducts research, develops recommendations and alternatives regarding a wide range of planning matters such as zoning by law revisions and subdivision regulation revisions, and helps to develop comprehensive and specialized land use maps and plans.
- Manages the development, submission and administration of all planning and community development related grants.
- Confers with and advises the public, town officials, and others in technical aspects of zoning and planning, including knowledge of state statute and regulations, municipal by law regulations, regional policies and relevant court decisions. may serve as a representative of the Town in Regional Planning groups and in discussions with UMass, Amherst College and Hampshire College.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in urban, rural or regional planning or related field or 4 6 years’ experience in municipal planning, 2 years of which is in a supervisory capacity, or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating above knowledge and ability to perform above duties.
Thorough knowledge of municipal planning principles and techniques including the fields of land use planning, economics, demographic sociological problems, transportation and zoning. Extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications. skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public; and ability to establish effective working relationships.
Special Requirements:
None.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Personal computer, Microsoft Office applications; motor vehicle; standard office equipment;
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or 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, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
The Town enjoys a long tradition of active, participatory, & professional government, and seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.
Disclaimer
Smoking Policy:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts General Laws, smoking is not allowed in Town buildings. Also, Massachusetts General Laws state that no person who smokes any tobacco product shall be eligible for appointment as a police officer or firefighter.
Background Check:
All candidates that are offered a position with the Town must successfully complete a background investigation, which may include a pre-employment physical, pre-placement drug test, CORI and SORI checks.
Salary : $95,844 - $128,806
