Town Planner

The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Town Planner. The Town Planner is responsible for the performance of supervisory, administrative, technical and professional work in current and long-range planning related to the development and implementation of land use and related municipal plans and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type 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.

• Manages and supervises planning operations to achieve goals using available resources.

• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans.

• Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinated department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

• Provides professional planning and land use advice, including presentations, to planning board members, other public officials and the general public;

• Evaluates land use proposals for conformity with established plans and bylaws.

• Evaluates land use proposals to ensure compliance with applicable Town, State or Federal laws.

• Resolves complex and sensitive customer service issues for residents, developers and the general public.

• Serves as a liaison to various local and regional staff committees on behalf of the Planning Board.

• Negotiates, coordinates and manages planning consultant contracts, including engineering plan review, construction inspection and public infrastructure reviews.

• Reviews various permits and plans/proposals within scope of authority and responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under administrative direction, the incumbent works from municipal policies goals and objectives; establishes short-range plans and objectives, Town performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results; consults with the Community Development and Health Department Director and Assistant Town Manager where clarification, interpretation, or exception to municipal policy may be required or as requested by the Community Development and Health Department Director, Assistant Town Manager, Town Manager and the Planning Board.

The incumbent participates in the development of departmental policies, goals, objectives and budgets and is expected to resolve all conflicts, which arise and coordinate with others as necessary. Results of work are normally accepted for technical accuracy. Federal, State and local laws and regulations relating to this work must be observed and followed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Employee, as a regular and continuing part of the job, is accountable for the quality and quantity of work done by subordinates, including architects and engineers, and assures the accomplishment of the assigned work in the prescribed manner. Supervisory functions typically consist of most of the following: plans, schedules and coordinates work operations to meet schedules, deadlines and priorities; revises work schedules to meet changes in workload or availability of manpower; recommends and justifies to higher levels of management changes in the organization of work, work methods or assignment of functions to positions that may affect staffing patterns, costs, work standards, etc.; assigns work based on varying capabilities of employees; assures that completed work meets the required standard of quality, timeliness and cost, taking corrective actions as necessary, including rejecting the work; gives advice and instruction on both administrative and work matters; informs subordinates of organizational policies, goals and procedures, has substantial responsibility for technical soundness of subordinates’ work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or a closely related field with five years of experience; Master’s degree preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification desired.

Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the legal and procedural aspects of planning, zoning and other land use regulations. Working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications. Ability to meet and deal with the public effectively and appropriately; ability to handle problems and emergencies effectively; ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to maintain confidential information; ability to maintain, manage, and organize records relating to licenses, permits, maps, blueprints, overlay, and sketches pertinent to urban planning and development programs and projects; ability to deal appropriately with external clients of the department, Town employees, Town officials and other state and federal governmental agencies. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a detailed and effective manner in accordance with time constraints. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient data processing skills. Excellent personnel management skills. Skill in the area of drafting and designing.

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Minimal physical demands are required to perform most of the work. The work principally involves sitting, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking and standing, particularly when helping customers, visiting locations and at meetings. May be required to lift objects such as files, boxes of papers and other office supplies, weighing up to 30 pounds.