Town Planner

TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: TOWN PLANNER

Department Position Located: PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Reports to: TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

Full Time X

Part-Time

Classification: (Check which union applies)

• *Police Dispatchers Laborers' International Union of North America, Local Union 808

• *Teamsters Local Union 251

X Memorandum of Understanding Charlestown Professional Management Association

• *Collective Bargaining Agreement - Washington County Fraternal Offer of Police

• *Not applicable

SUMMARY Of POSITION: Under the general supervision of the Town Administrator, the Town Planner will be responsible for management of the Planning Department and its staff in assisting the Charlestown Planning Commission in their statutory review and approval authority over land development and subdivision projects and comprehensive planning, and to undertake that review and approval authority where state law requires administrative approval.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDuties and responsibility include but may not be limited to the following.

· Serve as the Administrative Officer for the Town of Charlestown.

· Review all land development and subdivision applications for completeness, consistency with local and state regulations, and potential developmental impacts with recommendations for approval.

· Work with applicants and developers and their professional staff to meet town requirements and fulfill town procedures.

· Provide information to the general public on local regulations and policies and the status of on-going applications and developments

· Provide professional support to the Charlestown Planning Commission in the areas of land development, state land use and environmental law, and comprehensive planning including topics such as, but not limited to: housing, energy, natural resources, transportation and recreation.

· Prepare documents for and attend all meetings and workshops of the Planning Commission.

· Serve as chair of the Charlestown Technical Review Committee.

· Provide technical and planning support to other boards and commissions, including the Town Council, as needed.

· Maintain all files associated with the Charlestown Comprehensive Plan including updates, amendments, implementation efforts and communications with state agencies and adjoining communities.

· Work in conjunction with the Charlestown Building/Zoning, Geographic Information Systems, Wastewater/Stormwater Departments, Public Works, Recreation and other town departments as needed on land use and development issues in the Town of Charlestown.

· Keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning, including changes in state enabling laws.

· Prepare, review and/or comment on proposed amendments to Charlestown planning and zoning regulations.

· Research and report on issues as specified in response to requests from appropriate authorities and decision-makers.

· Prepare grant applications as required, and oversee the work of professional consultants as needed.

· Oversee the functioning of the Charlestown Planning Department.

· Prepare and present the Planning Department annual budget, authorize expenditures and approve invoices and

· Perform related work as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Town Planner supervises the staff of the Planning Department, and, from time to time, the work of professional planning consultants under contract to the Town for specific purposes or projects.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations made be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: The Town Planner must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, public administration, or a related field, a Master’s Degree preferred. Supplemented with a minimum of four years’ work experience in municipal planning; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Certification (membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners) a plus, but not necessary.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

· Possess the knowledge of subdivision and zoning laws, and comprehensive planning, including formation, process of adoption and enforcement.

· Extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes.

· Proficiency in computer programs, Micro Soft Office (Word/Excel/Power Point).

· Knowledge of GIS applications.

TOWN PLANNER

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· Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

· Excellent public relations skills to deal tactfully with the public, fellow employees and others.

· Detailed orientated, well organized and accurate.

· Ability to establish working relationships.

Other: Valid state-issued driver’s license

DISCLAIMER: The employee just must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable the employee with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent any undue hardship

The following is to be completed for all job descriptions:

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 the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

This position is an office environment. In performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit or smell. Must be able to drive.

The employee may on occasion be required to move boxes or files containing voluminous paper files and maps.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Although considerable time is spent in an office environment, on occasion field inspections of land development and construction sites will be required. Such sites may be cluttered with tools, materials or debris, requiring adherence to construction site safety requirements.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $96,470.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Charlestown, RI 02813 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Charlestown, RI 02813: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $96,470