Town Planner

Definition

The Town Planner provides professional management, oversight, and administration of Town Planning and community development functions, including supervision of infrastructure, capital, and transportation projects, grant writing and implementation, and professional advice and administration to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), Conservation Commission, and related boards and commissions.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Primary responsibility to provide professional consultation, direction, and administrative oversight to the Planning Board, Zoning Boards of Appeals, Conservation Commission, other boards, and ad hoc committees. Writes all Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals decisions for the issuance of permits and other documents; assists the public in determining which applications and permits are required and explains the application and permit process; tracks permits and informs applicants of the status of the applications. Oversees legal advertisements and official notices.

Represents the Town's interests in meetings and negotiations with developers and community groups.

Composes correspondence for the Planning Board, ZBA, and Conservation Commission. Prepares materials for members, including meeting packets; attends meetings and presents issues and information to the Planning Board, which will assist in making a decision. Responsible for submitting the annual report for the Planning, ZBA Department, and Conservation Commission.

Works collaboratively with boards and committees to prepare important planning documents like the Master Plan and Open Space Plan. Assists with implementing the goals enumerated in these plans. May work with the Open Space Committee and Conservation Commission in negotiating open space acquisition for the Town.

Point of contact between board and commissions and public. Monitors and tracks activities through the use of databases. Provides support to the Town Administrator's office. Directs staff in the furtherance of all areas of responsibility.

Reviews Zoning Bylaws, Design Guidelines, and Planning Board Rules and Regulations and recommends revisions for bylaws and regulations that dictate land use in the Town in response to changing conditions, policies, laws, environmental issues, etc.

Coordinates economic development activities directly with businesses and with business organizations and governmental and quasi-governmental agencies.

Writes grant applications for various federal, state, and local programs and oversees resulting projects.

Represents Town on various state and regional committees including those organized by the state legislature, the MMA, SRPEDD, support vendors and other planning organizations.

In consultation with Town Administrator and Planning Board, develops an annual departmental budget.

At the direction of the Planning Board/Town Administrator, conducts studies and prepares reports and recommendations.

Works under the general direction of the Town Administrator in accordance with the town's bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, requiring the ability to plan independently and perform operations. A variety of responsible and complex duties require a thorough knowledge of municipal operations and the exercise of considerable judgment and initiative. Situations may not be clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

The employee has ongoing contact with town departments, outside agencies and the public. Contacts require excellent public relations skills, persuasiveness and resourcefulness. The employee has access to confidential information including personnel files, bid documents, legal proceedings, budget negotiations and executive session information.

Work is generally performed in a typical office environment, although there may be visits to open space and construction sites. The employee is required to attend meeting and events outside of normal business hours. The nature and volume of work is subject to various fluctuations.

Supervises one full-time employee and coordinates the work of departments under the jurisdiction of the Town Administrator.

Bachelor's degree in planning, community development or public administration or a

related field required; Master's degree preferred; minimum of three to five years experience in land use or municipal planning required; two years of supervisory experience preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Ability to communicate effectively to employees and the general public verbally and in writing; ability to use software, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and GIS software; ability to read plans; organizational and supervisory skills are required; ability to read blueprints is desired. Ability to represent the Planning Board at Town meetings required.

Special Requirements

Certification as a Planner by the American Institute for Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred. Valid Driver’s license required.

Minimal physical effort is required to perform most duties. The employee is frequently required to sit, speak, hear and use hands to operate office equipment; occasionally required to navigate inspection sites in the field. Vision requirements include the ability to read, interpret, and analyze documents and use a computer.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.

Responsibilities

[Be specific when describing each of the responsibilities. Use gender-neutral, inclusive language.]

Example: Determine and develop user requirements for systems in production, to ensure maximum usability

Qualifications

[Some qualifications you may want to include are Skills, Education, Experience, or Certifications.]

Example: Excellent verbal and written communication skills