Director of Land Use and Development

The Town of Montville is seeking a Director of Land Use and Development. Are you a motivated and enthusiastic individual ready to take your career to the next level? This job may be the opportunity you are looking for. We offer a competitive salary, along with an excellent benefits package.

This is a full-time, Union position, and our package includes; Health and Dental, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, Automatic enrollment into the Connecticut Municipal Employee Retirement System (CMERS), Voluntary 457b Retirement Plan, Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Benefits to include Cancer and Accident Plans, HSA contribution provided by The Town, Stipend provided for medical waiver, Vacation and generous Sick/PTO policy, including all federal holidays, a Floating Holiday and your birthday!

In this highly responsible role, the Director of Land Use & Development, will provide administrative, supervisory, and technical work regarding The Town’s current and long-range plans, specifically related to the development and implementation of land use and related municipal plans and policies. Work consists of a wide range of land use planning and project management functions in the areas of subdivision and site plan review, economic development, grant writing and administration, capital improvement budgeting, and related municipal planning matters, and overall management of the Department. The Director serves as staff to the Planning & Zoning Commission and will provide technical assistance to other boards and commissions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Director works under the general supervision of the Mayor and the functional direction from the Planning & Zoning Commission in accordance with prevailing policies, laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Director provides general supervision to all Land Use Department personnel, including, but not limited to the Assistant Town Planner, Zoning/Wetlands Officer, clerical staff and temporary employees, including student interns.

The Director coordinates interdepartmental committees comprised of municipal staff in the areas of planning and project management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Recognizes and acknowledges the unconditional requirement for the highest standards of client confidentiality, discretion and professionalism
• Maintains professional conduct at all times with clients, volunteers, the public, vendors, co-workers, staff, management, and all Town affiliates
• Maintains ethical conduct consistent with all policies, procedures and protocols
• Plans, organizes, directs and participates in the performance of the activities of the Department
• Prepares and administers the departmental budget
• Reviews and makes recommendations on land development proposals including commercial/office, tourist/recreational, industrial and residential
• Inspects sites for proposed subdivisions and developments
• Oversees Town activities relating to land use and development
• Provides professional services to Town agencies involved with planning, including oral and written reports, statistical analysis, and preparation of maps and graphics
• Serves as staff to the Planning & Zoning Commission, preparing agendas and attending all meetings of the commission.
• Attends meetings and provides support, research, and resources to the Economic Development Commission
• Assists the general public by providing information on land use and development, including procedures and guidelines to be followed when seeking the authorizations and permits required to develop property
• Compiles and analyzes data on economic, social, environmental and physical factors affecting land use
• Reviews subdivision and site plans for compliance with state and local regulations.
• Locates sources of state and federal grant funding, prepares grant applications and associated environmental assessments, and fulfills reporting requirements for awarded grants
• Approves and exercises oversight responsibilities with regard to grant budgets.
• Provides technical assistance to municipal building committees
• Serves as a liaison to planning departments in other jurisdictions, and to regional and state agencies exercising planning functions, meeting with counterparts in surrounding municipalities in order to keep the Commission enlightened on matters of regional importance
• Participates in professional planning organizations to keep up-to-date on technological and legal developments and changes of value to Town government
• Establishes and maintains effective and courteous working relationships with State and Federal officials, Town Officials, public officials, the general public, other departments and agencies, and co-workers
• Attends evening meetings, as required, to meet job responsibilities
• Regular attendance is a requirement of this position

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Speaks, reads, and writes in English
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, verbal and written
• Excellent time management skills, able to prioritize tasks
• Able to adjust quickly to changing priorities in a challenging work environment
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to meet deadlines
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and general math skills
• Ability to carry out all responsibilities of the job, independently
• Able to work under pressure in meeting deadlines
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of municipal planning, including its physical and economic aspects
• Thorough knowledge of research techniques involved in municipal planning, including problem definition, data collection and analysis
• Knowledge of applicable statutes, policies and regulations and the ability to interpret and apply them correctly
• Ability to read and interpret site plans, building and architectural plans and specifications, and determine whether they conform with the provisions of applicable codes and ordinances
• Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, colors, codes and/or symbols
• Working knowledge of zoning and subdivision laws and comprehensive plans, including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement
• Skilled in the area of interpreting maps and site plans
• Knowledge of personal computers, including spreadsheets, ArcView and Geographic Information System ("GIS") software
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with established procedures, and the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, flexibility, observation and communication skills
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with architects, contractors, developers, other government officials, and the general public
• Ability to follow and provide complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise oral and written reports of a technical nature in a manner which will be understandable to the majority of town residents
• Ability to prepare the departmental budget and manage within authorized allocations
• Possess management skills required to supervise, delegate, and share responsibilities ability to adjust and exercise such skills in an environment where priorities constantly change
• Ability to organize, compile, and maintain large volumes of detailed records
• Ability to regularly engage in employment-related activities outside normal business hours; i.e., evening meetings, emergencies, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with State and Federal public officials, Town Officials, Staff, General Public, Town Departments, Agencies and Co-workers

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Master's degree from an accredited university in Urban, Regional or Community Planning, or a related field with concentrated course work in planning, with five years’ professional experience in land use planning and/or natural resources management.

Any combination of experience and training, deemed sufficient by the Mayor and/or Planning and Zoning Commission Chair, may be accepted in lieu of minimum educational qualifications.

TRAINING, LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Certification from the American Planning Association is desirable. Must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to hear, speak, stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, climb stairs to various levels, and reach with hands and arms. Employee must be capable of and qualified to drive an automobile during the conduct of his/her duties.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works predominantly in an office setting. Some outdoor work is required during the inspection of various land use developments and locations under study. When working outside, the employee will have to access buildings, construction sites and properties which include rough terrain. The employee may be exposed to environmental allergens, wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, rain, snow or airborne particles, any of which may cause marked bodily discomfort. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Close vision and distance vision acuity is required.

The Town of Montville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees and encourage all job seekers to apply.

Position is contingent upon successful completion of physical/drug screening and Background investigation. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

For consideration, submit cover letter with your resume and fax to: 860-848-4534

Email: mdamelia@montville-ct.org

Position open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $89,103.52 - $104,827.67 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $89,104 - $104,828