Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general administrative direction of the Town Planner, assists with the overall coordination of town planning function, provides administrative and technical assistance to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, and other Committees as assigned; reviews and makes recommendations on development proposals as assigned to ensure consistency with the Town’s overall community development plans and objectives and Town by-laws and regulations. Assists the Town Planner with the coordination, facilitation of Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, and other meetings as directed. Attendance at night meetings required on a regular basis.

Performs varied and responsible duties requiring knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks. Incumbent is called upon to handle a significant amount of detail, each varying from the other in substance and content, requiring incumbent to approach workload with flexibility. Expected to work with considerable independence while keeping Town Planner informed and working to achieve Division and Departmental goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

• Assists the Town Planner in providing technical and professional guidance and support to the Planning Board on Site Plan Review, Subdivision Plans (including Approval Not Required plans, Preliminary and Definitive plans, financial guarantees, easements, etc.) and Special Permits (including Residential Compounds, Common Driveways). Attends night meetings.

• In the absences of the Town Planner, acts as agent and liaison for the Planning Board; coordinates, attends and facilitates Planning Board meetings, makes presentations as needed, attends public hearings and other related public meetings/public hearings.

• Assists the Town Planner and Building Commissioner in providing technical support to the Board of Appeals on Special Permits and Site Plan Review; Drafting reports and decisions as assigned.

• Assists the Town Planner in the review of applications submitted to the Planning Board and Board of Appeals for various proposed development projects (including, but not limited to Subdivision, Special Permit, and Site Plan Approval), checking for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with State law (Subdivision Control Law, Zoning Act, Comprehensive Permit, etc.), town bylaws and regulations.

• As assigned by the Town Planner, coordinates the plan review process for various applications by referring plans to other town agencies for input, ensuring timely submission of comments and recommendations, and coordinating discussion and resolution of differences when needed. Conducts and coordinates site visits for proposed projects when warranted.
• As assigned by the Town Planner, prepares reports for the Planning Board and Board of Appeals that provide background information and analysis of compliance with local regulations; assimilates and summarizes comments from other Town agencies; identifies issues and concerns with proposed projects, and recommends alternative courses of action and/or conditions for approval.

• Conducts relevant research on various land use topics and provides advice and recommendations to the Town Planner on zoning bylaw amendments. Provides general support on the administration of all related town and state bylaws and regulations related to land use and planning.

• Conducts inspection of development sites to ensure conformance with Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals decisions and bylaws.

• Performs special projects and related responsibilities as initiated and requested by the Town Planner.

• Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.

• Regular attendance and punctuality at the workplace is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public affairs, landscape architecture or other closely related field, with 3 to 5 years of experience in implementing and administering planning and land development in a municipal setting; or a Master’s degree in Planning, Public Affairs, Landscape Architecture or other closely related field with a minimum of 3 years municipal experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A solid knowledge of MA Subdivision Control Law and MGL Ch. 40A required.

• Geographic Information System knowledge and expertise is preferred.

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; excellent public relations skills to effectively deal with all members of the public in a courteous and tactful manner; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with coworkers.
• Knowledge of regulatory and enforcement strategies for land development and management which includes planning, land acquisition, land use, zoning, environmental and wetlands protection, open space conservation, historic preservation and housing initiatives.
• Ability to work with a high level of detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions; ability to identify and analyze complex issues and to develop appropriate recommendations.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the physical demands (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Conducts occasional visits to construction sites, subject to variable weather conditions and sometimes rugged terrain. Frequent walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting.

The majority of work is performed in a normal office environment, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc. Work is performed in a quiet work environment, with frequent interruptions. Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and /or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.

Operates computer, printer, video display terminal, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copier, and all other standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping may also be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. 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.

This 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.

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: Less than 20,000.

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