Town Planner

DEPARTMENT: Community Development & Planning Department

Summary Description: Under the policy direction of the Community Development & Planning Department will be responsible for supporting the functions and actions of the Regulatory Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Committee, and Conservation Committee), as well as the general administrative oversight of the Town Administrator (or appointed representative), the Town Planner shall perform work at both technical and professional levels to assist the Regulatory Boards in the preparation and presentation of studies and plans regarding the long-term physical development of the Town, and in the Planning Board’s recommendations on comprehensive land use planning, zoning analysis, subdivision, and site plan review, design review, the planning aspects of specific projects, conservation and related matters. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties. Works closely with residents, businesses, and state and local officials.

Supervision Required: Under the administrative direction of the Community Development & Planning Director and in coordination with all regulatory boards, the employee works from municipal policies and objectives and follows State and local regulations; establishes short and long-range plans and objectives, working with outside vendors, the public, and local officials on long-term planning initiatives, department performance standards and assumes direct accountability for department results. Consult with the Regulatory Boards where clarification, interpretation, or exception to municipal policy may be required. The employee is also expected to resolve all conflicts which arise and coordinate with others as necessary.

Essential Functions:

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

Exercises considerable independent judgment in carrying out Regulatory Board policies and in rendering professional advice.

Supervises the Regulatory Board functions (currently one administrative assistant).

Makes frequent contacts with developers, contractors, engineers, the general public, other town departments and officials, and regional and state officials providing information or exercising persuasion.

May have access to a limited amount of department-related confidential information.

Site visits to properties with various terrain, heavy vegetation, and/or wet conditions in all types of weather conditions.

Effectively manage natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants, and animals. Natural resource management is interrelated with the concept of sustainable development, a principle that forms a basis for land management and environmental protection.

Appeals: Make decisions on appeals from the Town's zoning administrator

Public hearings: Hold public hearings when needed.

Minimal physical effort is required in performing duties under typical office conditions.

Examples of Work:
Administers Board Activities; oversees compliance with special permit conditions; coordinates local review of major private development proposals; prepares agenda and schedules meetings; follows up on decisions and actions taken by the Board; coordinates Board's activities with other town departments.

Prepares and assists in the presentation of articles to Town Meeting under the direction of the Director of the Planning Board; analyzes petition articles for potential impact.
Assists and advises landowners, developers, and other interested persons seeking information and interpretation of the town's zoning bylaw and subdivision rules and regulations.

Provides guidance and assistance to various public bodies including but not limited to the ZBA, Design Review, Conservation, Harbor Advisory Committee, and Historic Commission.

Assists in preparation and submittals of NPDES Stormwater Permits on behalf of the Town; assists the Planning Board with adherence to the Stormwater Bylaw by applicants; Recommends updates to the Stormwater Bylaw based on current development trends and guidance from Federal and State partners.

Performs GIS analysis and map creation for Town-wide departments; Keeps current on the latest GIS software/analysis techniques.

Will work some evenings and weekends.

Other duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field with four years of planning experience or master's degree in planning or related field with two years of planning experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. AICP preferred

Knowledge of:

- Community planning, land use and zoning issues, site plan review, economic development, public infrastructure proje