City Planner

Salary : $99,632.00 - $130,790.40 Annually
Location : Concord, NH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-26
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 10/10/2025

Description
City Planner
DEPARTMENT: Community Development - PlanningTYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Permanent Full Time

SALARY RANGE: $47.90 - $64.42

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Open until position is filled.

Instructions for Applying: A City Application is required. An application may be completed online and submitted electronically by visiting the City of Concord web site at www.concordnh.gov. For more information on applying, call (603) 225-8535 (voice) or TTY at 800-735-2964 or 7-1-1.

"An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/DP/V"

The City of Concord is seeking a seasoned, collaborative, forward thinking, community service oriented professional to fill the position of City Planner in the Community Development Department Planning Division. As the State capital County seat, and host to the Federal Government, our engaged community of 45,000 people operates under a City Manager form of government. Conveniently located at the intersection of Interstates 93, 89, and 393, Concord is an hour's drive from beaches at the Seacoast, skiing and hiking in the White Mountains, and boating in the Lakes Region (Lake Winnipesaukee). Additionally, the City is 75 minutes from Boston (daily bus service is available).
Concord is the regional center of economic activity in central New Hampshire (daytime population increases to 90,000+/- people). With quality public and private schools (preschool through post graduate), 8,000+/- acres of conservation land, 85 miles of public trails (including multiple rail trails in various phases of development), 3 rivers, nearly 40 public parks / recreational facilities, 7 neighborhood pools, as well as vibrant arts and culture scene anchored by 3 performing arts venues and independent movie theatre, the City has an exceptional quality of life.
The City's 2017 award-winning "complete streets" revamp of its Main Street has been a catalyst for downtown economic development. In addition to significant investments in its infrastructure, the City also routinely makes strategic investments in economic development via public private partnerships designed to foster tax base expansion, permitting and utility revenues, as well as the retention / expansion of employment opportunities. The City's unemployment rate is currently 2.7%.
As evidenced by the City's fantastic blend of urban spaces and rural landscapes, historic architecture, diverse housing stock, and walkable neighborhoods, Concord has a rich planning tradition which has been guided by professional planners since 1936.
Given its strategic location and exceptional quality of life, Concord has become one of the most desirable communities in New England. As such, Concord is currently experiencing a spike in development activity. The City is regularly listed among the top 10 "hottest housing markets" in the United States by Zillow and Realtor.com (2023-2025). With more than 2,300 units of housing are in various stages of development, the City was recently named one of 18 "Housing Champions" in the State by the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs.
With this as a backdrop, the City is embarking upon a comprehensive Master Plan update. Funding has been appropriated and a consulting team for the project will be selected in the coming months. Work will begin in earnest in early 2026. Working with City Administration, City Staff, and the Planning Board, the City Planner will work closely with residents, elected leaders, and community stakeholders, update the City's vision and chart a course for continued future success. While the Master Plan takes shape, the City Planner will prepare "housekeeping" updates to specific development regulations to improve ease of administration, as well as the efficiency of the development permitting process.
Working with the Deputy City Manager - Development, the City Planner is responsible for directing the daily operations of the Planning Division; supervising and directing the work of all Planning Division staff (a total of 7 positions / $800,000+/- operating budget); oversees staff support for the City's various land use boards, commissions and committees; and coordinating the work associated with the preparation and implementation of the City's Master Plan as well as regulatory amendments (see job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities).
The ideal candidate will have a solid educational background in community planning, deep understanding and expert knowledge of planning principals / strategies / techniques, as well as significant experience and abilities in the areas of land use planning, zoning, development permitting processes and regulations, plan review, and master plans. Writing, public speaking, interpersonal skills, and community engagement skills are highly valued. In addition to strong planning skills, a positive attitude and collaborative approach is key to success. New Hampshire land use planning experience and AICP certification are strongly preferred.
The City offers competitive pay with a comprehensive benefit package to include low deductible health plans with HSA funding offered by Harvard Pilgrim, Delta Dental to include a lifetime orthodontia benefit, Delta Vision, New Hampshire Retirement System Pension, three choices of 457 Retirement Plans, Paid STD, LTD and PFML as well as free family pool pass for employees, free library card, and member guest rate for employees at our very own Beaver Meadow Golf Course.
Examples of Duties
Administrative Responsibilities:

Directs the daily operations of the Planning Division; supervises and directs the work of all Planning Division staff; schedules and assigns work; monitors and evaluates performance; holds staff meetings; makes hiring recommendations.

Directly Supervises the Assistant City Planner - Community Planning, Assistant City Planner - Zoning, Senior Planner, Administrative Specialist, Planning and Zoning Inspector and Trail Ranger.

Prepares the operating budget for the division, including accomplishments, workload measurements, and management goals; prepares work program for the division; assists Conservation Commission with the preparation of the operating budget for the Commission, the Forestry Fund, and the Conservation Fund.

Prepares items for inclusion in the capital budget and the capital improvement program; oversees preparation of requests for proposals, consultant selection, implementation of work program, and review and approval of invoices.

Assists the City Solicitor in the defense of legal actions against the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and any other Board or Commission for which the Planning Division is the primary staff ; supervises the preparation and copying of certified records; organizes and prepares indices for certified records; confers with City Solicitor or outside counsel; researches board records; attends court proceedings; testifies as required.
Boards and Commissions:

General: Oversees support to City Boards and Commissions for which the Planning Division is primary staff liaison thereof, including the Planning Board, Design Review Committee, Conservation Commission, Heritage Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Technical Review Committee, as well as all related subcommittees of each; assigns staff to support these committees (unless otherwise expressly specified in job descriptions). Ensure appropriate staff support, preparation agendas, reports, and meeting minutes, and other normal and customary administrative functions required to support Boards and Commissions; attends meetings as appropriate. Ensure compliance with applicable State laws related thereto.

Planning Board: Serves as Clerk of Planning Board and is responsible for agendas, minutes, reports, meeting setup and format, presentations, communications, and correspondence. Attends all meetings of the Planning Board, or subcommittees thereof. Reviews Planning Board development permitting applications for subdivision approval, site plan approval, conditional use permits, as well as applications for architectural design approval for compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Determines if applications are complete. Serves as primary point of contact for applicants and their agents for assigned applications. Coordinates and facilitates review of applications and related submissions with Code Administration Division, Engineering Services Division, General Services Department, Fire Department, as well as consultants and other third parties as applicable. Prepares written responses to applicant, discusses the application with applicant and applicant's agents, and general public. Attends Architectural Design Review Committee meetings to present applications, provide recommendations related thereto. Prepares staff reports to the Planning Board with comprehensive analysis of development permit application and recommendations pertaining to completeness, waivers, findings of fact, suggested conditions of approval (precedent and subsequent) or denial of application. Responds to inquiries from the public and abutters pertaining to assigned development applications and permits / approvals. Performs site visits and inspections of the subject properties during the application review process. Performs site inspection of assigned applications during construction activities through issuance of final Certificate of Occupancy to ensure project conforms with conditions of approval, applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations; makes decisions regarding enforcement action as needed to Deputy City Manager - Development. Completes final inspection of property and approves Certificates of Occupancy for projects as applicable. Following issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, supports the Planning and Zoning Inspector on enforcement actions pertaining with compliance with approved plans and conditions of approval.

Serves as primary staff liaison to the Heritage Commission and is responsible for Commission's agendas, minutes, reports, meeting setup and format, presentations, communications, and correspondence. Attends all meetings of the Heritage Commission or subcommittees thereof. Coordinates processing and review of Demolition Review Committee applications with the Code Administrator and Assistant City Planner - Zoning. Manages the Certified Local Government Program for historic preservation. Prepare and manage grants associated with historic preservation initiatives and programs.

Serves as Planning staff liaison to the Technical Review Committee. Serves as primary staff liaison for the City's Development Team and coordinates all activities related thereto.

Coordinates staff support with City Engineer to Transportation Policy Advisory Committee and Traffic Operations Committee.

Serves as ex-officio member of the Parks and Recreation Policy Advisory Committee (RPAC) in accordance with applicable City Ordinances. Provides support role to RPAC and the Parks and Recreation Department concerning long-term planning activities to meet City's recreational needs created by new development and evolving demographic trends.

Serves as Planning Division representative on the Poles and Wires Committee.

Supports the City Council and other City Boards and Commissions on as needed basis when directed by the Deputy City Manager - Development.
Master Planning:

Working closely with the Planning Board and City Administration, prepares the City Master Plan and related updates; coordinates all activities associated therewith; oversees preparation of requests for proposals for Master Plan updates, consultant selection, implementation of work program, development and implementation of public participation strategies associated therewith, and review and approval of invoices. With respect to municipal utility master plans (water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer), these responsibilities are deferred to the Engineering Services Division or General Services Department as applicable, but will be supported by the City Planner and the Planning Division.
Ordinances and Regulations:

Prepares zoning ordinance amendments; coordinates and implements all activities associated therewith.

Prepares subdivision, site plan, conditional use permit, architectural design review regulations; coordinates all activities associated therewith.

Administers the Public Capital Facilities Impact Fee Ordinances; develops proposed amendments thereto, prepares cost allocation methodologies and assists in the tracking of fee revenue and expenditures; oversees the preparation of all non-standardized fee assessments; oversees the preparation of the annual review of indices; reviews and responds to all requests for credits and adjustments. Prepares periodic amendments to the Ordinance as warranted.
Miscellaneous:

Conduct research and prepare reports; prepare presentations on Master Plan, development regulations, City Council referrals, and development applications, and other topics as assigned.

Meets and communicates with other city departments and divisions to provide information and support.

Attends meetings of special city committees and civic organizations as requested or necessary; provides information and makes presentations.

Collects and routinely updates data regarding City population and demographics, housing, development activity.

Manages the Energov Permitting Module as it pertains to development permitting applications within the Planning Division's prevue.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) or equivalent from a college or university in planning, community development, landscape architecture, public administration, geography or related field; and
Ten years of progressively responsible related experience, including 5 years in a supervisory capacity; or
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid motor vehicle operator's license

AICP Certification (preferred)

APA Member (preferred)

NHPA Member (preferred)
Supplemental Information
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal Computer and/or Terminal
Fax Machine

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, development regulations, and land use law.

Working understanding of principles and practices of civil engineering, transportation engineering, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, sociology, economic development, historic preservation, ecology and natural resources.

Principles and practices of accounting and budgeting.

Principles and practices of statistics and economics.

Principles and practices of land-use planning and its relationship to transportation and zoning issues.

Principles and practices of new urbanism, sustainability, complete streets, and multimodal corridor design.

Geographic Information Systems.

Principles and practices of management, administration, and supervision.

Computer usage and applications.

Applicable state, federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to zoning, land use, and environmental issues.

Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation.
Skill in:

Supervising and directing the work of others.

Communicating clearly and effectively with others, both orally and in writing.

Making oral presentations before groups of people.

Planning, organizing, and evaluating the work activities of division personnel.

Preparing and monitoring budgets.

Planning and conducting special projects.

Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

Developing and maintaining effective and positive professional working relationships with elected officials, City staff, representatives from other governmental agencies, permit applicants, and the general public.

Use of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, etc.) and ESRI ArcGIS products.

Use of Tyler Technology software packages, including Munis accounting software and EnerGov permitting software.
Mental and Physical Abilities to:

Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Apply logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks and to understand, interpret, and communicate complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.

Speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.

Operate with multiple deadlines and competing demands.

Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.

Interpret a variety of technical instructions with abstract and/or concrete variables.

Perform duties while typically sitting at a desk or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking.

Occasionally lift light objects.

Distinguish between shades of color.
Working Conditions:

The work is performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Our organization is committed to ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion or other social identities in accordance with state and federal law. We recognize that each individual brings a unique perspective that is informed by their life experience and identity. Our organization is committed to recruiting and retaining the best qualified individuals based on a holistic review of their knowledge, skills, experience, understanding, communication and abilities.
City of Concord
Human Resources Department
Benefits Summary

BENEFLEX PROGRAM SUMMARY (Effective July 1, 2025)
Employee compensation consists of two parts - direct wages and benefits. The City of Concord provides a "flexible benefit plan" or "cafeteria benefit plan" known as "BENEFLEX". This plan offers a range of benefit choices in the areas of: Health Plans, a Dental Plan, Life Insurance, a Medical Flexible Spending Account, a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account as well as Accident/Sickness (Disability) Plans.
The City provides each full-time employee with benefit dollars, subject to annual City Council appropriation, for use in purchasing both medical and dental benefits, based on Federal eligibility guidelines. The exception to the Federal eligibility guideline falls under Healthcare Reform's Affordable Care Act with regard to adult dependent children between the ages of 19-26. The Affordable Care Act requires employers offering dependent coverage to cover adult children between the ages of 19-26, regardless of student status. Selection of additional benefits, such as a medical plan with a more expensive premium, flexible spending accounts or increased life insurance, may be paid for through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis. If there is money left over from an employee's benefit dollars after benefit selection, it is treated as taxable income. Benefits take effect on the first of the month following hire date. An orientation/enrollment session with a full explanation of the Beneflex plan and its options is held once each month for new employees or as needed when new employees arrive.
Because of the tax implications, this type of a benefit program is governed by Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The Beneflex "Plan Year" is July 1 through June 30. After initial new employee enrollment, changes in benefit selections are only allowed during the group re-opening period just prior to each plan year, within 30 days of a birth, adoption, death, marriage, divorce, a change in the employment status of the employee or employee's spouse or within 60 days of a loss of Medicaid coverage or loss of coverage under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Wellness Program
The City of Concord continuously strives to offer comprehensive, responsive, and flexible health benefit plans and programs. All full-time employees and City-insured spouses are eligible to participate in the City's Wellness Program.

In partnership with its insurers, the City of Concord is pleased to offer employees a unique opportunity to improve their overall health and create a healthier lifestyle utilizing an online platform. The City provides dollars ("wellpoints"), which can be used to offset the employee share of health insurance premiums. Wellpoints are earned for your participation in:

• Benefit education sessions
• Health Questionnaires (every other year)
• Various health or fitness challenges
• Various health or wellness related educational programs
• Physical exercise activities
• On or off-site health screenings

Wellpoints earned the previous Wellness year (June through May) will be awarded at the end of May. If an employee does not need the additional wellpoints to purchase medical insurance, they may be used for other aspects of the Beneflex program or just received as cashback in their paychecks.

Research has clearly shown that promoting health and fitness at the workplace and at home helps employees reduce the rate of premium increases and related health insurance costs, improve overall participant health, reduce stress levels, and become wiser health care consumers. The potential value of wellness programs to employers is just as impressive, with results such as reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, improved employee morale, reduced employee turnover, better customer service, and enhanced employee recruitment. It is a win-win situation for everyone and it is fun

Current Options Available Under Beneflex Program Include:

Health Care Plans
Three plans are available through Harvard Pilgrim:

• Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare HMO 500 ($25 copay)
• Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare Elevate Health (T1-$25 copay/T2-Deductible then 20% coinsurance)
• Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare HMO High-Deductible HSA ($2000/$4000 Deductible)

Dental Insurance Plan
One plan is available through Delta Dental:
Provides full coverage on certain diagnostic and preventive services, and limited coverage on certain restorative, prosthodontic (bridges, crowns, etc.), surgical, endodontic, periodontic, orthodontic coverage, and emergency services.

Vision Insurance Plan
One plan is available through Delta Vision:
Provides coverage on a wide range of services (routine eye exams, glasses, contact fittings, evaluations and lenses) and offers additional savings on non-prescription sunglasses and laser vision correction. This plan is voluntary and is available through a post-tax payroll deduction.

Life Insurance Plans
Core coverage offered through UNUM with a benefit equal to one year's base salary (up to a $150,000 max) is funded by the City. Employees may upgrade in $1,000 increments with a minimum of $10,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 by funding the premium difference themselves. Additionally, employees are able to purchase spousal life insurance in $5,000 increments up to a maximum equal to the employee coverage, not to exceed $500,000 and/or child life insurance coverage in $2,000 increments up to $10,000.

Income Protection Plans
The Income Protection Plan is provided at no cost and includes a sick leave program, Short-Term Disability Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance. The Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance is offered through UNUM and provides employees with a portion of their income when out of work for a non-work related injury or an illness beyond an initial elimination period.
NH Paid Family & Medical Leave (NH PFML)
Provides a 60% wage replacement (up to the social security wage cap) for up to six weeks per year (after an initial 7-day elimination period) for absences from work for covered common life events such as:

• An employee's own serious health condition when disability coverage does not apply
• An employee to bond with a child during the first year of birth, including placement for adoption or fostering
• An employee to care for a family m ember with a serious health condition
• Any qualifying urgent demand or need arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, child or parent is a covered military member on covered active duty
• An employee to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the employee is the service member's spouse, child, parent or next of kin

NH PFML will run concurrently with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when the employee qualifies for both programs. If the employee is eligible for workers compensation, they will not qualify for PFML benefits for this same event. If the employee qualifies for Short-Term Disability, they will not qualify for PFML benefits for the same days absent. This leave can be used intermittently.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)*
A FSA can be set up for Health or Dental Care expenses, allowing an employee to set aside a predetermined amount of money on a pre-tax basis and be reimbursed for eligible expenses under the IRS code. Permanent part-time employees may also participate in this benefit at their own expense.

*cannot be used if enrolled with the Harvard Pilgrim HMO High-Deductible HSA. Must be enrolled in one of the other available options through the city.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
A Dependent Care Reimbursement account can be set up for dependent care expenses, allowing an employee to set aside a predetermined amount of money on a pre-tax basis and be reimbursed for eligible expenses under the IRS code. Permanent part-time employees may also participate in this benefit at their own expense.

Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA)
A limited purpose FSA can be set up for Dental and Vision Care expenses only, allowing an employee to set aside a predetermined amount of money on a pre-tax basis and be reimbursed for eligible expenses under the IRS code. This is only available to those employees enrolled in a qualifying High-Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Health Savings Account (HSA)**
A savings account, used in conjunction with a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), allowing an employee to set aside a predetermined amount of money on a pre-tax basis to cover out-of-pocket qualified medical expenses. An employer may also contribute to this account.

**must be enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan through the city.
OTHER BENEFITS

Annual (Vacation) Leave
Generally speaking, most employees accrue annual leave at the rate of approximately 10 hours per month during their first year of employment, with accruals increasing at certain anniversary dates thereafter. Most employees on an 8 hour schedule will begin to earn 25 days starting in their second year on a monthly pro-rated basis. There is no waiting period to begin earning annual leave. Annual leave accruals are earned on the 1st of the month for the prior month, provided there have not been more than 5 days of non-pay in that prior month. For any month where more than 5 days of non-pay occur, there will be no accrual earned for that month. The Personnel Rules & Regulations, departmental approval procedures, and/or any applicable collective bargaining agreement should be referred to for details.

Paid Holidays
Subject to the terms of applicable collective bargaining agreements and/or the Personnel Rules and Regulations, employees generally observe 12.5 paid holidays each year. The holiday schedule is posted on the city's internal website under Benefits.

Retirement - Pension System (mandatory participation)
Upon employment, all full-time employees (35 hours or more) are enrolled in the New Hampshire Retirement System with a mandatory pre-tax payroll deduction each week of 7% of their gross income (11.55% for Group II Police employees and 11.8% for Group II Fire employees). The City also makes contributions to the New Hampshire Retirement System on behalf of full-time employees. The rate of contribution varies by Group I and II membership, as follows:

Group Rate as of 7/1/25
Employees (Group I) 13.53%
Police Officers (Group II) 31.28%
Firefighters (Group II) 30.35%

Retirement - Investment Opportunities (voluntary participation)
Three additional options for retirement savings are 457 deferred compensation plans managed by MissionSquare Retirement (formerly ICMA-RC - International City Management Association Retirement Corporation), PFPOPE and Empower and are available through payroll deduction. A traditional Roth IRA managed by the MissionSquare or a Roth 457 managed by Empower and PFPope are also available through payroll deduction.

Accident/Critical Illness Plans
Two plans are available through Allstate offering cash benefits payable upon the event of an accident or diagnosis of a critical illness or condition. This benefit is voluntary and available through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Legal and ID Theft Plan
Two plans are available through Legalshield providing the option of either Legal services or ID Theft Protection plans. This benefit is voluntary and is available as a post-tax payroll deduction.
Merit Pay Plan
Employees are eligible for a merit pay increase, typically one step on the applicable wage schedule, upon satisfactory completion of their probationary period and annually thereafter (again subject to satisfactory performance).

Employee Perks
Family Pool Pass for City Employees, Non-Concord Residents
Go to the Parks and Recreation office at 14 Canterbury Rd, show your work badge or picture id. This is a family pass but you must be the one to sign up initially. Parks and Recreation will confirm current employment on a roster. You will receive a specific color employee pass that you will use to gain entrance at all open City Pools and the Splash Pad.

Beaver Meadow Golf Course Guest of Member Rate
Employees will need to register with the Proshop to obtain a household account. Every employee will need photo ID, proof of employment (badge or paystub) and email address. Once they have completed that task, they will check in through our normal processes and receive the employee rate.
Concord Public Library Card for City Employees, Non-residents
Employees will need to go to any of the three branches to obtain a non- resident library card. You will need to bring photo identification and your name will be checked against the active employee roster. Once confirmed, your Concord Public Library card application will grant you full library usage while employed. The pass must be renewed and will be set to expire each August 31st of the current year.

This document is a summary, only for purposes of providing general information to job applicants, and is subject to periodic revision by the Human Resources Department. It does not constitute any sort of guarantee, commitment or contract for any aspect of the Beneflex Program or the Personnel Rules & Regulations, which are also subject to change. The Beneflex Program is administered by the City of Concord at its sole discretion, subject to annual City Council appropriation and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.

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