Town Planner

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitates the smooth operations of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and other land use boards/committees through activities such as: attendance at meetings as necessary; providing technical support such as reports, data analysis, and draft documents memorializing decisions and operations; answering questions and concerns related to projects and/or regulations; ensuring that planning processes and land use decisions are transparent and open to the public.
• Assists with and/or develops grant applications; assists with grant implementation and reporting to ensure compliance with applicable program and reporting requirements; facilitates information flow to all departments and boards/committees involved in grant and planning/community development activities.
• Utilizes the Town Master Plan and other Town plans and studies to help guide the activities of land use boards and committees consistent with documented desires of residents; facilitates public input on various planning initiatives through public meetings, workshops, and other means.
• Provides general customer service and helps mediate disagreements to create solutions to unanticipated problems that occur related to community development activities.
• Assists with the development of fiscal year budget(s) for Planning and related departments.
• Maintains professional competence through participation in workshops, seminars, and training programs provided by professional organizations.
• Undertakes special projects as initiated or requested/required.
• Provides administrative support to the Town Administrator and Select board’s office.
• Performs all aspects of job responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Town Administrator.

Works independently under the general direction of the Town Administrator. Performs complex and responsible duties requiring a high level of initiative and independent judgment.

Is not responsible for the regular supervision of any Town employees but may provide direction to interns, volunteers, contractors, consultants and vendors. Will work collaboratively with Town, regional, and state boards, agencies, and personnel as required.

Guidelines only provide limited guidance for performing the work. They may be in the form of administrative or organizational policies, general principles, legislation, or directives that pertain to a specific department or functional area. Extensive judgment and ingenuity are required to develop new or to adapt existing methods and approaches for accomplishing objectives or to deal with new or unusual requirements within the limits of the guidelines or policies.

Performance requires a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Duties involve frequent contact with local, state, and federal government officials, community leaders, and other individuals to protect and promote the Town’s overall interests. Must possess a high degree of diplomacy to work effectively with various constituencies such as government officials, granting agencies, citizens, etc. Duties require a well-developed sense of strategy, timing, courtesy and tact in representing the municipality effectively.

Has access to a wide variety of department and town confidential information including legal matters such as executive session discussions, bid proposals, and contract negotiations; and must maintain confidentiality accordingly.

Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, planning or related field is highly desirable. Minimum of three years’ experience in public administration, planning or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Must have a track record of substantive level of responsibility with grant applications,…