Planning Analyst

Overview

PLANNING ANALYST
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- PLANNING & REGULATORY SERVICES DIVISION
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planning Analyst for the Planning & Regulatory Services Division in the Economic Development Department. The Planning Analyst is responsible for supporting a variety of planning activities involving subjects such as land use, zoning, development review, urban design, environmental and comprehensive planning. This position provides professional and technical assistance as well as administrative and customer service support to Boards and Commissions, including the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Responsibilities include managing project applications, coordinating board meetings, conducting development reviews, preparing legal notices, agendas, and meeting minutes, and issuing decisions. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, professional setting where they will meaningfully contribute to the development of the City of Worcester.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Process applications, both digitally and physically, for boards and commissions
• Organize, track, and manage active cases (project management) and archival documents for land-use filings with the Planning & Regulatory Services (filing & scanning)
• Conduct review of applications submitted to the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals for completeness and with respect to applicable provisions of the Worcester Zoning or General Revised Ordinances, other city and state regulations, policies, guidelines, and plans
• Confer and coordinate with other staff to ensure compliance with applicable code and permitting requirements and solicit review comments, as applicable
• Communicate information and technical concepts with applicants, attorneys, engineers, architects, contractors, residents
• Assist applicants and the public, via phone, walk-in, and in writing, with inquiries related to planning, zoning, and development
• Analyze land use characteristics, development impacts, and site capacity
• Use computer and software applications, including GIS, to conduct or coordinate research and studies, analyze data, and prepare maps
• Coordinate meeting scheduling, setup, and preparation
• Prepare legal notices and conduct mailings
• Prepare meeting agendas and presentations
• Prepare technical memoranda for cases
• Participate in evening meetings with municipal officials, boards/commissions, and neighborhood organizations, and make presentations as needed
• Prepare and review meeting minutes and decisions
• Attend evening meetings (typically 2-3 meetings per month)
• Assist with processing monetary transactions, developing invoices, fee refunds, etc.

• Contribute to comprehensive plans, master plans, and planning studies
• Assist with the development of land use, zoning, and related policy or regulatory proposals
• Assist with implementation of recommendations identified in planning documents and studies
• Other duties as required

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of city/urban planning
• Knowledge of zoning, subdivision control, wetlands protection, and/or other laws and ordinances relevant to community development and planning
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-starter who can work well both independently and in team environments
• Computer proficiency and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe Acrobat
• Proficiency with records research methodology and searching records through use of online databases
• Proficiency with GIS mapping and analysis
• Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and flexible
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests
• Ability to quickly learn new software and data management tools
• Regular onsite attendance is required
• Ability to take initiative to identify opportunities for process improvement or streamlining…