Assistant Town Planner

Job Title: Assistant Town Planner

Hours per week: Full-time, 40 hours per week

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Planning & Development

Department: Planning & Development

Grade: N/A

Created date: 2/12/2020

Revised date: 11/21/2022

Approved date:

Created by: HR

Revised by: HR

Approved by: HR

TOWN OF MILLBURY

ASSISTANT TOWN PLANNER

Purpose of Position:

The Assistant Planner works under the direction of the Director of Planning & Development for the purpose of assisting with the planning, zoning and administrative responsibilities of the Department; providing technical assistance to municipal boards and committees as assigned, and assisting in the development of short and long-range plans for the municipality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

NOTE:The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations or examples of the various types of work and responsibilities that may be performed and required. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work and responsibilities are related to the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assist the Director of Planning & Development in the development and implementation of land use, open space, economic development, energy reduction, housing, transportation, facilities, and solid waste plans and policies, regulations, bylaws, and warrant articles that advance plan recommendations;
• Provide professional and administrative staff support to municipal boards, commissions and committees as assigned, including the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Energy Advisory Committee;
• Assist the Director of Planning & Development with the identification of grant opportunities and the development and preparation of grant applications for state and federal grant-in-aid assistance in the areas of planning, conservation, recreation, energy-efficiency, community and economic development, and public infrastructure/facilities improvement;
• Make presentations to boards, commissions, committees, civic groups and the general public on land use, energy efficiency, and other planning initiatives as assigned;
• Oversee the Town’s Energy Advisory Committee, Green Communities Program, and other energy efficiency and sustainability projects;
• Assist with data gathering and analysis in support of department projects, reports and grant proposals;
• Act as a liaison between municipal staff, boards, committees, and the public on planning initiatives;
• Review and advise the Planning Board, as needed, on proposed subdivisions, site plans, comprehensive permits for compliance with local Subdivision Rules and Regulations, Zoning Bylaws, and Municipal Code;
• Performs site inspections to insure compliance with decisions and regulations;
• Attends night meetings of the Planning Board and Conservation Commission and associated committees, as needed;
• Perform site visits to evaluate applications and projects; monitor projects for compliance to plans; respond to public inquiries and issue enforcement as needed;
• Recommends, designs and implements and evaluates short and long term projects, consistent with land use planning objectives;
• Undertakes general planning, including research, and analysis;
• Participates in regional planning activities and initiatives;
• Communicates clearly and with a consistent message to community developers, business leaders, and citizens;
• Assist with providing content and maintaining relevant pages of the Town of Millbury website;
• Participate in regional planning activities and initiatives;
• Remain technically proficient and abreast of current trends in planning, energy efficiency, infrastructure, law, and funding opportunities that may help Millbury achieve its goals;
• Ensure compliance with applicable State procurement laws;
• In the absence of the Director, manages professional and support staff;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in urban or regional planning, urban design, environmental science, public administration, or related field; 3-4 years of related work experience in planning or environmental science, preferably in the public sector; or master’s degree in planning, environmental science, or related field and 1-3 years of related experience.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job may be substituted.

Knowledge, Ability and Skills

Working knowledge of Massachusetts land use laws, specifically Chapter 40A, Chapter 40B and Chapter 41, and land use practice in Massachusetts;

Working knowledge of planning practices, growth management strategies, affordable housing, federal and state grant programs, historic preservation, conservation management, and Mass General Laws specific to planning, housing, economic development and zoning;

Working knowledge of Windows-based software programs, including operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications, as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS);

Familiarity with appropriate state regulations and procedures regarding the procurement of goods and services;

Working knowledge of community and economic development principles;

Ability to read site plans and construction/engineering documents;

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with the development community, property owners, regional, state and federal agencies, municipal boards, committees, officials and employees, and the general public and explain complex regulations or principles in clear language;

Ability to establish effective working relationships and work cooperatively in a team environment;

Ability to enforce and interpret regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially;

Ability to take the initiative required to handle problems effectively;

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships;

Ability to determine work priorities, organize projects and to meet established schedules and deadlines.

Ability to maintain detailed, complete and accurate records;

Ability to organize projects, accomplish tasks and meet deadlines;

Ability to work independently, referring complex matters to the Director of Planning & Development.

Physical Demand and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of land use developments and construction sites. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. Employee must exercise caution when conducting field inspections.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually light in the office, and moderate in the field.

Employee is required to work beyond normal business hours in order to attend evening meetings.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Millbury is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disability and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Ability to Relocate:

• Millbury, MA 01527: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person