Assistant Town Planner

Town of Simsbury•Town Hall - Simsbury, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Planning and Community Development, this role involves reviewing land use applications, coordinating review processes, drafting reports, and assisting with the supervision of office staff. The position also ensures compliance with development activities and approvals established by various commissions, performs technical planning work, serves as the Designated Agent for the Inland Wetland Agency, and acts as the director in their absence.

Requirements

Able to manage multiple tasks at the same time.
Able to properly delegate tasks when and where determined necessary.
Able to effectively communicate with Supervisor, all staff and the public regarding all land use activities.
Able to suggest innovative and helpful land use application processing techniques.
Ability to closely follow instructions and follow through on assigned tasks in a thorough and professional manner.
Knowledge and ability in computer applications for data management, planning analysis, and report preparation including Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access.
Knowledge and ability to analyze problems and help develop and implement programs and activities to address these problems.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive planning and land use administration.
Knowledge of and ability to operate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) systems.
Ability to monitor new issues and techniques appropriate to planning and land use matters.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with staff and the public.
Ability to use computer terminal to access, process and retrieve information contained in file records and computer databases.
Ability to perform research and prepare technical reports as directed or as necessary.
Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations relating to all aspects of land use activities under the jurisdiction of the Department.
Ability to communicate effectively to establish and maintain effective working relationships with regional officials, town staff, boards and commissions, participants in the development process, and the public.
Ability to read and interpret maps, plans and studies including traffic and environmental studies.
Ability to sit/stand continuously for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to perform gross body coordination and perform tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
Ability to see objects closely as in reading a map.
Ability to hear normal sounds with some background noise and communicate effectively.
Ability to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption.
Ability to attend to task/function for more than 60 minutes at a time.
Ability to understand and relate to specific ideas and to understand and relate to the theories behind several related concepts.
Ability to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over long periods of time.
Ability to work in office setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
Exposure to video display terminals on a daily basis.
Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines and changing priorities and conditions.
Ability to file letters, correspondence, reports, etc. in cabinet drawers ranging from 1' to 7' from the floor.
Ability to move throughout Town Hall and other Town buildings and construction sites.
Ability to participate in numerous, extended night meetings during the year.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to carry and lift documents and office equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to get into and out of an automobile.
Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning or closely related field required.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a land use office with a bachelor's degree.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a land use office with a master's degree.
Certification as Certified Zoning Enforcement Officer (CZEO) by the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials or must obtain certification within one (1) year of appointment.
Certification by CTDEEP as Municipal Inland Wetlands Agency Comprehensive Training Program or must obtain certification within one (1) year of appointment.
Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Supervisory experience desirable.
Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Reviews land use applications.
Coordinates land use review processes.
Drafts application review reports.
Assists the Director in the supervision of the office and staff.
Reviews compliance and assists with enforcement of development activities and approvals established by the Planning, Zoning, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation /Inland Wetlands Commissions, and Historic District Commission.
Performs complex technical planning work in connection with proposed land use activities under the jurisdiction of the Department as directed by the Director.
Serves as Designated Agent for the Inland Wetland Agency.
Serves as the acting director of the Planning and Development Department in the absence of the Director.
Assists the general public and participates in the development process including site inspections, preparing staff reports, correspondence and directing compliance with the Code Enforcement Officer.
Communicates and cooperates with property owners, applicants, and other Town staff on compliance issues.
Communicates staff and Board or Commission concerns to applicants, residents, other Boards and Commissions, and the Director of Planning and Community Development.
Attends meetings as required and as directed by the Director of Planning and Community Development.
May, in the absence of the Code Enforcement Officer, issue citations for violations in accordance with local ordinances.
Performs professional level administrative work in connection with all projects and enforcement activities as assigned by the Director.
Performs research and compiles and analyzes data in connection with planning, zoning inland wetlands studies, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic District Commission.
Serves in staff capacity to land use boards and commissions as assigned by the Director.
Monitors violations of Town Zoning, Planning and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations and performs follow up enforcement activities in conjunction with the Code Enforcement Officer.
Provides information to residents, developers, and other stakeholders regarding planning and zoning regulations, applications, permitting processes, and development options.
Assists with open space acquisition and management and the management of agricultural leases.
May perform additional tasks and duties as requested.