Part-time Assistant Zoning Official

Town of Narragansett•Narragansett, RI

About The Position

The Town of Narragansett is seeking a qualified, detail-oriented individual to serve as a part-time Assistant Zoning Official. Under the direction and supervision of the Zoning Official, this position provides technical, administrative, field, and customer-service support for administering and enforcing the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, Rhode Island General Laws, and applicable land-use regulations. Duties include assisting with zoning inquiries, reviewing permits and applications, researching property records, conducting inspections, maintaining records, and communicating with property owners, applicants, contractors, design professionals, attorneys, and the public. The Assistant Zoning Official may conduct routine zoning reviews and inspections within established procedures and as directed. Formal zoning determinations, enforcement actions, appeals, and other decisions reserved by law or ordinance to the Zoning Official remain that official’s responsibility. The position works in both an office and field setting. Field work may involve construction sites, undeveloped properties, uneven terrain, and outdoor conditions. Occasional evening work may be needed for public hearings, meetings, or other Town functions. The role is part-time, scheduled for 20 hours per week on consistent days from week to week, with some flexibility in selecting those days. Work combines regular office hours with occasional field inspections.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge of municipal zoning principles and land-use regulations.
Ability to read and interpret zoning ordinances, regulations, surveys, site plans, architectural plans, and other technical documents.
Ability to understand and apply dimensional zoning requirements.
Ability to conduct property research and interpret maps, deeds, plans, and municipal records.
Ability to perform field inspections and accurately document existing conditions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the public, applicants, contractors, attorneys, engineers, architects, surveyors, and municipal personnel.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and recognize when a matter requires review or direction from the Zoning Official.
Ability to maintain confidentiality where required.
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a municipal department.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems.
Ability to learn and use municipal permitting, GIS, property-record, and document-management systems.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to properties throughout the Town as required.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and operate standard office equipment for extended periods; conduct field inspections and walk properties; read plans, maps, documents, and computer screens; take measurements and photographs; and occasionally lift or carry files, plans, records, or equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in zoning, land use, building inspection, planning, permitting, surveying, construction, municipal government, or a related field.
Previous experience working in a municipal zoning, planning, or building office.
Experience interpreting and applying Rhode Island zoning and land-use statutes.
Experience with the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act.
Knowledge of the Town of Narragansett Zoning Ordinance.
Experience reviewing surveys, site plans, architectural plans, and construction documents.
Experience with GIS or municipal property mapping systems.
Experience with permitting or land-use software.
Certification or training in zoning, planning, building inspection, or a related field.
Experience conducting property or zoning research.
Familiarity with Rhode Island municipal government procedures.

Responsibilities

Assist the Zoning Official in administering and enforcing the Town of Narragansett Zoning Ordinance and applicable provisions of Rhode Island General Laws.
Review zoning permit applications, building permit referrals, site plans, surveys, plot plans, dimensional information, and other documents for compliance with zoning requirements.
Review proposed development for compliance with dimensional and other zoning standards, including lot area and width, setbacks, building height, lot coverage, floor area ratio, building placement, parking, accessory structures and uses, landscaping, and screening.
Assist in identifying properties’ zoning districts, permitted uses, dimensional requirements, and applicable regulations.
Research property zoning history, prior approvals, variances, special-use permits, zoning determinations, certificates, and related records.
Assist in reviewing proposed changes in use, additions, alterations, accessory structures, signs, home occupations, and other zoning-related activities.
Identify zoning issues or deficiencies and bring them to the Zoning Official’s attention.
Assist with reviews of applications for zoning permits, zoning certificates, dimensional variances, special-use permits, administrative approvals, and other land-use applications.
Review plans and supporting documentation for completeness and compliance, and communicate with applicants and design professionals about missing information, revisions, and requirements.
Coordinate with the Building Official, Planning Department, Engineering Department, Public Works, Fire Department, and other Town departments as needed.
Assist with preparing zoning review comments and written correspondence.
Conduct field inspections at the Zoning Official’s direction to verify compliance with approved plans, permits, approvals, and regulations.
Document field conditions through photographs, measurements, field notes, and other appropriate means; research and document potential violations for review by the Zoning Official.
Assist with follow-up inspections and monitoring properties, zoning approval conditions, and corrective actions.
Maintain accurate inspection and enforcement records and prepare factual inspection reports and documentation.
Respond professionally to routine zoning questions and explain requirements and application procedures clearly.
Help the public locate zoning maps, ordinances, applications, property records, and other publicly available information; refer complex, disputed, or legally sensitive matters to the Zoning Official.
Research zoning maps, GIS, property records, prior zoning decisions, recorded plans, ordinances, and other municipal records.
Maintain organized electronic and paper zoning files; assist with updating databases and tracking applications, inspections, violations, and zoning decisions.
Assist with maintaining records of permits, certificates, approvals, variances, special-use permits, and other land-use actions, including scanning, indexing, and organizing historical records.
Assist with preparing materials for the Zoning Board of Review and Planning Board, including application tracking, notices, plans, staff reports, and exhibits.
Assist with documenting approval conditions and monitoring compliance with approved applications.
Assist with updating zoning forms, informational materials, and administrative procedures.
Stay current with amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, Rhode Island General Laws, and other applicable land-use regulations.
Attend training programs, seminars, and continuing education as directed.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Zoning Official or another authorized Town official.