Planning Specialist

City of Danbury•City of Danbury, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Danbury is seeking a Planning Specialist to perform advanced administrative, technical, and paraprofessional planning functions in support of the Planning & Zoning Department. The role coordinates departmental processes, supports land use regulatory functions, conducts research and preliminary plan reviews, and serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders. It requires specialized knowledge of municipal planning, zoning regulations, and land use procedures. The employee works under the general supervision of the Director of Planning, carrying out recurring assignments independently while receiving review to ensure accuracy and compliance with instructions. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and involves regular access to confidential departmental information. Work is performed in a municipal office setting with frequent interruptions and interactions with the public and City departments. The employee regularly communicates with developers, contractors, attorneys, outside agencies, and City staff, explaining regulations and coordinating processes with tact and professionalism. The position supports land use commissions and departmental operations through meeting and record coordination, permit and application workflow management, research, public inquiry responses, records maintenance, correspondence, scheduling, planning initiatives, payroll records, bank deposits, address assignments, and grant coordination. The role also supports long-range planning through data collection, mapping, and preparation of informational materials. The position requires an Associate’s degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Candidates must have three to five or more years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, municipal administration, or related technical work. Physical demands are limited; work is principally performed seated, with intermittent standing, walking, and stooping and occasional lifting of office materials. The job may require operating a computer and other office equipment, keyboarding, filing, and routinely reading documents, maps, and computer screens.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.
Three to five or more years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, municipal administration, or related technical work.
Understanding of planning principles, development review processes, and regulatory procedures.
Experience with office software, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database management applications.
Working knowledge of GIS applications and permit tracking systems.
Ability to maintain productivity and composure in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Ability to interpret maps, surveys, plans, and regulatory documents.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet statutory deadlines.
Ability to coordinate planning processes and maintain accurate official records.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organizational and customer service skills.
Proficiency in data processing and document management.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Coordinate administrative and technical functions for land use commissions, including agendas, legal notices, meeting schedules, minutes, and official records in compliance with statutory requirements.
Manage departmental workflows, including permit tracking, application intake, and public notices.
Research property history, zoning compliance, and land use regulations; prepare written reports and summaries for staff and commission review.
Prepare and certify official records, including transcripts, Returns of Record, and legal documents for court appeals and administrative proceedings.
Coordinate responses to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
Assist with responses to public inquiries about zoning, application procedures, and planning information, interpreting regulations accurately.
Maintain and organize departmental databases and records, including tax abatements, site plan reviews, modification requests, and other planning documentation.
Draft correspondence, reports, and communications for the Director of Planning and land use commissions.
Coordinate schedules, appointments, and project timelines for departmental staff and planning activities.
Coordinate referrals, zoning compliance matters, and planning initiatives.
Support planning projects and long-range planning through data collection, mapping, and preparation of informational materials.
Maintain departmental payroll records and process bank deposits and similar financial tasks.
Represent the department in assigning street addresses and serve as contact person for the E-911 Coordinator, Post Office, and Telephone Company.
Coordinate departmental grant applications and assist with grant management.