Town Planner

Town of Longmeadow•Longmeadow, MA

About The Position

The Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, is seeking a forward-thinking Town Planner to guide the community’s long-range vision and oversee day-to-day land use initiatives. The role leads master planning efforts, supports local economic development, modernizes zoning bylaws, and provides technical and administrative support to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. The Town Planner serves as a bridge between municipal leadership, developers, residents, and regional partners to promote balanced, smart growth. The position reports to the Assistant Town Manager and is full-time, exempt, and non-union. The salary is $34.79–$36.92 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience, with excellent benefits. The Town Planner also supports grant funding and consultant contract administration, collaborates with GIS staff, and assists applicants and departments with land-use reviews and active development projects. Evening public hearings are part of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field, and 3 to 5 years of closely related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of relevant Massachusetts General Laws related to the position’s essential functions, including MGL 40A, local zoning, and subdivision control laws.
Thorough knowledge of community development and sustainability planning activities, including resource planning and land acquisitions.
Ability to multitask and manage conflict.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain good public relations and effective collaborative working relationships with Town departments, department heads, employees, officials, and the public, and to respond courteously and professionally.
Ability to meet deadlines and work independently.
Ability to effectively manage and supervise staff in multiple functional areas.
Ability to manage multiple project assignments under occasional time constraints and interact effectively with department managers, state officials, and citizen boards and committees.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong managerial skills.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive planning initiatives, including the Long Range Plan, Open Space Plan, and Housing Production Plan, and plan strategic redevelopment of underutilized municipal properties.
Support economic development by identifying revitalization strategies, streamlining permitting workflows, and aligning local zoning to encourage sustainable commercial and industrial investment.
Research and develop zoning bylaws, subdivision regulations, design guidelines, and planning policies consistent with Massachusetts General Laws and local goals.
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals; draft staff reports, prepare legal notices and decisions, manage meeting agendas, and attend evening public hearings.
Guide applicants through pre-application consultations, coordinate interdepartmental technical reviews, evaluate site plans and subdivision proposals, and monitor active projects through construction.
Identify and administer state and federal grant funding opportunities.
Manage consultant contracts.
Partner with GIS staff on municipal mapping and spatial analysis.