Town Planner

Town of Marblehead•Marblehead, MA

71d

About The Position

Under the policy direction of the Community Development & Planning Department will be responsible for supporting the functions and actions of the Regulatory Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Committee, and Conservation Committee), as well as the general administrative oversight of the Town Administrator (or appointed representative), the Town Planner shall perform work at both technical and professional levels to assist the Regulatory Boards in the preparation and presentation of studies and plans regarding the long-term physical development of the Town, and in the Planning Board’s recommendations on comprehensive land use planning, zoning analysis, subdivision, and site plan review, design review, the planning aspects of specific projects, conservation and related matters. The Town Planner, is also the town Conservation Agent, oversees the administration and enforcement of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and applicable regulations and serves as advisor to the Conservation Commission and other local boards and committees. The position requires considerable initiative in interpreting policy, advising boards and applicants, and implementing best practices consistent with the Massachusetts General Laws and Town’s bylaws and regulations. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties. Works closely with residents, businesses, and state and local officials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field with four years of planning experience or master's degree in planning or related field with two years of planning experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Community planning, land use and zoning issues, site plan review, economic development, public infrastructure projects, and environmental sustainability.
Legal decision writing for land use permits (ex. special permits)
Legal writing for by-laws related to land use, development, and zoning
Grant policies, procedures, and methods.
Relevant state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
Open Meeting Law, Public Records Law, and Robert’s Rules of Order
Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Driver’s License
Ability to prepare routine to complex correspondence and reports utilizing computerized office applications.
Develop effective and constructive working relationships with staff, other Town employees, elected and appointed officials, contractors, and the public.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Understand zoning codes and regulations.
Work with interruptions.
Interpret regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
Conduct independent research and interpret results.
Process and manage all relevant budgets and invoicing through budgeting and purchasing software (MUNIS)
Prepare and administer budgets.
Technical writing and presentations.
The use of computers and their applications with proficiency in MS Office and Adobe Acrobat.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ESRI/ArcGIS
Knowledge of public presentation techniques and skills.

Nice To Haves

AICP preferred.
Experience in MA land use regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

Exercise considerable independent judgment in carrying out Regulatory Board policies and in rendering professional advice.
Provides front-facing office support on a day-to-day basis for citizens coming into the Department of Community Development & Planning office enquiring about applications, procedures, and land use material/property questions.
The Town Planner is expected to retrieve and research town archives for related land use materials/special permit decisions.
Facilitates and supports all relevant core Regulatory Board functions (currently one administrative assistant). This includes the coordination of IT management for Public Regulatory Boards (ex., Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals).
Manages and updates all relevant webpages and documents associated with the core regulatory boards.
Supervises the Regulatory Board functions (currently one administrative assistant).
Makes frequent contacts with developers, contractors, engineers, the general public, other town departments and officials, and regional and state officials, providing information or exercising persuasion.
Identifies errors in the Special Permit or Conservation applications of planning procedures or the interpretation of state and local legislation, community attitudes, and regional developments.
May have access to a limited amount of department-related confidential information. Site visits to properties with various terrains, heavy vegetation, and/or wet conditions in all types of weather conditions.
Effectively manage natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants, and animals.
Natural resource management is interrelated with the concept of sustainable development, a principle that forms a basis for land management and environmental protection.
Public hearings: Hold public hearings when needed.
Provides professional advice to the Planning Board on subdivision rules and regulations, evaluation of plans, applications for special permits for development, proposed zoning bylaw amendments, and decisions relating to all areas of community planning and development.
Administers Board Activities; oversees compliance with special permit conditions; coordinates local review of major private development proposals; prepares agenda and schedules meetings; follows up on decisions and actions taken by the Board; coordinates Board's activities with other town departments.
Maintains communication with the Planning Board and other Regulatory Boards to ensure that the Board is aware of all activities of the planning staff; provides advice and makes grant applications on behalf of other town boards.
Prepares and assists in the presentation of articles to Town Meeting under the direction of the Director of Community Development & Planning; analyzes petition articles for potential impact.
Assists and advises landowners, developers, and other interested persons seeking information and interpretation of the town's zoning bylaw and subdivision rules and regulations.
Provides guidance and assistance to various public bodies, including but not limited to the ZBA, Design Review, Conservation, Harbor Advisory Committee, and Historic Commission.
Performs GIS analysis and map creation for Town-wide departments; Keeps current on the latest GIS software/analysis techniques.
Will work some evenings. 1 Monthly Planning Board Meetings, 1 Monthly Conservation Meeting, 1 Monthly Zoning Board Meeting, and others that may arise.
Other duties as assigned.