Zoning & Wetlands Enforcement Officer
About The Position
The Town of Clinton is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented professional to administer and enforce zoning, inland wetlands, historic districts, flood hazards, and blight regulations in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes and Town policies. The position serves as the Town's Zoning Enforcement Officer, Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Enforcement Officer, and Blight Ordinance Enforcement Officer, working with residents, property owners, developers, contractors, municipal staff, and land use commissions to support responsible development, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance. The role includes enforcement and compliance work; review of development proposals and applications; permitting and inspections; technical support for boards and commissions; public assistance; and administrative support for Land Use Office operations. Work takes place in both office and field settings and includes traveling throughout Town, conducting inspections outdoors in varying weather, and traversing uneven or undeveloped terrain.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Land Use Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Geography, or a closely related field; significant directly related experience may be substituted where appropriate.
- Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials (CAZEO) certification and two to three years of related experience, or equivalent.
- Candidates who are not currently CAZEO certified must obtain and maintain certification within two years of hire.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Authorized Wetlands Agent training requirements pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes.
- Valid Connecticut driver's license.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and GIS applications.
- Knowledge of Connecticut zoning, planning, inland wetlands, historic district, flood hazard, and related land use regulations.
- Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances.
- Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, surveys, technical reports, and legal documents.
- Strong investigative, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to prepare reports, maintain records, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, boards, commissions, contractors, developers, property owners, and the public.
- Ability to provide professional, responsive customer service and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.
Nice To Haves
- ESRI GIS Training Certificate.
Responsibilities
- Enforce zoning, inland wetlands, historic districts, flood hazards, and blight regulations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Town policies.
- Conduct site inspections, investigate complaints, monitor compliance, and issue permits, certificates, notices of violation, cease and desist orders, and other enforcement actions as necessary.
- Coordinate enforcement matters with legal counsel and appear in court when required.
- Review demolition applications for structures over 50 years old and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Review development proposals, site plans, subdivision applications, wetlands applications, and related projects for regulatory compliance.
- Conduct inspections before, during, and after construction activities.
- Issue zoning permits, inland wetlands permits, certificates of zoning compliance, and authorized minor activity permits.
- Work with the Town Planner, Building Official, consultants, developers, contractors, and property owners throughout the development review process.
- Attend and provide technical support to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands Commission, Historic District Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Design Review, and other boards as assigned.
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to Town departments, boards, commissions, residents, property owners, developers, and contractors.
- Interpret land use regulations and respond to public inquiries about permitting and compliance.
- Maintain permit, enforcement, and land use records in accordance with Connecticut records retention requirements.
- Prepare monthly enforcement reports, legal notices, annual reports, correspondence, public information materials, and required state reporting documentation.
- Assist with budgeting, GIS initiatives, planning projects, meeting preparation, and general Land Use Office operations.
- Participate in staff meetings and support Land Use Office functions as needed.
- Process correspondence, maintain office technology, assist with records requests and fee collection, and provide general customer service support.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the Town's ongoing operational needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
