Town Planner Job Posting May 2017 The Town of Groveland is seeking a qualified part-time (20 hrs/wk) Town Planner. Duties include the daily management and coordination of all functions and services of the Planning Board, including zoning and subdivision matters within the Town as defined by State statute and local rules and regulations; coordinate cross-departmental projects and act as liaison to applicants; research and apply for grants and funding and manage the funded projects. Responsible for directing Groveland s land use and planning activities and providing support to the elected Planning Board, in order to advance the economic well-being of the town. Salary range: $28 - $34/hr DOQ; Benefit eligible. Review of applicants will begin on 6/19/17. Position open until filled. Send letter of interest and resume to: Personnel Director, 183 Main Street, Groveland, MA 01907 or ddembkoski@grovelandma.com. For full job description please visit our web-site at: www.grovelandma.com. AA/EOE.
TOWN OF GROVELAND Job Title: Town Planner Department: Planning Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Hours Worked: Part Time, Benefit Eligible 20 hrs week Salary Range: $28 - $34/hour DOQ Date: May 30, 2017 General Responsibility The Town Planner is responsible for the daily management and coordination of all functions and services of the Planning Board, including zoning and subdivision matters within the Town as defined by State statute and local rules and regulations; coordinates cross-departmental projects and acts as liaison to applicants; researches and applies for grants and funding and manages the funded projects. Responsible for directing Groveland s land use and planning activities and providing support to the elected Planning Board, in order to advance the economic well-being of the town. Supervision: Supervision Received: The Planner works under the policy direction of the Planning Board with the administrative day-to-day aspects of the position to be supervised by the Board of Selectmen. Performs highly responsible and complex duties requiring considerable knowledge and independent judgment in the application and interpretation of relevant state and local laws and land use practices. Supervision Given: None Essential Functions: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of duties is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.) Assists in the review of all development proposals including subdivisions, special permits, and site plans, checking for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the Planning Board s regulations and Town by-laws; Provides technical assistance to the Planning Board in evaluation of development proposals; Participates in plan review process; prepares information and summary reports; makes recommendations to the Planning Board on development proposals.
Provides professional guidance to applicants on development proposals or other land use issues; Reviews Zoning Bylaws, Design Guidelines and Planning Board Rules and Regulations and recommends revisions for bylaws and regulations that dictate land use in the Town in response to changing conditions, policies, laws, environmental issues, etc. Writes and provides explanatory material such as the Permitting Procedures Manual that explains the various permitting processes for all Town boards, commissions and departments and how they relate to each other. Holds regular office hours to assist residents and applicants with questions regarding zoning bylaws, subdivision rules and regulations, and application procedures, and to coordinate with other Town boards, committees, and employees; Prepares the annual budget in consultation with the Planning Board, tracks expenditures, prepares vouchers, and purchases supplies and services as authorized; Attends Planning Board meetings and follows up on Planning Board decisions, and prepares agenda; Places advertisements for public hearings in the local newspaper. Ensures that required procedures and deadlines are being followed; In consultation with the Planning Board drafts the annual report for review by the Planning Board; Acts as agent of the Planning Board for purposes of evaluating plans and monitoring construction activities to ensure compliance with the Town s regulations and other by-laws. Conducts field investigations as required; Works with the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer where appropriate to ensure enforcement; At the direction of the Planning Board, conducts planning studies regarding future development in the town; reviews existing planning and zoning guidelines and by-laws and makes recommendations for revisions; develops and maintains computerized data base for planning, involving traffic engineers, census, economic data, mapping, etc.; when directed by the Planning Board serves as staff liaison between Planning Board and other town departments and agencies; Coordinates town planning goals and priorities with surrounding towns, state and local agencies, councils and committees and outside consultants as appropriate; Facilitates, in a collaborative manner, all long range-planning, including the development, updating and implementation of the Master Plan; assists the town in creating a vision for its future and recommends strategies for realizing that vision.
Researches potential grant opportunities, coordinates the application process and manages the projects that are funded through grant opportunities. Maintains a database of grant and funding sources and advises the town about funding opportunities; Participates in regional and state wide planning efforts through work with Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and other agencies; Any other duties as may be reasonably assigned. Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws and regulations relating to municipal planning, zoning, subdivision regulations, the environment and historic preservation. Working knowledge of computer systems and office software applications including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, GIS/Query Manager, Power Point or other presentation applications, permit tracking. Working knowledge of construction standards and techniques. Knowledge of basic land use concepts such as subdivision, roadway and landscape design and site development. Grant writing knowledge and the ability to research and apply for grants. Ability: Ability to logically and comprehensibly present and explain complicated, technical information to individuals and large groups in private or public venues. Ability to maintain detailed and extensive records and prepare reports. Ability to work effectively under time constraints to meet deadlines. Flexibility to move from operational to systems demands among numerous departments/agents. Ability to deal tactfully and appropriately with the general public, town departments, state and federal agencies and their representatives, consultants, community groups, and elected and appointed officials. Skills: Excellent communications skills, both verbal (presentations to groups, participation in meetings and working with individuals and groups having diverse, even competing or conflicting, interests, concerns and/or demands) and written (composition of warrant articles, by-law amendments, grants, public information materials/explanations, budget, financial, technical or other reports). Skill in problem solving and project management. Skill in computer applications. Physical Requirements/Work Location: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position s essential functions Work Location: Town Hall This position splits its duties between an office-based job in a dynamic municipal setting, and some off-site field work to conduct inspections, initiate enforcement actions, and the
like. Field work is conducted under varying conditions with exposure to some occupational risks, and requires local travel. Will be required to work outside of normal business hours to accommodate evening office hours, off-site appointments; and to attend required night meetings. Physical Skills: Work requires some agility and physical strength, such as moving in or about construction sites or over rough terrain, or standing or walking most of the work period. Occasionally, work may require lifting, pushing or pulling department equipment or materials. Motor Skills: Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Examples include operating a motor vehicle, using a personal computer, or climbing a ladder. Visual Skills: Employee is required to constantly read documents and blue prints or construction drawings for general understanding and analytical purposes. Employee must be able to determine color differences. Recommended Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience: Bachelor s degree in planning or a related field; three to five (3-5) years experience preferably in municipal planning and community development; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Experience as a grant writer preferred. Special Requirements: Certification as a Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred. Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Driver s License. Non-Discrimination Clause: No individual shall be denied any rights guaranteed pursuant to local, state and/or federal law on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and/or requirements of the job change. Updated May 2017