Town Planner

TOWN PLANNER

NATURE OF WORK:

This is responsible professional and administrative work in planning, organizing, directing and participating in the performance of the activities of the Planning Department.  Provides technical support to the town’s several Land Use Regulatory Agencies, the Board of Selectmen, and other Land Use Boards and commissions.  Work is reviewed through conferences and reports for overall program effectiveness.  The position requires the use of independent judgment, initiative, and supervisory skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Land Use and in accordance with prevailing policies, laws, rules and regulations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Town Planner may provide general direction and guidance to administrative staff in the Land Use Department.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assists in planning, organizing, directing and participates in the performance of the activities of the Planning Department.  

As directed, provides narrative and statistical reports to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Selectmen, and other Land Use Boards.  Performs special projects as assigned by the First Selectman. 

Compiles and analyzes data on economic, demographic, social and physical factors affecting land use. 

As directed, updates the Town’s Plan of Development for review and approval by Town Officials and Land Use Boards.  Reviews and makes recommendations on land development proposals including commercial/office, tourist/recreational, industrial and residential. 

May make site inspections for proposed subdivisions and developments with the ZEO.  Coordinates reviews with other departments.  Confers and consults with other Town Officials, attorneys, builders, and the general public regarding proposals.  Works to resolve conflicts among parties consistent with Town Planning goals.

Administers, coordinates and makes recommendations concerning land use and subdivision regulations.  Updates zoning and related land use maps as needed.

As directed, oversees the preparation of agendas for meetings of Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland/Wetlands Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and other land use agencies.  Prepares reports for same, and attends their meetings to provide advice and recommendations on applications and issues.

Provides information and technical assistance to the general public, property owners, contractors, and developers, and their representatives. 

As directed, addresses public and private groups on planning matters.  Coordinates town programs with regional, State and Federal planning agencies.  Develops applications for inter-governmental assistance.

Participates in professional planning organizations to keep up to date on technological and legal developments and changes of value to Town government.

Assist in preparation and administration of department budget.

Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.  Position requires attendance at evening meetings and additional work hours as required.

Establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with State and Federal officials, Town officials, public offices, the general public, consultants, other departments and agencies and co-workers.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  Performs related work as required.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Education, Experience & Training:

The education, experience and training required would generally be acquired with a Bachelor’s Degree from an  accredited university in Urban, Regional or Community Planning or a related field with concentrated course work in Land Use Planning and three (3) years professional experience in Land Use Planning or Natural Resource Management; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of municipal planning including its physical, social and economic aspects.

Thorough knowledge of research techniques involved in municipal planning, including problem definition, data collection and analysis. 

Thorough knowledge of basic zoning, subdivision and site development regulations and ordinances.

Thorough knowledge of business English, grammar, punctuation and arithmetic.

Knowledge of effective supervisory practices.  Possess management skills required to supervise, delegate, and share responsibilities; ability to adjust and exercise such skills in an environment where priorities constantly change.

Skilled in reading, drafting, designing and preparing maps and site plans of various types.

Ability to effectively present and communicate at Board and Commission or other Town meetings.

Ability to prepare department budget and manage within allocations authorized.

Ability to analyze and interpret plans and to determine whether they conform with provisions of applicable codes and ordinances.

Ability to comprehend complex planning problems, to identify alternative solutions and prepare appropriate recommendations.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to both technical and lay audiences.  Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner, as well as the ability to follow oral and written instructions.  Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical order is required.  Information provided orally must be accurately recorded.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and general reports.

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Ability to prioritize, organize, and perform work independently; ability to make decisions and act quickly; and the ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities in a sometimes stress environment.

Ability to use personal computer and standard office software.

Ability to regularly engage in activities necessitated by the position outside normal business hours; i.e., evening meetings, emergencies, etc.  (This is highly responsible, professional and administrative work and as such is expressly exempted by the Fair labor Standards Act and related state laws from the requirement of paid overtime).

Ability to work harmoniously, cooperatively and courteously with others at all times.  Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations and an ability to adapt to varying work situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works predominantly in an office setting.  Some outdoor work is required during the inspection of construction sites, various land use developments and some emergency situations.  When working outside, the employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, rain, snow or airborne particles, any of which may cause marked bodily discomfort.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.  The employee may work near moving mechanical parts and in precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and vibration.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must hold a driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk for prolonged periods of time. Physical stamina and endurance is required. The employee must have the ability to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

The employee must be free from mental and/or physical disorders, which would interfere with the performance of duties as described. The employee must be able to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress as well as the ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations. Employee may occasionally have to function in situations where subjected to aggressive verbal and/or physical behavior.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and retain valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle operator’s license.  Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.