Planner II (Associate Planner)

Salary : $110,165.00 - $141,607.00 Annually
Location : 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Office of Operations
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 03/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: MAA


JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Land Use Bureau Chief, performs planning and zoning tasks; manages, organizes and coordinates assigned projects and areas of responsibilities. Manages and performs unique analyses and studies including planning and zoning studies; represents the department on land use and zoning matters with Land Use Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Advisory Commission) and other governmental commissions, committees, agencies, community groups and other stakeholders; may also oversee fund programming activities, including analysis, report writing and committee interaction and management; and performs other related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides direct support to Land Use Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Environmental Protection Board (EPB) and Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) in the execution of the work programs under their purview.
• Analyzes and prepares written reviews of complex land use and project development applications, and monitors completion of same through the City's permit administration process.
• Interact and liaise with Land Use staff, other City departments, applicants and Land Use Boards on application review to assure expedient and thorough review.
• Attends meetings with various boards, civic groups, municipal and state officials to work toward long-term solutions for land use-related projects and plan implementation, including at night and on weekends, if required.
• Prepares and administers illustrated guidelines for urban design, architectural conservation and streetscape improvement programs.
• Assists other City departments and the public in the review of development proposals for compliance with city regulations.
• Prepares complex written, graphic and oral analysis of planning and zoning projects and/or applications submitted.
• Performs review of zoning regulations and prepares updates where necessary.
• Coordinatesland use studies and zoning studies, including, but not limited to the City's Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood plans, or the City's housing plan.
• Implements land use and zoning plans and initiatives.
• Interprets,appliesandexplainslaws, rules,regulationsandpolicies, including but not limited to the City's plans and Zoning Regulations and related Local, State and Federal rules and regulations.
• Adjustsstandardoperatingprocedurestoimproveeffectivenessandcomplywith regulatory changes as appropriate.
• Developsandcoordinatescomplexworkprograms,researchprojectsand analyticalstudies.
• Prepares materials for and presentstoLand Use Boards and otheraudiences and stakeholders.
• Communicatesclearlyandconcisely,bothorallyandinwriting,andestablishandmaintaineffective working relationships.
• Writes grant applications and prepares RFPs, as needed.
• Review applications to the City's Land Use Boards for completeness and consistency with applicable regulations and procedures.
• Assistswiththepreparationofclear,sound,accurateandinformativeland useandother planning reports and studies containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of planning theory, methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of zoning and related regulations (e.g., environmental review).
• Knowledge of the varied land use and related problems associated with the sustainable growth of urban centers.
• Knowledge of the technical problems associated with comprehensive planning activities.
• Knowledge of the various conditions affecting land use planning.
• Political acuity and awareness of societal issues.
• Ability to conduct independent research related to land use planning and zoning, including field surveys.
• Ability to identify current land use conditions, trends and needs.
• Ability to conduct zoning analyses, land use studies and other independent research and survey activities related to land use planning and zoning.
• Ability to understand, summarize, interpret and apply complex planning, zoning and legal information.
• Ability to assess the social, transportation economic and land use consequences of planning actions.
• Knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Ability to manage time and priorities in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing and graphically with a wide variety of stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds.
• Knowledge basic office software (e.g., email, word processing, spreadsheets, slide shows)
• Knowledge graphic communication software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Tableau)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture or a closely related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience.
NOTE: A Master's degree in Planning or in a related field, or membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.
The City of Stamford offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes; health, vision, dental, defined benefit and/or defined contribution pension plans, free term life insurance, flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter benefits. Sick bank and tuition reimbursement as well as training from the City of Stamford Training Institute.

Specific information regarding benefits are outlined in each Collective Bargaining Agreement or in the Pay Plan Document for pay plan employees.

Please click here for Union Contracts:


If the position is a seasonal/temporary position, it is not eligible for union benefits.
01


What is the highest level of education you have completed?
02


Do you possess practical experience in land use planning?

• Yes
• No

03


Summary: Planner II (Land Use Planner), under the general supervision of the Land Use Bureau Chief, assist in the delivery of planning and zoning activities; conducts, organizes and coordinates assigned projects and areas of responsibilities. Supports unique analyses and studies including planning and zoning studies; represents, as needed, the department on land use and zoning matters with Land Use Boards (Planning Board, Zoning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Environmental Protection Board (EPB), Historic Preservation Advisory Commission) and other governmental agencies, community groups and other stakeholders; may also assist in the oversight of fund programming activities, including analysis, report writing and committee interaction and management; and performs other related duties as assigned.Using the summary outlined above and the enclosed job specification, please describe your ability to meet the requirements of the position as outlined in the job specification. In your response, please include any past work experience that provided you with the knowledge and necessary skills to meet these requirements.
04


Please describe your knowledge and experience in Zoning planning and zoning theory and practice.
05


This position must prepare materials and present them, both orally and in writing to Land Use Boards and other stakeholders. Please describe your knowledge and experience working in these areas.
06


The ideal candidate should be capable of conducting independent research related to land use planning, zoning regulations, and field surveys. Please provide specific examples of your relevant experience and knowledge in these areas as part of your response.
07


The ideal candidate should be able to understand, interpret, summarize, and apply complex information related to planning, zoning, and relevant legal frameworks. Please include specific examples of your knowledge and experience in these areas in your response.
08


This position requires knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Please include examples of your experience using GIS in your response.
09


The selected candidate should have experience with graphic communication tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Tableau. Please provide examples of how you have used these or similar programs in your work.
10


Are you a member of the APA and AICP, with AICP Certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question