Town Planner

Job Description The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Manages, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of individual contributors in order to accomplish operational plans and results Plans and oversees departmental / functional area workflow and time utilization of staff; assigns and communicates daily activities and deadlines to staff Assess, plans, and implements best practice standards and ensures compliance with all local, state, federal guidelines and regulatory agencies; compiles and submits data for trend analysis and regulatory reporting Prepares monthly, annual, and statistical reports as requested by Town Council, Town manager, Boards/Commissions Researches, compiles, and presents data and recommendations concerning the Plan of Conservation & Development, transportation, land use, population, capital improvements, and zoning maps and documents Serves as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission (CIWWC) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA); prepares agendas and presentations, soliciting input from other town staff Reviews applications, writes motions, provides supporting materials and documents, and interfaces with applicants and the public regarding processes and procedures Develops and proposes recommendations for zoning changes and drafts zoning amendments Develops plans for land use, including residential, commercial, industrial areas, street layouts and transportation plans consistent with policies of the PZC Assists in developing zoning plans and conducting studies; investigates sub-division and zoning sites for conformance with plans; develops reports on sub-division applications and site plans Serves as Zoning Enforcement Officer; enforces zoning regulations, monitors applications for zoning permits and zoning compliance; investigates, researches, and identifies violations; submits all required evidence per Town policies and procedures Maintains knowledge of ordinances and regulations, explaining updates and changes to all applicable parties Maintains awareness of demographic trends and their impact on the Town Understands community impact and considers the town’s history in decision making and plans for future development Builds rapport and trust with residents, business owners, and property owners Positively represents the Town, adheres to Town policies and procedures, and public safety guidelines and protocols; performs job functions in a safe manner and reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures Responds to and resolves inquiries, issues and complaints from the general public per established standards and protocols Maintains active membership in state, regional, and national associations and attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices Serves as the Wetlands Enforcement Officer; enforces wetlands regulations, monitors applications for Wetlands permits and compliance; investigates, researches, and identifies violations; submits all required evidence per Town policies & procedures. Serves as Town Blight Enforcement Officer. Responsible for receiving and investigating complaints, developing and executing remediation plans, and periodically reviewing regulations and making recommendations to the Town Manager. Supervision Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies or related field; supplemented by five (5) years of directly related experience in regulation enforcement and/or municipal planning; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. Per Connecticut Statute, must have or obtain within two (2) years of employment, certification as a Certified Zoning Enforcement Officer from the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officers Certification as a Wetlands Official from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License and the ability to drive a Town-owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in urban planning and five (5) years as a Town Planner in a similar municipality and certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); Flood Plain Manager Certification from FEMA Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of land use and community development planning Advanced knowledge of the law related to zoning, subdivisions, and inland wetlands and FEMA flood zone requirements Knowledge of principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce Knowledge of GIS software, specifically ESRI GIS Arcpro and ability to use the same to generate mapping. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events Skill in developing, managing, and interpreting budgets, contracts, and fiscal and financial reports Skill in reading and interpreting engineering data, maps, and surveys Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing Ability to speak with and before groups of various sizes, as well as ability to organize and direct meetings of members of the community and board/commission members Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals Ability to formulate, initiate, and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to top management, interested parties, and individual and group stakeholders Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives Ability to identify potential issues, modify processes, and resolve conflict as the need arises Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, residents, elected officials, members of commissions, boards, and community groups Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule (including for virtual and in person meetings, events, and conferences) Ability to work outside of standard business hours / week as required by organizational and job obligations #J-18808-Ljbffr