Assistant Planner- Zoning

Salary: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 Annually
Location : 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 90
Department: Housing, Economic Development & Commerce
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Position Division: Zoning


Description


The City of Jersey City is seeking an Assistant Planner for its Zoning Division. This position will work closely
with the City's Zoning Officer to provide comprehensive planning and zoning oversight within the City,
along with simple to complex site plan reviews and coordination between city departments on community
and economic development projects. This innovative team player must possess a background knowledge
of Zoning and Planning, strong writing, and communication skills, and be comfortable working with
community groups. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals with a strong interest in zoning and land
use regulation to gain knowledge and skills in a very active planning office working on a wide range of
contemporary urban development issues, collaborating with planners of various backgrounds.
Examples of Duties


Job Duties:
• Ensures payments are received and processed for residential development fees prior to
submitting applications for permits or Certificates of Occupancy (CO).
• Reviews and process NJ resident's applications for permits and Certificates of Occupancy (CO)
• Determines and explains residential development fee exemptions when applicable
• Assists the Zoning Officer and staff in reviewing applications for compliance with the Jersey City
Land Development Ordinance
• Assists in Compliance reviews for applications for Certificate of Occupancy.
• Advises the Zoning Officer on current regulations under the Municipal Land Use Law and current
land use case law
• Researches and analyzes zoning and subdivision regulations and codes to support developing the
most efficient and cost-efficient preliminary plans and conceptual site plans for residential and
commercial real estate development sites
• Assists in the preparation of case analysis, zoning ordinance revisions, and revisions to the
Comprehensive Plan
• Works in multidisciplinary teams, which may include planners specializing in urban design,
transportation, environmental sustainability, housing, and economic development, as well as staff
in other City departments, to advance zoning policy initiatives
• Prepares written reports and oral presentations for a range of audiences, including the City
administration, City Council, Planning Board, and community groups;
• Attends as needed and participates in various planning-related public meetings, workshops,
discussions, etc.; and
• Performs necessary fieldwork for the department, including zoning site inspections.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications


Required Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, or related field.
The ability to obtain A New Jersey Professional Planning license is preferred but not required. In lieu of a
degree, five (5) years of work experience in a related field and/or office.
Preferred Experience: one (1) year of experience in municipal, county, regional, or state planning, which
should include experience working with community engagement, master planning, and site plan review.
Possession of a Master's Degree in Planning from an accredited college or university may be substituted
for one (1) year of indicated experience.

Supplemental Information


Essential Skills:
• Knowledge of relevant Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and procedures concerning
community redevelopment, economic development, and housing rehabilitation programs;
• Ability to think critically and develop creative regulatory approaches to complex issues within the
legal framework of zoning.
• Thorough knowledge of redevelopment planning and the New Jersey Redevelopment Law;
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare
technical reports;
• Ability to present, discuss, and execute innovative ideas
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, to interpret planning, zoning, and
local ordinances to officials and the general public, and to make public presentations;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office - PowerPoint, Word, and Excel; Knowledge of Bluebeam a plus,
and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City of Jersey City
employees, public officials, and the public.
The City of Jersey City offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health insurance, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, sick time, pension, life insurance, professional development assistance, employee assistance program, and other benefits.


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