Assistant Town Planner (Land Use Department)

Assistant Town Planner (Land Use Department)
Starting Hourly Range:  $29.01/hr - $30.48/hr
Full Time - Benefit Eligible

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants are required to complete a Town Application form, available in the left column of this posting under tools, or on the 
Human Resources Page.  Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form.

POSITION

Assistant Town Planner

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Town of Littleton is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time 40 hours/week, Assistant Town Planner in the Planning Department. Responsibilities include assisting the Town Planner in performing professional, technical and administrative work in the development of planning and land use controls; to assist with both short and long range plans, and community development functions and similar activities for the Town of Littleton.  Tasks would include receiving applications, working with local Boards and Commissions, and coordinating with the public and other town departments. Knowledge of MA land use laws, local zoning bylaws, subdivision regulations, and GIS, ESRI/ArcGIS preferred. The ideal candidate will be able to work in a team environment, have excellent communication skills and be able to work independently. Occasional night meetings or evening /weekend site walks may be required. There will be opportunity for the applicant to attend training/educational seminars as well as to pursue special projects relative to the position.  

FULL  JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to assist in performing professional, technical and administrative work in the development of planning and land use controls; to assist with both short and long range plans, and community development, including economic development functions and similar activities for the town and perform similar or related activities as required or as directed.   

Supervision:

Supervision Scope:  Performs responsible duties requiring a moderate level of initiative and judgment in assisting in the planning, administration and execution of the department’s services.  

Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of the planning board; directly supervised by the town planner; works at times independently referring specific problems to supervisor the position is subject to review and evaluation according to the town’s personnel plan. 

Supervision Given: None.  May act in an advisory capacity to others. 

Job Environment:

Work is performed under typical office conditions; intermittent inspection work is conducted in the field with exposure to various weather conditions. Regular work schedule may require several evening meetings per month.  

Regularly operates a computer, telephone, copier, scanners, and other standard office equipment. Operates an automobile.  

May make frequent internal and external contacts requiring tact in dealing with others requiring considerable persuasiveness and resourcefulness to influence the behavior of others. 

Has access to department-related confidential information including Planning Board executive session discussions related to pending litigation and/or negotiations, bid proposals and personal information about citizens and developers related to planning programs and proposed developments.  

Errors could result in confusion and delay, loss of department services.   

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below 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.)

• Supports implementation of policies and initiatives that fulfill the land use, preservation and open space, affordable housing, historic resources, and sustainability related goals of the residents of the Town of Littleton and in a manner consistent with state and local laws, bylaws, regulations, and the Town’s Master Plan.  May analyze and inform the Planning Board on updates and proposes amendments to local provisions to comply with statutory requirements and offers advice on meeting best-practice planning goals. 
• Provides professional recommendations and assistance to Town Planner and other municipal departments and commissions relating to subdivision rules and regulations, evaluation of plans, applications for special permits for development, proposed zoning bylaw amendments, and decisions and actions taken by the Board relating to all project submissions and local initiatives. Verifies project submissions and coordinates reviews pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws. Facilitates public input on various planning initiatives through public meetings, workshops and other means. 
• Provides staffing support in assisting in the review of proposed applications and development plans to ensure compliance with goals, subdivision rules and regulations. Support the goal of the Planning Board receiving complete applications. Provides technical assistance in the development of plans. May act as liaison between the department and other public/private groups.  Assist in making draft recommendations for the acceptance/rejection of development plans and provides those recommendations to Planning Board as part of the electronic meeting packets.  Interprets regulations for the various boards, developers and others as required.  Reviews performance bonds submitted by developers. 
• Collaborates with supervisors, Planning Board, and consultants on construction of developments. Conducts on-site inspections of properties under study by the Planning Board regarding compliance and permit conditions; updates records on site plan, special permit and subdivision progress.  
• May represent the Planning Board at town meetings and State and municipal functions concerning land use and planning related goals and activities. Assist in administering the public hearing process pertaining to Town Meeting warrant articles and prepares recommendations to Planning Board in suitable article form for inclusion on the Town Meeting warrant. 
• Works with the Master Plan Implementation Committee, or others and assist in the preparation, updates, and implementation of the town's Master Plan. 
• Onboards newly elected Planning Board members, providing tools and Town resources needed to do the Board’s work.  Also provide Guide for Members of Public Boards and Commissions. 
• Works to support Economic Development goals of the Town. 
• Monitors national, state and municipal community development trends and interprets such trends to the Board. Assists the Town Planner in exploring, securing, and administering grants for various planning initiatives
• Assist and inform landowners, developers and the public seeking information and interpretation of the Town’s zoning bylaws and subdivision rules and regulations and the Littleton Master Plan in consultation with the Town Planner and Building Commissioner.  
• Provides administrative support to the Planning Board: prepares agendas for approval. Attends meetings, prepares and present approved minutes of meetings and hearings. Assists with the preparation of annual operating budget and annual report for planning board approval; monitor budget and expenditures, accounts payable and payroll in conjunction with the Office Manager, providing   Revised January 23, 2023  timely updates to the Board. Oversee budgets of special projects such as peer review.  Assists with preparation of rfps for professional services. 
• Maintains correspondence with applicants to the Planning Board. Assists individuals in person or by telephone, providing information relative to departmental procedures and responds to inquiries and mail requiring the personal attention of the department head.   
• Performs similar or related work as required. 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
 

Education. Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in community, economic or regional planning or related discipline and up to three years’ experience in professional planning in a municipal government capacity; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.  

Knowledge. Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning and zoning and a thorough understanding of local zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations. Working knowledge of Massachusetts land use laws, and regulations. Knowledge of the principles and applications of geographic information systems.  

Ability:  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town officials, community groups, and the general public. Ability to conduct independent research and to analyze and interpret results. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints, regulatory agencies or general community and effectively communicate in written and oral form. Ability to manage, oversee or coordinate several projects at one time. Ability to present information to top management and public groups. Ability to read and interpret topographic and other plans, blueprints and maps and to research and compile data from multiple sources.

Skill: Skill in operating computers and utilizing appropriate software applications. Excellent organizational skills. Skill in GIS, ESRI/ArcGIS applications preferred.  

Physical Requirements:

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.

Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; operate objects, tools, or controls; pick up paper, files, and other common office objects.  Lifts/moves objects weighing up to 30 pounds.  Ability to view computer screens and work with details for extended periods of time.  Must be able to access all areas of a construction site. Incumbent must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. 

(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 requirements of the job change.)