Project Planner jobs in Westfield, MA

Come and be part of our dynamic team.  The Amherst Planning Department is an exciting place to work with lots of projects already underway and new ones about to be launched.  Projects include private development and public parks, recreation and open spaces - as well as planning for housing and other new growth.  Every day is different with new challenges and opportunities. Come join us!

Job Summary
Performs a variety of routine and complex technical and administrative work for land use development activities including development review, permit processing and coordination, land use development analyses, report writing, zoning and regulation review and development, grant-writing and administration, and use of the GIS system. Work schedule is expected to include regular attendance at evening meetings as requested and may also require the delivery of public presentations.

Supervision Received
Performs duties under the direction of the Planning Director and may take specific direction from Senior Planner.

Supervision Exercised
Generally none. Employee is responsible for his/her own work but may provide some supervision to clerical staff and interns.

Major Duties
1. Reviews and administers land use development requests, including subdivisions, site plans, ANRs, Site Plan Review approvals, Special Permits, design review, demolition delay, and similar requests. Administers specific sections of Town Bylaws. Working with other staff, analyzes and develops recommended improvements to overall development review process.

2. Facilitates coordination of permit system including streamlining and improving process. Updates forms, procedures and guides for development. Provides information to the public and assists citizens with processes for permits, planning, zoning and land use. Makes recommendations for improved customer service.

3. Provides primary staff support to the Zoning Board of Appeals, or the CDBG Advisory Committee, and the Design Review Board, and other boards/committees as directed, particularly with regard to the master plan; acts as liaison to other boards and committees regarding land use, growth management, and historic preservation issues. Works to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Keeps abreast of revisions to laws, regulations, and court decisions.

4. Provides staff support to Town boards and committees on matters of land use, zoning, and historic preservation in Amherst, as well as outreach and liaison with appropriate groups and individuals in the Amherst community. Conducts research and has responsibility for working with the Planning Board and others to review and develop amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, Official Zoning Map, subdivision regulations, and other rules and regulations.

5. Applies for and administers a range of grants in support of land use, community development, conservation and historic preservation activities.

6. Works with other Planning staff and the GIS Administrator to make recommendations regarding technical support, upgrades, and policy changes for the system.

7. Develops maps, charts, and other graphic aids associated with responsibilities.

8. Assists in other departmental work projects as necessary. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree in urban or regional planning, landscape architecture or closely related academic field plus three years professional planning experience; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience are required.

Topical skill requirements include experience in land use and zoning, grant-writing and administration, utilization of GIS, map making and data extraction. Must be familiar with the principles and practices of local government, land use, planning and zoning; and knowledgeable about federal and state laws and regulations relating to planning and zoning. Requires ability to review and analyze plans and permits for compliance with regulations and policies;

General skill requirements include the ability to organize and carry out a significant work program with minimal supervision; create, write and deliver reports and public presentations, establish and sustain positive working relationships with a diverse population including Town boards and staff, supervisors, developers, citizens, applicants and the general public. This position must be able to review and analyze plans and permits for compliance with regulations and policies; Mapping and graphic skills preferred.

Special Requirements
None.

Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computer, Microsoft Office proficiency including Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel, Outlook, calculator; phone; copy and fax machine; various graphic design tools.

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.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand or sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.

Selection Guidelines
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

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.

The 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.

The Town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial equity and environmental sustainability. All are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO.