Company: Town of Amherst
Job description:
Town of Amherst
Assistant Director of Planning and Economic Development
Planning Department
The Town of Amherst seeks an Assistant Director of Planning and Economic Development to serve under the Director in the administration of the Planning Department and its activities, including master planning, open space planning and preservation, short and long range planning projects, town policy, permitting and land use issues, zoning, design standards, housing (including affordable housing), historical preservation community and economic development, and grant writing and administration.
- MAJOR DUTIES:
Assists the Director of Planning and Economic Development in the general administration and oversight of the Planning Department; Contributes to the organization and overall function of the Conservation, Planning, Zoning and Community Development Functional Area. - Assists with formulation, coordination, and implementation of general policy, the Master Plan, and special projects and tasks.
- Assists in reviewing social service programs related to community development, and coordinates related contracts.
- Conducts research on land use, demographics, economic development, historical resources, and other planning issues; Develops and maintains reports, databases, and other informational sources about the Town; Assists with development and maintenance of the GIS data base in collaboration with the IT Department; Coordinates, developments and maintains the electronic permitting system for all land use permits; Manages long term document storage.
- Assists in reviewing development applications such as special permits, site plan review approvals, subdivisions, cluster developments PURDs, local historic district review, design review, demolition delay, and social service programs; Assists in the development of regulations to address land use, zoning and subdivision issues.
- Assists in the oversight of permit fee collection and expenditures; Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the Department budget; Coordinates, oversees, and administers grants/grant applications for the Department, working collaboratively with other Town Departments as appropriate.
- Meets with residents, developers, attorneys, engineers and other stakeholders to provide project review assistance and information.
- Assists in the training, supervision, assignment, scheduling, and evaluation of Planners and other Department staff; Coordinates staff support to boards and committees (e.g., Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Board, Historical Commission, CDBG Advisory Committee, Affordable Housing Trust).
- Serves as primary support staff to the Planning Board; Responsible for the oversight of, and support to, volunteer Citizen Board members.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree in Regional, Urban and Rural planning, or Landscape Architecture, or other closely related field PLUS four (4) years of experience in municipal planning.
- Thorough knowledge of zoning laws and comprehensive plans, including as to formation, process of adoption, and enforcement
- Extensive knowledge of: planning programs and processes; Massachusetts General Laws and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations; housing development and affordable housing programs; and historic preservation
- Skill in the area of drafting and designing
- Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment, including working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications
- Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee multiple projects with variable budgets, deadlines, and stakeholders
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with stakeholders, including architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public
- Ability to establish effective working relationships
- Ability to attend evening meetings
This is a full-time benefitted position with competitive benefits. The anticipated hiring range is $85,135-$95,840 depending on experience and/or qualifications. To view the full job description and to apply, visit https://amherstma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1089
The Town enjoys a long tradition of active, participatory, & professional government, and seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.
Job type: Full Time
Fully remote: No
Salary range: The anticipated hiring range is $85,135-$95,840 depending on experience and/or qualifications.
Location: Amherst Massachusetts