Planner

The Town of Amherst seeks a full time Planner to perform technical and administrative work for land use development activities including development review, permit processing and coordination, land use development analyses, report and grant writing, zoning and regulation review and development, grant administration, and GIS use. Work schedule is expected to include attendance at evening meetings as requested and may also require the delivery of public presentations. Requires the ability to review and analyze plans and permits for compliance with regulations and policies. The ability to establish and sustain positive working relationships with a diverse population including Town boards and staff, supervisors, developers, citizens, applicants and the general public. Mapping and graphic skills preferred.

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, the CDBG Advisory Committee, the Disability Access 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 year 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.