Assistant Town Planner

Union: HEA

Position: Assistant Town Planner

Pay Grade: 9

Pay Range: $33.71-$41.65 per hour (35 hours per week)

Position Title: Assistant Planner

Department: Planning

Statement of Duties

Under the general direction of the Town Planner, responsible for pro­viding technical assistance to the Planning Board concerning applica­tions for development, and assisting the Planner in carrying out the functions of the department.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration 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 work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Meeting with developers, attorneys, engineers, architacts, sur­veyors, contractors and members of the general public regarding Harwich regulations, procedures and application requirements.
• Reviewing applications for site plans, subdivisions, approval ­not-required plans and special permits as well as Zoning Board of Appeals referrals to determine application completeness, zon­ing compliance and adherence to Planning Board Rules and Regula­tions.
• Performing site inspections of properties which are the subject of development applications, accurately assessing existing conditions and applying information gathered to overall analysis of develop­ment proposals.
• Communicating with applicants and/or their agents to verify informa­tion or obtain additional data or plan revisions.
• Preparing memoranda on the findings and recommendations resulting from the development review process and delivering said memoranda and copies of plans to Board members prior to the meeting at which they will be discussed.
• Scheduling applications for review by the Planning Board and pre­paring agendas for the Board's meetings and attending said meet­ings; may also include taking minutes of meetings in the absence of a recording clerk and making presentations as needed.
• Following-up in unresolved Planning Board business at the request of the Board, including drafting of letters, writing formal deci­sions of the Board for filing with the Town Clerk, communicating information between the Board and Town officials, and gathering of pertinent information.
• Responsible for performing background research of grant needs and oppor­tunities which shall include regular communication with key people in each of the functional areas of Town government and continued review of grant opportunities from various sources; may also prepare grant propo­sals and aid the implementation of grants.
• When authorized, may serve to represent the Planning Board, Town or Town Planner/Grant writer in conferring with Town, regional, state and federal officials or with other public and private organizations on matters con­cerning planning, community development or grants.

Supervision

Incumbent works under the general direction of the Planner, but is expected to exercise prudent independent decisions and judgment. Does not supervise others, but may occasionally provide work direction to a clerical employee to ensure correctness of format and planning terminology and phraseology.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Should possess a bachelor's degree (masters degree preferred) in urban planning or related field, such as: geography, engineer­ing or other field plus at least two years experience in the planning field during which time candidate should have had work experience in planning research and in working with state/local laws dealing with planning matters. Candidate must be able to demon­strate possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

A candidate for this position should have:

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of town planning;
• Considerable knowledge of state and local laws relating to planning, zoning and related matters;
• Working knowledge of the economic, sociological and environ aspects of planning;
• Working knowledge of federal and state grant programs relating to local government;
• Working knowledge of personnel computer functions and operations;
• Ability to carry out planning and grant research, and
• Strong written, oral and graphic communication skills.

Licensing and Certifications

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license

Tools and Equipment Used

Equipment operated includes: Computers, software, related peripherals and general office equipment.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, see or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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.

Work is performed in an office setting and outdoors conducting site inspections. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to construction sites and equipment; loud noises and vibrations; fumes, gases and air borne particles; dilapidated structures and buildings and outside weather conditions. Frequent driving to various sites is required.

The employee is exposed to some mental stress due to need for attention to details and deadlines. Additionally, the work on high profile projects can generate hostility and anger from citizens and others.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

Submit Town Employment Application, resume and cover letter to Human Resources, 732 Main Street, Harwich, MA 02645 or [email protected]. Applications are available on the Town of Harwich website at https://www.harwich-ma.gov/home/pages/employment

Pay: $33.71 - $41.65 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent care reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person