The purposes of this position are to plan, organize, conduct and supervise a comprehensive planning and development program for the community including zoning enforcement and administration, planning, subdivisions, open space, and grants. The Town Planner is responsible to plan, organize, implement comprehensive current and long-range planning program and is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control. Manages and supervises planning operations to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.

• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provides professional planning and land use advice to supervisors and other officials; makes private and public presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public.
• Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the public.
• Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
• Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.
• Supervises the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing, transportation, park and open space, facilities, or other plans and codes to meet the Town's needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.
• Supervises the evaluation of land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances; evaluates proposals' development impact as they relate to the adopted plans of the Town and makes recommendations.
• Evaluates land use proposals to insure compliance with applicable Town, State or Federal laws. Approves, signs permits, boundary line adjustments, and minor land development proposals within scope of authority and responsibility.
• Supervises and makes field visits to potential development and construction sites and evaluates compliance with regulations and determines if enforcement is warranted.
• Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities and of records relating to permits, maps, blueprints, overlay, and sketches pertinent to community development programs and projects.
• Evaluates environmental information and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Serves when needed as a member of planning groups composed of Town, Regional or State groups.
• Prepares and writes grant application components relating to geographic, maps, site plans, etc.
• Works with Economic Development Manager to recruit new businesses and retain businesses in Town.
• Responds to local citizens inquiring about Town planning and zoning regulations and ordinances; resolves complex disputes between planners and applicants, as required.
• Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
• Assists Town staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting Town codes and master plans.
• Assists in designs for parks, streetscapes, landscapes and other municipal projects.
• Approves and signs permits, boundary line adjustments, and minor land development proposals within scope of authority and responsibility.
• Appears in court to defend or advance the Town's position when necessary
• Prepares specifications for consulting services and oversees, supervises and coordinates consulting services in planning, including the review and updating of the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development.
• Provides staff assistance to and coordinates the activities of appropriate Boards and Commissions or supervises staff that work with boards and commission including the preparation of commission related correspondence, approvals, denials, bond agreements and releases, etc.
• Evaluates environmental information such as coastal reviews and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.
• Develops department policies and procedures and assigns, trains, supervises, counsels and evaluates staff. Consults with Human Resources on such personnel actions as hiring, termination, and discipline. Assures safe working conditions for employees.
• Prepares and administers operating budget for department; presents budget to appropriate Boards, First Selectman and RTM. Authorizes all invoices for departmental expenditures. Is responsible for oversight of expenditures and operating the Department within the approved budget limits. Develops databases and spreadsheets to track transactions.
• Submits oral and written reports to Town officials and state agencies.
• Attends meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

The qualifications required would generally be acquired with a master's degree in urban and regional planning, community development or related degree from an accredited college or program and have over seven (7) years of experience in planning or community development and over three (3) years of supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and work experience.

Special Requirements:

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) designation preferred

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of land use management, planning, and zoning enforcement; thorough knowledge of local ordinances and regulations and State Statutes relating to planning, zoning, subdivisions, land use and development; thorough knowledge of land use boards' and commissions' procedures; knowledge of GIS systems and computer applications appropriate for office; knowledge of labor relations.

Ability: Ability to develop short term and long range comprehensive plans for land use administration; ability to read and interpret site plans, drawings and specifications; ability to perform technical research and analysis in the field of planning, land use and development; ability to administer and coordinate municipal planning department; ability to analyze, interpret and explain complex planning/zoning regulations, ordinances, reports and studies; ability to deal effectively with Town staff and officials, developers, attorneys, and the public; ability to write and administer grants with appropriate staff; ability to work with and provide policy recommendations to boards and commission; ability to multitask ; ability to assign, train, and supervise technical, professional and clerical staff; ability to prepare and administer an operating budget for the department; ability to prepare and present technical and narrative reports in oral and written form.

Skill: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; aptitude for working with and explaining laws and regulations to people; aptitude for working with people and maintaining effective working relationships with various groups; aptitude for working with paperwork and details; aptitude for working with drawings and development proposals; skill in using the mentioned office equipment; skills associated with the supervision and training of staff.