Assistant Planner

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

NATURE OF WORK

This position involves performing a variety of complex administrative, supervisory, professional, and technical  work in assisting the Director of Planning in planning and performing the activities of the Planning Department.

Work covers all areas of comprehensive planning, land use, economic growth, housing, transportation, and related areas involving such specific activities as site plan and subdivision review, development and revision of zoning regulations, mapping and research of growth policies.  Provides technical support to the Planning and Zoning Commission and all Town agencies and officers requesting municipal planning assistance.

An essential part of the duties of this position is assisting in developing a flexible and anticipatory organization which will provide cost-effective and customer-friendly delivery of quality services to the community; also assisting in developing and utilizing the potential of each employee to successfully find new ways to deliver both short and long-term needs of South Windsor consistent with the Town’s goals and objectives.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Planning and in accordance with prevailing policies, laws, regulations and rules.  Work is reviewed through conferences and reports for overall program effectiveness and efficiency.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plans and organizes work to fulfill departmental plans and land use agency deadlines consistent with the Town’s goals of establishing and maintaining quality community services through cost-effective, customer-friendly service delivery.

Assigns and supervises work  in the Planning Department, including professional staff, clerical staff,  interns, and contract service providers.

Provides information and technical assistance over the counter and by phone to the general public, property owners and developers, and their representatives; addresses public and private groups on planning matters.

Reviews applications for land use proposals, including subdivisions, residential, affordable housing and industrial/commercial developments; confers with attorneys, builders, developers and the residents regarding planning and development matters; conducts site inspections.

Prepares agendas for the Planning and Zoning Commission; prepares studies and/or reports upon request of boards or commissions; prepares visual aids for presentations.

Compiles and analyzes data on physical factors affecting land use; reviews traffic information for planning, including safety recommendations; conducts field surveys; prepares and updates land use maps; prepares updates of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development and other planning documents.

Prepares statistical and narrative reports of some complexity for the Director of Planning, the Town Manager and the Town Council upon request.

Administers and makes recommendations for land use regulations; recommends other policy changes as needed.

Prepares applications for inter-governmental assistance; administers approved grants, coordinates program assignments with regional, State and Federal planning agencies.

Participates in professional planning organizations to keep current on technological and legal developments and changes of value to Town government.

Assists in the preparation of department budgets; may be assigned administrative responsibility for specific projects, programs or departmental activities.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Perform related work as required.

One theme of this Total Quality Management organization is teamwork both within departments and among departments to maximize quality service delivery to the citizens of South Windsor.  Personnel are encouraged and expected to perform work not specifically described in their job descriptions.