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Town of Lexington Massachusetts

Planner (PDF)

Town of Lexington Massachusetts, Lexington, Massachusetts, United States, 02173


EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYTown of Lexington

We are currently accepting for the full-time (non-exempt) position of:

PlannerDepartment of Land Use, Housing and Development

Starting Hourly Range: $36.19 - $41.28

The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form, resume, cover letter,and writing sample must be received in the Town's Human ResourceDepartment. The position is open until filled.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Planning Director and Assistant Planning Director,performs a variety of technical and professional work in the current and long range planning ofthe Town.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:* Reviews applications and development plans submitted to the Planning Board forcompliance with Zoning Bylaw and Development Regulations and evaluates site designand landscape components. Conducts research and site assessments and refers to otherTown departments for review. Prepares background and analysis of plans in plan reviewmemorandums and submits recommendations to Planning Director for review.

* Prepares drafts of recommendations or decisions for action by the Planning Board andprepares reports or exhibits to support Board recommendations. With Planning Directorsupervision, oversees subdivision, site plan review, street adequacy determinations, andspecial permit administration and prepares drafts of the Certificate of Action, Special Permitand site plan review decisions. Monitors construction to ensure developer's complianceand enforces remedial action if needed.

* Conducts research into relevant legal issues, gathers and analyzes data, and preparesstudies and policy actions related to current Town planning issues, the ComprehensivePlan and the Plan's recommended goals, Planning Board policies, regulations and by-laws,and general planning. Communicates with consultants under contract with the Town

* Monitors any online community participation site, updates the planning webpages, andhelps respond to emails directed to the Planning Office and Planning Board, referringissues raised to the appropriate parties.

* Attends evening Planning Board meetings to report on planning issues and to presentresearch findings through oral and/or visual presentations and staff recommendations.

Provides technical information and support to the Board, performs follow-up action, andconducts additional research as directed.

* Works with administrative support persons to help organize and maintain all PlanningBoard records. Assembles materials and documents as required for recording in Registryof Deeds or Land Court.

* Provides technical support to the Planning Director and assists the Assistant PlanningDirector in various planning functions.

* Under the direction of the Planning Director, serve as the primary planner to respond topublic inquiries on zoning, subdivision, and planning activities of the Planning Board viaphone, in the office, and electronic mail. Educates the public through correspondence andthrough presentations at meetings.

* Makes occasional site visits to aid preparing Reports to the Planning Board and verifycompliance with permit conditions.

* Attends various other department, committee, and board meetings as assigned to providetechnical and professional staff support. Reviews and provides feedback on documentsand reports.

* Attend and provide support to the Housing Partnership Board, Affordable Housing Trust,and monthly Regional Housing Service Office meetings as needed.

* Help meet the Town's housing goals by assisting with compliance towards Sec. 3a ofM.G.L. c.40A for MBTA Communities, the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), Moderate-and Low-Income Housing Units.

* Serve as the Planning Office's primary GIS person for mapping. Works closely with GISDatabase Administrator to maintain zoning maps and zoning layers.

* Performs special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situationdictates.

* Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, or related field, from an accredited college or universityand two to four years of increasingly responsible, planning-related experience.

ADVANCED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Master's Degree in urban planning or similar field preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and weare actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our

organization.

Knowledge of:

* Principles and practices of urban planning and development.* Site planning techniques and methods.* Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations related to planning, zoning, housing,and land divisions.* Modern office methods, practices, and computer equipment.* Geographic Information Systems.* Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urbanplanning.

Ability to:

* Use or learn GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for mapping.* Interpret and explain planning and zoning activities to the general public.* Read and interpret comprehensive building and land development plans.* Analyze and compile technical and statistical information, and write technicalreports/memorandums.* Operate computer and various software necessary for performing assigned duties.* Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and maintain effectiveworking relationships.* Effectively handle an environment, which involves close contact with the public, includingupset individuals.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Some work is performed outdoors while conducting site visits, requiring moderate physicaleffort and exposure to various hazards. May be required to lift and/or move objects up to 25pounds.

The majority of work is performed in a normal office setting not subject to extremes oftemperature, noise, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, scanner, fax machine,and other office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Frequentlyrequired to sit for extended periods of time.

The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and weare actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to ourorganization.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of workbeing performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be anexhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specificstatements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar,related, or a logical assignment to the position.APPLICATION PROCESSAll applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internetat www.lexingtonma.gov, emailing jobs@lexingtonma.gov, calling (781) 698-4590 or by visitingthe Human Resources Department. Please submit a cover letter expressing interest andqualifications, a resume, and a writing sample that may be attached to the application form asadditional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required applicationform.

CORI screening required.

Application and resumes are expected to be received in the Town's Human ResourceDepartment. The position is open until filled.

The Town reserves the right to modify the application deadline, and/or accept applicationsafter the deadline, to best serve the interest of the community.

After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidateswill be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing inthe process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application.

Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contactthe Human Resources Department.

Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the: Human ResourcesDepartmentTown of Lexington 1625 Massachusetts AvenueLexington, MA 02420(781) 698-4590