Planner I

Overview

Under the direction of a Planning & Zoning Division Deputy Director and in collaboration with team members, the Planner I will participate in and assist with one or more planning and/or zoning initiatives to support the City’s long-term goals. As part of a team, the Planner I will contribute to the preparation and drafting of planning analysis and recommendations, along with supporting documents.

As is essential to any planning review, comprehensive planning or zoning effort, the Planner I will engage the community, other constituencies, and public agency departments to solicit input and feedback for recommendations on the above referenced tasks. This includes maintaining community relationships and advising City staff and the public regarding regulatory processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

*The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below*

• Convey and interpret information about current planning initiatives to community members and help advance planning goals, achieve community consensus, and resolve issues.
• Participate in and support planning and community engagement processes, including daytime, evening, and weekend public meetings. Create supporting materials for specific initiatives; guide others in the creation of supporting materials for specific initiatives.
• As part of a team, conduct comprehensive and strategic planning, transportation, zoning, land use, and regulatory reform analyses for citywide and community-specific planning projects and special planning districts. Conduct policy research.
• As part of a team, conduct planning, urban design, and/or site design technical analyses, including analysis of case data, mapping, and zoning test fits.
• As part of a team, draft or update new or existing planning recommendations, thoroughly evaluate proposed land use and policy recommendations with internal and external stakeholders, and prepare planning documents for presentation to the BPDA Board, Zoning Commission, and other relevant boards for approval.
• Develop clear and engaging presentation materials to communicate planning recommendations and assess the potential impacts of proposed changes as part of community planning processes.
• Research, formulate, and draft staff recommendations for the Zoning Board of Appeal regarding zoning appeal cases and zoning variances based on pertinent planning issues.
• Prepare and present analyses of the planning context in support of the Planning Department's regulatory review of development proposals under Article 80 and other review processes.
• Provide regular updates on workflow and progress on assigned projects to the assigned Deputy Director and other team members supervising work on projects.
• Advise City staff and the public regarding planning and zoning issues. 
• Prepare briefings for senior Agency staff or City officials.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Work requires completion of a Masters’ degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field; Juris Doctor or paralegal certification. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or closely related field with a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in comprehensive planning, land use planning, zoning, transportation, or community development may also apply. 
• Prior experience participating in a land use planning or zoning process is desired. The role requires the ability to address land use and zoning challenges specific to neighborhood planning, as well as the capacity to analyze and interpret localized planning issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with effective time management and attention to detail, are essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs is required, while strong graphic skills are highly desired.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to design and create clear, visually compelling presentations, or experience in drafting zoning text amendments, is highly desirable.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary/Grade: EXM/($68,000-$95,000)

Hours per week: 35

Please submit a cover letter and work sample demonstrating written and graphic communication skills and knowledge of land use planning, neighborhood planning, zoning, transportation planning, and/or legal research. Work samples should be combined as a single PDF with the applicant’s cover letter.