CHIEF PLANNER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER
The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Chief Planner within the Office of Economic Development’s Planning & Regulatory Services Division. The Chief Planner assists in the management and administration of the Division of Planning & Regulatory Services (DPRS). Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Development Officer, the Chief Planner has specific responsibility for administration of DPRS’s boards and commissions (Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals), related professional and technical assistance, and customer service. The core responsibilities include managing project applications and assignments, coordinating meetings, and conducting development review. The Chief Planner additionally assists in developing and implementing long range plans and polices related to planning, development, and zoning – including involving land use, zoning, urban design, and comprehensive planning. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, professional setting where they will meaningfully contribute to the development of the City of Worcester. Attendance at evening meetings is required, typically 2 or 3 meetings per month.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of, and experience applying, the principles and practices of natural resource conservation, land development, urban design, historic preservation, planning, community development, and zoning - including writing zoning provisions and coordinating and implementing plans
- Knowledge and experience providing excellent customer service via telephone, email, and in-person, in a consistently professional and courteous manner
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to public meetings, zoning, subdivision control, wetlands protection, and planning.
- Knowledge of and the ability to use municipal permitting and file-sharing software
- Expertise in planning, zoning, subdivision control, and municipal permitting
- Self-starter who can work well both independently and in team environments
- Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and flexible
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, critical thinking, problem solving, and oral and written communication skills
- Strong proficiency with personal computers and experience using the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel)
- Proficiency with data analysis, records research methodology and searching records through use of online databases
- Skilled at reviewing development plans (site plans, parking plans, subdivision plans, etc.) and coordinating review among city departments.
- Proficiency with GIS mapping and Adobe Acrobat software.
- Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn, work hard, think creatively, and work collaboratively
- Ability to communicate with, develop and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests
- Ability to work collaboratively across professional and departmental boundaries within and between organizations
- Ability to quickly learn new software and data management tools
- Ability to prepare reports and presentations and maintain confidentiality
- Ability to take initiative to identify opportunities and implement strategies for process improvement or streamlining work
- Ability to use professional expertise, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to accomplish varied functions requiring considerable judgment and initiative in determining courses of action.
- Ability to give oral presentations
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in city or regional planning, public administration, geography, civil engineering, architecture, or other related field.
- Four (4) years of experience in land use planning or a related field.
o A Master’s Degree in city or regional planning, civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, geography or other related discipline may be substituted for 1 year of experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in city or regional planning, public administration, geography, civil engineering, architecture, or other related field
- Three (3) years of experience reviewing development plans (site plans, parking plans, etc.)
- Two (2) years of experience providing administrative and technical support to municipal boards or commissions
- One (1) year of project or program management experience.
- Prior experience working in a municipal setting
- AICP and/or other applicable certifications
SALARY RANGE: $90,394 - $103,104 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.
To apply, please visit: : www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023, to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.
