About the Team:

We are seeking an Associate Planner to join our already talented and dedicated team of professionals! The Planning and Zoning Department strives to respect the past, safeguard the present, and assure a vital future. Through the use of innovative land use and planning techniques, the Fitchburg Planning and Zoning Department implements its mission statement.

About the Role:

The Associate Planner is responsible for planning work related to development review, including the review of zoning map amendments, conditional use, and land subdivision applications for consistency with adopted plans and ordinances. The Planner will serve as a project manager for various planning projects and act as secretary to the Plan Commission and lead staff to the Board of Appeals and Landmarks Preservation Commission.

About the Rewards:

Fitchburg offers an excellent benefits package including an onsite fitness center. In addition to your traditional benefits, we offer wellness incentives, professional development, and work-life balance. We have fun here too!

Essential Functions:

• Interpret, discuss and explain the requirements, purpose and procedures of the zoning ordinance, land division ordinance, sign ordinance, land use plan, etc., to applicants, the public, and city officials.
• Research issues related to zoning and planning matters.
• Review submitted plans and documents. Issue related permits.
• Receives and files all applications and fees for re-zoning, conditional use permits, sign permits, certified survey, plats, SmartCode applications and related zoning matters; maintains zoning records.
• Develop draft zoning and sign ordinances, ordinance amendments and resolutions and assist in development of and evaluation of draft ordinances and policies.
• Participate in meetings with elected officials regarding zoning and planning issues.
• Prepare and update Plan Commission agenda items.
• Prepare and distributes Plan Commission agendas and minutes.
• Discuss and assess Plan Commission business, and plan document preparation with Mayor, Zoning Administrator/Planner, Commission members and staff.
• At the request of the Zoning Administrator/City Planner, review submitted projects and make appropriate comments and recommendations to the Plan Commission.
• Project manager for community development and redevelopment projects, includes working with consultants, special interest and neighborhood groups and others.
• Provide the public, developers, and other City agencies with information pertaining to municipal development requirements and standards, including meeting with developers and property owners and advising them on procedures and requirements.
• Coordinate the development review process with other city staff and committees involved in planning or development projects.
• Inspect sites to ensure compliance with all Conditional Use Permits, Architecture and Design Approvals and Zoning requirements.
• Conduct enforcement related activities pertaining to the zoning, land division and sign ordinances.
• Provide coverage at front counter for planning and zoning related matters. Monitor and respond to emails and calls to the Planning Department's accounts.
• Lead staff to Zoning Board of Appeals. Prepare agenda and minutes.

Other Functions:

• Perform basic Geographic Information System tasks is desirable, including preparation of map documents and related graphics/displays, and creation/management of data.
• Coordinates special projects.
• Attends public meetings/hearings as needed.
• Prepares materials for displays and public presentations.
• Supervise Intern working on projects assigned to this position.
• May serve as the Acting City Planner/Zoning Administrator in his/her absence.

Supervisory Requirements:

• Summer Interns

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Two years of professional planning, architecture, or urban design experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Geography, Real Estate Development, Economic Development, Public Administration or other related fields, or related field.
• Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Studies, Geography, Real Estate Development, Economic Development, Public Administration or other related fields or related field required may be substituted for one year of experience.

License, Certifications, etc.

• Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position.
• AICP certification desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of technical issues and principles related to comprehensive, neighborhood planning and geographic analysis.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines while balancing multiple projects and application reviews.
• Ability to deal with complex information, identify problems, and conduct research and analysis and prepare narrative, statistical reports and information.
• Work efficiently and effectively with diverse audiences within government, business, community organizations, and residents.
• Ability to understand and balance competing land use concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and cooperate with organizational leaders, elected officials, volunteers, business executives, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to create and sustain inclusive, supportive work cultures that are welcoming to all.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all departments and employees in a collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of principles, tools, and techniques in the planning field, including state legislation.
• Knowledge of city ordinances, basics of organization of a municipality, survey systems, architectural concepts, regional and urban design concepts, and water, sanitary, and street layouts.
• Excellent overall computer skills in of a variety of software applications such as: Word, Excel, Access, ArcGIS.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to effectively facilitate large public meetings.
• Knowledge of the workings of municipalities, and an understanding of community planning and development methods.
• Ability to coordinate efforts with other departments, citizens and interested groups.
• Knowledge of infill and redevelopment methods.
• Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

Your unique experiences matter to us, even if they don't align perfectly with every requirement listed. We recognize that skills come from diverse paths, and we value what makes your journey special. If this role inspires you, we encourage you to apply!