JOB DESCRIPTION

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manages, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of individual contributors in order to accomplish operational plans and results
• Plans and oversees departmental / functional area workflow and time utilization of staff; assigns and communicates daily activities and deadlines to staff
• Assesses, plans, and implements best practice standards and ensures compliance with all local, state, federal guidelines and regulatory agencies; compiles and submits data for trend analysis and regulatory reporting
• Prepares monthly, annual, and statistical reports as requested by Town Council, Town manager, Boards/Commissions
• Researches, compiles, and presents data and recommendations concerning the Plan of Conservation & Development, transportation, land use, population, capital improvements, and zoning maps and documents
• Serves as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission (CIWWC) and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA); prepares agendas and presentations, soliciting input from other town staff
• Reviews applications, writes motions, provides supporting materials and documents, and interfaces with applicants and the public regarding processes and procedures
• Develops and proposes recommendations for zoning changes and drafts zoning amendments
• Develops plans for land use, including residential, commercial, industrial areas, street layouts and transportation plans consistent with policies of the PZC
• Assists in developing zoning plans and conducting studies; investigates sub-division and zoning sites for conformance with plans; develops reports on sub-division applications and site plans
• Serves as Zoning Enforcement Officer; enforces zoning regulations, monitors applications for zoning permits and zoning compliance; investigates, researches, and identifies violations; submits all required evidence per Town policies and procedures
• Maintains knowledge of ordinances and regulations, explaining updates and changes to all applicable parties
• Maintains awareness of demographic trends and their impact on the Town
• Understands community impact and considers the town’s history in decision making and plans for future development
• Builds rapport and trust with residents, business owners, and property owners
• Positively represents the Town, adheres to Town policies and procedures, and public safety guidelines and protocols; performs job functions in a safe manner and reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures
• Responds to and resolves inquiries, issues and complaints from the general public per established standards and protocols
• Maintains active membership in state, regional, and national associations and attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
• Serves as the Wetlands Enforcement Officer; enforces wetlands regulations, monitors applications for Wetlands permits and compliance; investigates, researches, and identifies violations; submits all required evidence per Town policies & procedures.
• Serves as Town Blight Enforcement Officer. Responsible for receiving and investigating complaints, developing and executing remediation plans, and periodically reviewing regulations and making recommendations to the Town Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies or related field; supplemented by five (5) years of directly related experience in regulation enforcement and/or municipal planning; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
• Per Connecticut Statute, must have or obtain within two (2) years of employment, certification as a Certified Zoning Enforcement Officer from the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officers
• Certification as a Wetlands Official from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Driver’s License and the ability to drive a Town-owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in urban planning and five (5) years as a Town Planner in a similar municipality and certification from American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); Flood Plain Manager Certification from FEMA

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of land use and community development planning
• Advanced knowledge of the law related to zoning, subdivisions, and inland wetlands and FEMA flood zone requirements

• Knowledge of principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce
• Knowledge of GIS software, specifically ESRI GIS Arcpro and ability to use the same to generate mapping.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Skill in developing, managing, and interpreting budgets, contracts, and fiscal and financial reports
• Skill in reading and interpreting engineering data, maps, and surveys
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to speak with and before groups of various sizes, as well as ability to organize and direct meetings of members of the community and board/commission members
• Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals
• Ability to formulate, initiate, and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures
• Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to top management, interested parties, and individual and group stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives
• Ability to identify potential issues, modify processes, and resolve conflict as the need arises

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, residents, elected officials, members of commissions, boards, and community groups
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule (including for virtual and in person meetings, events, and conferences)
• Ability to work outside of standard business hours / week as required by organizational and job obligations