JOB DESCRIPTION

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Typical assignments will include:

• Assisting with the development and implementation of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Plan of Conservation and Development.
• Providing technical assistance to member municipalities to develop plans, policies, and regulations to achieve their conservation and development goals.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to craft research deliverables that can be shared with a variety of audiences.
• Taking a lead role on more complex, interdisciplinary planning projects, such as comprehensive municipal plans, and at times overseeing NVCOG staff to draft, review, and integrate others' contributions to ensure coherence.
• Developing new ideas and concepts in response to a changing region to increase the relevance of NVCOG's Community Planning work in alignment with the Region's goals.
• Designing and executing trainings on relevant land use, housing, historic preservation and development, and related topics for planners, municipal decision makers, and the broader regional community.
• Creating and facilitating meaningful community engagement opportunities that meet regional and municipal planning and policy goals.
• Working in partnership with our member municipalities, state partners, academic institutions, and others active in the planning field.
• Supervising Community Planning Division staff and interns as well as collaborating with NVCOG's other planning divisions.
• Remaining informed about current planning issues, resources, and programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Experience providing professional planning assistance to local governments.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local planning and land use policy issues, laws, regulations, and programs, as well as best planning practices related to master planning and other local planning activities.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills, including ability to analyze data and discern trends.
• Strong skills in public process, facilitation, and collaboration; ability to work with the public and to articulate planning and policy issues to a wide variety of audiences; ability to build coalitions, achieve consensus, and resolve disputes in complex public policy situations.
• Ability to write coherent documents ranging from technical reports to public flyers.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate; as well as the ability to time manage multiple and varied assignments.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and expand productive working relationships with the public, community groups, and government officials, especially local elected and appointed officials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work involves both office and field settings, requiring periods of sitting or standing, use of office equipment, and travel to various locations. Fieldwork may occur on uneven terrain and in variable weather. Some evening or weekend meetings may be required. Hybrid work is permitted at least one day per week at the supervisor's discretion.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a related field of study (Planning, Urban Studies, Sociology, Public Administration) and at least 4 years of relevant professional experience or a master's degree in any of these fields and at least 2 years of relevant professional experience. The Senior Community Planner will be required to attend night meetings.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Lana Harrison, Acting Community Planning Director, at jobs@nvcogct.gov.

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.