JOB DESCRIPTION

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Employee primarily engages in technical planning support work to advance a variety of local and regional initiatives and projects in transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability planning.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interpret and apply applicable local and state bylaws, ordinances, and policies
• Assist with development of short- and long-range Master Plans, Housing Plans, Economic Development Plans, Mobility Plans/Corridor Studies, Open Space and Recreation Plans, and regional plans, including strategies to promote equitable mobility, economic and community development, or efficient land use consistent with community goals
• Develop and help advance implementation and action plans, including priorities, schedules, and funding sources
• Conduct extensive technical research in specific or general project areas relative to transportation, housing, economic development, land use, and sustainability
• Gather and enter data, with ability to analyze and synthesize data
• Write, or assist in writing, a variety of bylaws, ordinances, policies, reports, and presentations
• Interface and make presentations to local, state and federal officials, the business community and advocacy groups
• Maintain effective working relationships with local communities, regional, state and federal agencies, advocacy groups, consultants, the business community and the public
• Maintain and expand knowledge concerning local, state and federal planning requirements, practices, policies and processes.
• Assist with outreach and engagement activities, including but not limited to developing promotional materials, social media messaging, press releases, and website updates
• Assist with grant research and application preparation and administration
• Develop visual and written communications materials such as report covers, flyers, and social media content
• Maintain and update datasets, including building permits, zoning, and parcel GIS data
• Conduct field evaluations, site surveys, and assessments
• Coordinate and participate in technical committees, advisory committees, working groups and task forces, as appropriate
• Attend evening and weekend meetings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of one or more planning specializations, such as transportation/mobility, land use planning/zoning, environmental planning/sustainability, housing, or economic development
• Knowledge of planning principles and practices specifically related to housing analysis, economic development, land use, transportation, sustainable development, and other planning techniques and strategies
• Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection
• Knowledge of statistical and data analytics
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and database management
• Proficiency editing and maintaining geospatial data using Esri ArcGIS Pro or QGIS
• Familiarity with graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite) preferred but not required
• Familiarity with group facilitation skills for use at community workshops
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to work effectively with community groups and government officials, especially local elected and appointed officials
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Strong technical, writing, and oral communication and public presentation skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates must have either a bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, environmental design, public policy/management, urban design/architecture, GIS, economic development or a closely related field or at least 2 years of relevant experience. Experience utilizing GIS, social media platforms, and/ or community engagement tools a plus.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EQUIPMENT

Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the U.S. and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.

BENEFITS

Benefits for eligible employees: Medical Dental & Vision Insurance / Flexible Spending Account / Life Insurance including AD&D / Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance / Massachusetts State Employees' Retirement System / Deferred Compensation Plan / 13 paid holidays & 3 paid personal days per year / 91 hours of sick leave & 80 hours of annual leave are accrued over each bi-weekly pay period per year.