Assistant Planner

Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; Shrewsbury (MA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Public pension system

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Family & Medical Leave

Job summary

The Town of Shrewsbury is seeking a motivated Assistant Planner to join our Planning & Economic Development department. Working alongside our Director, Assistant Director, co-Assistant Planner, and Administrative Assistant, you will play a central role in driving high-visibility municipal initiatives, including Comprehensive Master Planning, Multi-Use Trail expansions, Complete Streets projects, and more.

This position offers the perfect blend of technical land-use management, creative project

Qualifications

• Master's degree in planning, geography, landscape architecture, public administration, or related field preferred.
• 1-3 years municipal or consulting planning experience.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist with community outreach, comprehensive master plan development, open space and recreation planning, bylaws and zoning amendments, and grant opportunities.
• Maintain records of projects, prepare notices, assist applicants, and ensure compliance with conditions of approval.
• Coordinate plan reviews with Town departments and external consultants; support outreach and engagement strategies.
• Provide guidance to residents, landowners, and developers on permitting and economic development matters.
• Prepare agendas and materials for land use boards; support local decision making with data-driven solutions.
• Review building permits tied to land use decisions and guide development through approvals.

Job description

• Weekly Hours: 37.5 Hours / Week
• Title: Assistant Planner
• Location: Town Hall
• Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
• Hiring Range: $66,004.06 - $69,784.00 Annually (DOQ)
• Department & Supervisor: Planning & Economic Development Director

Summary

The Town of Shrewsbury is seeking a motivated Assistant Planner to join our dedicated, highly collaborative Planning & Economic Development department. Working alongside our Director, Assistant Director, co-Assistant Planner, and Administrative Assistant, you will play a central role in driving high-visibility municipal initiatives, including Comprehensive Master Planning, Multi-Use Trail expansions, Complete Streets projects, and more.

This position offers the perfect blend of technical land-use management, creative project leadership, and career growth. You will contribute to initiatives involving transportation, land use, housing, economic development, and project management. Serving as a crucial liaison to key boards such as the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Affordable Housing Trust, and Community Preservation Committee, you will guide applicants, facilitate public engagement, and help shape sustainable policy. The Planning & Economic Development Department offers an environment where you can sharpen your technical skills, grow as a municipal leader, and actively shape the future of Shrewsbury.

What You'll Do

• Assist with community outreach initiatives, comprehensive master plan development, open space and recreation planning, drafting and revising bylaws and zoning amendments, conducting economic development research, and identifying, applying for, and administering grant opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of active and past projects, prepare and track legal notices and advertisements, assist applicants with completing submissions, and ensure compliance with conditions of approval.
• Facilitate plan reviews by coordinating input from Town departments, including the Engineering Division, Conservation Commission, Building Inspector, and external consultants. Assist with community outreach and engagement strategies including in person presentations, charrettes and social media postings.
• Serve as a resource for residents, landowners, and developers, providing guidance on permitting and economic development matters via phone, email, and in person. Help facilitate public discussion on critical local projects.
• Provide comprehensive staff support to land use boards and committees, including preparing meeting agendas and materials, documenting outcomes, and ensuring follow-up. Help facilitate local decision making processes and develop data driven solutions based on community input.
• Review and approve building permits tied to land use decisions using the Town's permitting system. Ensure projects align with local conditions of approval and help guide the development process through implementation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in planning, geography, landscape architecture, public administration, or related field preferred, with 1 - 3 years of experience in municipal or consulting planning, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.

Work Hours & Benefits

The Assistant Planner works in a very collaborative team environment from a shared office space at Shrewsbury Town Hall with the staff from both the Planning & Building Inspection departments. Standard work hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM; and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Assistant Planner may attend board and committee meetings as well as community events regarding new developments and is paid for this time through a stipend (and overtime if the meeting runs long).

The Town of Shrewsbury offers a comprehensive benefits package featuring health insurance, a public pension system, generous paid time off (vacation and sick leave), professional development opportunities, and an extensive Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, Shrewsbury is one of the first municipalities in the Commonwealth to provide Paid Family & Medical Leave.