Chief Staff Planner

City of Hartford; Connecticut; On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled professional to join their Planning and Zoning Division. This role involves overseeing complex planning tasks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and collaborating on long-term development initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in urban planning, zoning laws, and project management. You'll enjoy a dynamic work environment, where your contributions will directly impact the community's growth and development. If you are passionate about urban planning and want to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional experience in urban development or planning.
• Supervisory experience in planning is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise planning and zoning activities.
• Perform complex plan reviews and make recommendations.

Skills

Urban Planning

Zoning Laws

Project Management

Statistical Analysis

Technical Report Preparation

Effective Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning

Master's Degree in Planning

Tools

GIS Software

Database Management Systems

Job description

Vacancy is in the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Development Services. The posting will remain open until sufficient applications are received.

Under general direction, assists the Division Director in the administration of the City’s Planning and Zoning Division by coordinating, supervising, and providing technical support for the City’s planning and zoning activities. Assists with long-term planning and development efforts and ensures compliance with state and local laws and regulations. May act for the Division Director in their absence as directed.

Performs and oversees professional plan reviews of complex projects. May assist the Division Director with the coordination and oversight of the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff related to plan review, historic preservation, planning and zoning commission reporting, zoning board of appeals, and wetlands review as directed.

Plans, supervises, and participates in research activities and in the compilation and analysis of complex planning data, making recommendations related to planning and zoning activities. May participate in or oversee specialized planning functions, including but not limited to large-scale development proposals, transportation planning initiatives, and planning studies.

May be required to attend and represent the City at commission, staff, public events, and other meetings, as directed. Performs related work as required.

This is a HMEA Union position. The hours of work are 40 per week, and the salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.

Distinguishing Characteristics :

Incumbent performs and oversees the most complex planning tasks requiring a high degree of knowledge of current and advanced planning and zoning functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure :

• Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices, legal issues, and research methods of urban renewal, zoning, and city planning.
• Federal, state, and local laws, policies, procedures, and regulations governing urban renewal, zoning, and city planning.
• Complex development, land use, and site plan reviews, including historic and wetlands review practices.
• Zoning, wetlands, and historic preservation.
• Recent development, current literature, and sources of information relating to municipal planning and administration.
• Research methods involved in analyzing complex statistical data.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance management.
• Effective technical report preparation and presentation methods.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software for graphic presentations, mapping, and database management.

Ability to :

• Manage, direct, coordinate, and supervise professional, technical, and administrative personnel.
• Analyze, interpret, and present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Administer land use, zoning, and development programs effectively.
• Research, interpret, and apply relevant laws, policies, and regulations.
• Recommend modifications to local codes and procedures based on best practices.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with officials and the public.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions :

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with travel to different sites. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

Open to all applicants who meet the following :

• Graduation from an accredited college with coursework in planning, public or business administration, architecture, political science, law, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of responsible professional experience in urban development or planning, including at least one (1) year in a supervisory role.

A Master’s Degree in Planning from an accredited college recognized by the American Institute of Planners may substitute for part of the experience requirements.

Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements :

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.