City Planner

Claremont, New Hampshire; Claremont (NH); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

The City of Claremont is seeking a City Planner to act as the City’s principal planner and zoning administrator. You will work with the Director of Planning & Development, City leadership, residents, developers, and partners to shape municipal planning and zoning decisions.

The role emphasizes coordinating with boards, advancing the Master Plan, and guiding long-range planning while ensuring compliance with state and local laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning, Planning & Development, public administration, geography, or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible related experience, including two years supervisory.
• Strong knowledge of municipal planning and zoning principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the City's principal Planner and Zoning Administrator.
• Provide professional land-use, planning, and zoning services.
• Support Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; review applications and prepare decisions.
• Coordinate planning activities with local, state, regional, and federal requirements.
• Lead Master Plan and long-range planning initiatives.
• Review projects and provide planning recommendations.
• Assist with updates to zoning ordinances and regulations.
• Chair the Technical Review Committee.
• Research grant opportunities and assist with grant prep.
• Collaborate with City departments, residents, developers, and officials.

Skills

Municipal planning

Zoning

GIS

Public speaking

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Full Salary Range: $55,805 – $91,038 | Grade 10

Come help shape the future of Claremont.

The City of Claremont is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as our City Planner. This is an excellent opportunity for a planning professional who enjoys meaningful municipal work, community engagement, and the opportunity to make a visible impact on a New Hampshire community.

The City Planner serves as the City's principal Planner and Zoning Administrator and works closely with the Director of Planning & Development, City leadership, elected officials, residents, developers, businesses, and community partners.

What You'll Do As City Planner, you will:

• Serve as the City's principal Planner and Zoning Administrator.
• Provide professional land-use, planning, and zoning services.
• Support the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, including application review, meeting attendance, and preparation of final decisions.
• Coordinate City planning activities with local, state, regional, and federal requirements.
• Help lead the City's Master Plan and other long-range planning initiatives.
• Review projects and provide professional planning recommendations.
• Assist with updates to zoning ordinances, site plan regulations, and subdivision regulations.
• Chair the Technical Review Committee.
• Research grant opportunities and assist with grant preparation.
• Work collaboratively with City departments, residents, businesses, developers, boards, commissions, and elected officials.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a knowledgeable planning professional who can balance technical expertise with excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Bachelor's degree in planning, Planning & Development, public administration, geography, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible related experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Strong knowledge of municipal planning and zoning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations relating to zoning, land use, and environmental issues.
• Experience with GIS systems and map reading/interpretation.
• Strong written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, department heads, elected officials, applicants, and the public.
• AICP certification, APA membership, and/or NHPA membership preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.

The City Planner is a Grade 10, exempt, merit position with a salary range of $55,805 – $91,038 annually.

The anticipated starting salary is approximately $73,421, with final placement within the range dependent upon the successful candidate's qualifications and experience.

The City of Claremont offers a comprehensive municipal benefits package, including:

• Health and dental insurance
• Paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
• City-paid life and disability insurance
• Additional voluntary benefit options

Why Claremont?

Claremont offers the opportunity to do planning work where you can actually see the results of your work in the community. With a historic downtown, redevelopment opportunities, natural resources, recreation, and continued investment, this position provides an opportunity to play a meaningful role in Claremont's future.

If you're a planning professional looking for a position where your expertise, ideas, and relationships can make a difference, we'd like to hear from you.

The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.