City Planner

City of Claremont NH; Claremont (NH); On-site; USD 56,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Paid vacation, sick, and holidays

City-paid life and disability ins.

Additional voluntary benefit options

Job summary

The City of Claremont, New Hampshire, is seeking an experienced City Planner to serve as the principal Planner and Zoning Administrator. This role partners with the Director of Planning & Development, City leadership, residents, developers, and agencies to guide land use and growth.

You’ll manage zoning, master planning, and long-range initiatives, review projects, and coordinate with state and federal requirements. A strong customer service orientation and GIS experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field; master's preferred.
• 5 years of related experience, including 2 years in supervision.
• Strong knowledge of municipal planning and zoning principles.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and local zoning and land-use laws.
• Experience with GIS systems and map reading/interpretation.
• Strong written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as 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 review and decisions.
• Coordinate City planning activities with local, state, regional, and federal requirements.
• Help lead the City's Master Plan and long-range planning initiatives.
• Review projects and provide planning recommendations.
• Assist with updates to zoning ordinances, site plan and subdivision regulations.
• Chair the Technical Review Committee.
• Research grant opportunities and assist with grant preparation.
• Collaborate with City departments, residents, developers, boards, commissions, and officials.

Skills

Municipal planning

Zoning administration

GIS

Public presentations

Communication

Team collaboration

Driver's license

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.

Qualifications include:

• 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.

Ready to Apply?

Please submit a resume and cover letter to:

City of Claremont – Human Resources

Please include "City Planner" in the subject line.

Position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately.

The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.