Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator

Maine Association of Planners; Newmarket (NH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Newmarket in Newmarket, NH is seeking a Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator to support the Conservation Commission and oversee land use planning, permits, and stewardship.

The role combines 60% conservation planning with 40% land use administration, including grants, GIS, and public engagement. Requires knowledge of environmental planning, zoning, and state statutes, with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Educational background, working knowledge or a combination thereof related to land stewardship, conservation management or environmental science and planning.
• Knowledge or the ability to develop a working knowledge of state land use statutes, including but not limited to building code, land use, zoning, and conservation.
• Knowledge of Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board procedures.
• Knowledge of ESRI or other Geographic Information System mapping programs.
• Ability to maintain filing systems.
• Ability to utilize technology including computer and cloud-based applications.
• Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets for tracking permit applications and other land use data.
• Ability to create and deliver clear and concise written communications.

Responsibilities

• Provides staff support for the Conservation Commission by attending their meetings, taking meeting minutes, creating meeting agendas, and posting public notices as needed.
• Assists the Commission with review sign-off and comment for NH Department of Environmental Services wetland permits.
• Assists in review of site plan and subdivision applications as they relate to Conservation Commission, Special Permit and State Wetlands laws.
• Coordinates and conducts site visits and assessments associated with conservation related violations and assists with related site visits.
• Assists in implementing the goals and action items of Town’s Master Plan.
• Leads planning and facilitation of long-term conservation and land use goals.
• Leads and manages the conservation easement monitoring program.
• Writes and administers grants for land purchases, conservation management projects, and stewardship projects.
• Coordinates stewardship of Town conservation areas and updates stewardship plans.
• Researches and develops zoning and development standards relating to conservation.
• Promotes Commission activities through website, social media and community platforms.
• Responds to landowner and resident inquiries related to conservation issues.
• Manages records of the Commission and communications; manages GIS data and mapping.

Job description

Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator

Town of Newmarket

Newmarket, NH United States

Conservation Planner Responsibilities (60-percent)

• Provides staff support for the Conservation Commission ("Commission") by attending their meetings, taking meeting minutes, creating meeting agendas, and posting public notices as needed;


• Assists the Commission with review sign-off and comment for NH Department of Environmental Services wetland permits;


• Assists in review of site plan and subdivision applications as they relate to Conservation Commission, Special Permit and State Wetlands laws;


• Coordinates and conducts, as required, site visits and assessments associated with conservation related violations as well as assisting Conservation Commission with related site visits (including special permit violations, wetlands violations, begin and completion of construction notices and DES violation site visits.);


• Assists in implementing the goals and action items of relevant chapters of the Town’s Master Plan;


• Leads the planning and facilitation of long-term goals related to conservation and land use management as it pertains to preservation, conservation and passive recreation objectives;


• Collaborates and develops in partnership with the Planning Director long-term department goals as it relates to advancing conservation planning priorities;


• Leads and manages the conservation easement monitoring program by overseeing training exercises, volunteer coordination, consultant contract management, and documentation compliance;


• Writes and administers grants for land purchases, conservation management projects, and stewardship projects;


• Coordinates stewardship of Town conservation areas, including guiding development of new or improved public access infrastructure, development of new or updates to stewardship plans, and implementation of stewardship projects;


• Researches and develops zoning and development standards relating to conservation and ecologic preservation;


• Promotes Commission activities through multiple channels, including website management, social media and other community engagement platforms;


• Responds to landowner and resident inquiries related to conservation issues;


• Manages the records of the Commission and prepares correspondences pertaining to the activities of the Commission; and


• Manages GIS data and mapping for the Commission, including conservation areas and easements.

Land Use Administrator Responsibilities (40-percent)

• Reviews permit applications for completeness;


• Reviews Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board applications for completeness;


• Assists the Code Enforcement Officer with the issuance of permits;


• Receives and processes payments;


• Assists the public in scheduling meetings and inspections;


• Assists the public in submitting applications;


• Maintains the filing system;


• Assists the Zoning Administrator and Planning Director with the public noticing of meetings creation of agendas and completion of staff reports;


• Maintains the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and other webpages the Department manages with current and up-to-date information;


• Assists the Code Enforcement Officer and Local Health Officer in the processing and prosecution of complaints and code/health violations;


• Attends Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, as needed; and


• Any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Educational background, working knowledge or a combination thereof, related to land stewardship, conservation management or environmental science and planning;


• Knowledge or the ability to develop a working knowledge of state land use statutes, including but not limited to, building code, land use, zoning, and conservation;


• Knowledge of Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board procedures;


• Knowledge of ESRI or other Geographic Information System mapping programs;


• Ability to maintain filing systems;


• Ability to utilize technology including computer and cloud-based applications;


• Ability to create and maintain spreadsheets for tracking permit applications and other land use data; and


• Ability to create and deliver clear and concise written communications.

The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000, depending on qaulifications,and includes competitive health and dental benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The Town of Newmarket is an Equal Opportunity Employer and qualifies under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program.

Specialty

Salary Range

Mid I (1-4 years)

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Environmental and Natural Resources Planning