Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator

Newmarket Rec; Newmarket (NH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Newmarket Rec is seeking a Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator to manage land conservation, planning and related permitting in Newmarket, NH. The role combines planning support for the Planning & Community Development Director and code enforcement duties with a focus on long‑term conservation objectives and public engagement.

Responsibilities include coordinating with the Conservation Commission, reviewing zoning and site plans, and developing stewardship plans.

Qualifications

• Background in land stewardship, conservation management or environmental science and planning.
• Knowledge of state land use statutes, building code, zoning and conservation.
• Experience with Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board procedures.
• Familiarity with GIS mapping programs.
• Strong writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Conservation Commission by attending meetings, taking minutes, and posting notices.
• Review site plans, subdivisions and wetlands-related permits for compliance.
• Coordinate site visits for conservation violations and implement master plan goals.
• Lead the conservation easement monitoring program and manage contracts.
• Prepare grant applications for land purchases and stewardship projects.
• Maintain GIS data and maps for conservation areas and easements.

Skills

Land stewardship

Environmental planning

Conservation management

GIS mapping

Data analysis

Education

Land stewardship / environmental science background

Planning knowledge

Tools

ESRI GIS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator

The Town of Newmarket has an immediate opening for a Conservation Planner / Land Use Administrator. This full-time position requires an education or background in land stewardship, environmental science, environmental sustainability, environmental planning or a combination of relevant education and prior experience. This position requires the ability to quickly gain a working knowledge of state land use statutes and state building code regulations, as well as local land use regulations and its conservation and stewardship priorities and responsibilities. The job also incorporates the duties of an administrative assistant that will support the Planning & Community Development Director and Code Enforcement Officer as described hereinbelow:

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 ofEnvironmentalServices 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; and
• 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)

• Review permit applications for completeness;
• Review Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board applications for completeness;
• Assist the Code Enforcement Officer with the issuance of plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical permits;
• Receive and process payments;
• Assist the public in scheduling meetings and inspections;
• Assist the public in submitting applications;
• Maintain the filing system;
• Assist the Zoning Administrator and Planning Director with the public noticing of meetings creation of agendas and completion of staff reports;
• Maintain the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and other webpages the Department manages with current and up‑to‑date information;
• Assist the Code Enforcement Officer and Local Health Officer in the processing and prosecution of complaints and code/health violations;
• Any other duties as assigned; and
• Attends Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, as needed.

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

Salary is dependent upon experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000 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.