Land Use and Comprehensive Planning Assistant/Associate Planner

Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission; Worcester (MA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established regional planning agency is seeking a dedicated Assistant/Associate Planner to join their dynamic community planning team. This full-time role offers the opportunity to engage in comprehensive and land use planning projects while collaborating with a supportive team. The ideal candidate will thrive in an innovative environment, contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the quality of life in Central Massachusetts. With a focus on professional development and a flexible work culture, this position is perfect for those passionate about community development and planning. If you're ready to make a real impact, this opportunity awaits you!

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Professional development opportunities

Family-friendly workplace

Free parking

Supportive colleagues

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in planning or related field preferred.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to comprehensive plans, zoning updates, and public meetings.
• Collect and analyze data to identify community needs and trends.

Skills

Community Development

Data Analysis

Writing Skills

Communication Skills

Time Management

Problem-Solving

GIS Skills

Microsoft Office

Quantitative Research Methods

Qualitative Research Methods

Education

Master’s Degree in Community/Urban Planning

Bachelor’s Degree with Relevant Experience

Tools

GIS

Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator)

Canva

Job description

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) seeks candidates for a full-time (37.5 hours/week) Assistant/Associate Planner, Land Use and Comprehensive Planning position within the agency’s Regional Collaboration and Community Planning (RCCP) Department. The ideal candidate will serve as a key member of the agency’s community planning program, which includes comprehensive and master planning, land use, and housing verticals. The planner will split their time between comprehensive planning and land use initiatives and may work on other projects based on interest, need, and skillsets. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, innovative, team-based environment with growth opportunities.

AboutCMRPC

CMRPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in southern Central Massachusetts. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the region. Join our team with supportive colleagues making real impacts in the communities of Central Massachusetts. CMRPC supports the complete team member as we work on meaningful, innovative, and exciting projects while respecting and supporting the individual’s wellness and a balanced and fulfilling work life.

CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified people to apply. CMRPC is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran’s status and/or ancestry. Reasonable accommodation will be provided where needed.

CMRPC’s offices include over 50 full-time employees located in the Worcester Central Business District in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office, LEED-certified building. Free parking is provided in the attached garage. For further detail on CMRPC, please visitwww.cmrpc.org.

Typical Duties

As a member of the community planning team, this position will contribute to and, at times, lead projects. Projects may include comprehensive/master plans, downtown and town center plans, zoning code diagnostics, zoning rewrites, development of bylaws, review of subdivision regulations, housing production plans, regional initiatives, and grant writing. This is a writing, analysis and communication-intensive position. It requires the ability to review and think critically about a wide variety of inputs, author long-form narratives and technical documents, and communicate in public settings. A foundation of planning, community development, or land use/zoning and data/analytical skills are important. Attention to detail and a thorough, conscientious nature are necessary for success.

Specific duties will include:

• Contribute to master plans, land use projects, and other initiatives. Co-lead and assist with complex planning projects. With guidance and supervision, author master plan chapters, zoning updates, and topical plans.
• Participate in and coordinate public meetings (e.g., visioning sessions, workshops, committee meetings, and CMRPC presentations).
• Review local regulations for compliance, best practices, and alignment with community priorities; develop language that aligns regulations with community needs.
• Develop surveys and benchmark reviews. Prepare and disseminate questionnaires. Conduct stakeholder interviews, desk research, and fieldwork.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize data to identify issues, trends, challenges, and needs. Create maps, charts, and other visualizations.

• Resource development (i.e., grant writing, proposals).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in community and/or urban planning, public policy, public administration, environmental science, natural resource management, or similar with some relevant work experience is preferred, Associate candidates should have the education listed above plus 2 years of relevant work experience. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may be considered with additional relevant work experience.

The successful applicant will demonstrate all or most of the following skills:

• A foundation in community development or planning with a desire to develop proficiency in land use and zoning, including Massachusetts zoning law.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. Proficiency working with census data. GIS skills are desirable.
• Strong writing, communication, data, analytical, and time management skills.
• Ability to proactively set priorities and multi-task without compromising attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently in a resourceful and innovative manner.
• An understanding of multi-step processes and working within them in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while not being afraid to ask questions.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, Excel, and Word.

• Ability to effectively use programs such as GIS, Canva, Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator) and visualization tools a plus.
• Professional-level data analysis skills are preferred. AICP is a plus.

This is a full-time position with an excellent state employee benefits package. Standard work week is 5 days (37.5 hours/week). Starting salary will range from $45,936 to $52,000 for Assistant Planner and $52,000- $64,360 for the Associate Planner depending on qualifications and experience. Offers will be commensurate with relevant experience. In addition to competitive compensation, CMRPC offers a great work environment and an excellent benefits package. CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

This position is exempt under the guidelines of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. Candidates must be willing to adhere to all active and future public safety requirements (including mask and/or vaccination mandates). While many CMRPC staff work remotely in part, all staff must be available for in-person meetings within the region as needed, and it is expected that staff be available for in-office work as is appropriate for their work assignments.

If you can bring a competitive streak, relevant skills and experience, and a strong work ethic to CMRPC in this capacity, please submit your Resume, Letter of interest, and 3 References to [e-mail]. This position is open until canceled or filled.