Planner or GIS/Data Analyst (fulltime with a 35-hour work week)

WestCOG; Connecticut; Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telecommuting opportunities

Flexible work schedules

Compressed schedule option

Health and dental insurance

Retirement contributions

Vacation time

Sick time

Public sector loan forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

WestCOG is hiring for a full-time Planner or GIS/Data Analyst in a hybrid role based in Sandy Hook, CT. Salary ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 and includes a competitive benefits package.

The position supports municipalities by translating housing, zoning, and infrastructure legislation into practical planning strategies. The role requires at least three years of related experience, proficiency in GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of relevant work experience in planning or GIS/data analysis.
• Experience applying housing and infrastructure legislation to planning practice.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop local and regional studies and plans, including buildout analysis integrating land use regulations and capacity.
• Conduct on-street parking suitability and safety road network analysis.
• Collect and organize information, including spatial data.
• Conduct research and modeling exercises; prepare reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop program designs, model regulations, and implementation guidance.
• Communicate with local, state, and federal officials; facilitate public and stakeholder engagement.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Planning experience

Housing and zoning

Transportation planning

Land use analysis

Water/sewer/stormwater

Legislation understanding

Public engagement

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Python

Job description

Planner or GIS/Data Analyst (fulltime with a 35-hour work week)

Salary Range: Fulltime salary is $60,000-$80,000 (depending on qualifications) with a competitive benefits package.

Location: Hybrid work environment in Sandy Hook, CT

Closing Date: Open until filled or closed

Job Description and Responsibilities

WestCOG seeks a qualified, experienced, and highly motivated person(s) to serve as full-time Planner(s) or GIS/Data Analyst(s). Planners and analysts will assist member municipalities in understanding and responding to recent legislation affecting housing, zoning, parking, and stormwater. Assignments will often involve translating regulatory changes into practical, locally grounded planning and implementation strategies.

Job responsibilities may evolve over time and are expected to include:

• Development of local and regional studies and plans, including:
  • Buildout analysis that integrates land use regulations and infrastructure capacity
  • On-street parking suitability and safety road network analysis
• Collect and organize information, including spatial data
• Conduct research and analysis, including modeling exercises
• Prepare reports and related planning documents for technical and non-technical audiences
• Development of program designs, model regulations, and implementation guidance
• Communicate with local, state, and federal officials
• Facilitate public and stakeholder engagement
• Other tasks as assigned

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience that provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job. These include:

• Planning experience, especially in the areas of:
  • Housing and zoning implementation, especially under evolving state mandates
  • Transportation, especially as it relates to safety and parking
  • Land use analysis, including buildout and fiscal impact studies
  • Water, sewer, stormwater, or waste infrastructure planning
  • Application of state and federal statutes to planning practice, including recent housing and infrastructure legislation
• Understanding of:
  • Local zoning and subdivision regulations
  • Housing development feasibility and construction cost factors
  • Transportation and circulation systems, with attention to real-world constraints affecting emergency access, snow removal, and road safety
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: ArcGIS, QGIS, Python, or other data analysis/spatial modeling tools
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines and deliver actionable outcomes
• Ability to work within government structure and protocol
• Ability to work independently, while maintaining strong working relationships with supervisors, staff, elected officials, committee members, consultants, and members of the public

Salary and Benefits

Title to be determined commensurate with experience, and corresponding salary of $60,000-$80,000, depending on qualifications. WestCOG offers a competitive benefits package including: health and dental insurance; retirement contributions; vacation time; personal time; sick time; flexible work schedules; telecommuting opportunities; employer-paid professional accreditations, memberships and conferences; and federal student loan forgiveness (employees of public agencies may qualify under Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness).

This position provides an opportunity to work in a collaborative, supportive, and motivating work environment. The employee will be stationed in WestCOG’s office located in Sandy Hook, CT, with a flexible and hybrid work schedule (partial remote work). Fulltime employees may have an option to work a compressed schedule to take one day off per week. This area of Connecticut combines the rural charm of a small New England town with the sophistication and amenities of metropolitan suburbs and offers:

• High quality of life
• Close access to major cities, universities, world-class healthcare, cultural and recreational attractions
• Access to recreational trails and many leisure activities