Planning and Development Director

MaineGuide; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Employer-matching retirement plan

Paid bereavement leave

Job summary

The Town of Camden in Maine is seeking a Planner to provide routine planning and development services to the public, permit applicants, town departments, and Town Boards. The Planner will lead implementing and updating the Comprehensive Plan.

Responsibilities include reviewing zoning and land use proposals for compliance, supporting the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, conducting field visits, and assisting with climate resiliency projects and housing opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in land use planning or related field with at least 2 years municipal planning experience.
• Strong knowledge of land use planning principles and processes.
• Experience in zoning and development review and application of regulations.
• Knowledge of climate change, sea level rise and resiliency issues.
• AICP certification is a plus; valid driver’s license preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; professional interaction with boards/public.

Responsibilities

• Lead in implementing and updating the Comprehensive Plan.
• Review zoning and subdivision code amendments and permit applications.
• Assist Planning Board and ZBA with staff support and public presentations.
• Conduct field work and site visits for compliance with regulations.
• Develop and draft documents including grants, code amendments and reports.
• Support housing opportunities and resiliency projects.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public engagement

Team collaboration

Decision making

Grant writing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in land use planning or related field

AICP certification a plus

Tools

GIS

Job description

The Town of Camden, Maine is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planner within the Planning and Development Department. This position provides routine planning and development services to the public, permit applicants, town departments, and Town Boards. The Planner will also play a lead role implementing and updating of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Planner seeks to ensure that development is consistent with the Town’s Code of Ordinances and Comprehensive Plan and that the Town is appropriately planning for the future. The Planner will assist the Planning and Development Department with providing staff support to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals and will review zoning and land development permit applications. In addition, the position provides customer service functions to our customers. The position’s duties include but are not limited to reviewing land use development proposals for compliance with town codes; interpreting code provisions; assisting with the development of amendments to the Town Code; assisting with climate change, sea level rise and resiliency projects; implementing and updating the Town’s Comprehensive Plan; assisting with housing opportunities; and other duties as assigned by the Director.

1. 1. Takes a lead role in implementing and updating the Comprehensive Plan.
2. 2. Assists in developing zoning and subdivision Code amendments, consistent with Comprehensive Plan goals, as well as Town priorities.
3. 3. Serves as alternate Code Enforcement Officer for Land Use and Shoreland Zoning to assist the CEO and Town boards.
4. 4. Reviews permit applications and development proposals for compliance with town Codes, including but not limited to Site Plan review, Shoreland Zoning and Floodplain Management.
5. 5. Assists the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals in their reviews of Subdivision, Site Plan applications, Special Exceptions and certain reviews in the Shoreland Zone.
6. 6. Manages applications from start to finish, working directly with applicants, and presenting recommendations in a public setting as may be required.
7. 7. Responds to customer inquiries and requests for information as they relate to zoning, land use, and planning.
8. 8. Conducts fieldwork and site visits to ensure compliance with applicable land use regulations.
9. 9. Receives and reviews various reports, permit applications, documents and forms, including site plans, subdivision plans, blueprints etc.
10. 10. Assists with the Town’s climate change, sea level rise and resiliency projects.
11. 11. Manages the Town’s multi-departmental Traffic Calming Program
12. 12. Assists with efforts to address housing opportunities - affordability and availability.
13. 13. Develops and drafts documents, including grant applications, code amendments and reports.
14. 14. Understands the realities of working in a public-sector environment, including navigating competing priorities and perspectives, transparency, political and organizational acumen, and a deep commitment to ethical public service
15. 15. Performs other duties as may be assigned and works on special projects, as directed by the Director of Planning and Development.

1. 1. Be committed to the mission of the Town of Camden.
2. 2. Be reliable and trustworthy.
3. 3. Be well organized.
4. 4. Be punctual for scheduled work and use time efficiently.
5. 5. Be able to work harmoniously with co-workers and with the public.
6. 6. Have strong organizational, communication, and public-facing skills.
7. 7. Perform duties in a conscientious and cooperative manner.
8. 8. Be neat and maintain a professional appearance.
9. 9. Understand and work within the Town's Policies and Procedures.
10. 10. Maintain confidence by keeping information concerning employees, personnel issues and Town operations confidential.

Experience, Education and Skill Requirements:

1. 1. Bachelor’s degree in land use planning, community development, public administration, environmental policy, geography or related field required, with a minimum of two years of experience in municipal planning, professional planning or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
2. 2. Possess a clear working knowledge of current and long-range land use planning principles and processes, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
3. 3. Experienced in zoning and development review and the application of regulations with confidence and consistency.
4. 4. Knowledge of climate change, sea level rise, and resiliency issues
5. 5. Certified Code Enforcement Officer in Shoreland Zoning, Land Use and Legal Issues, or the ability to obtain certification within six months – as may be required.
6. 6. Ability to understand, interpret and apply complex land use ordinances, laws and regulations.
7. 7. Familiarity with Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s land use laws, as well as
8. the Maine Shoreland Zoning Guidelines and Floodplain Management requirements.
9. 8. Excellent verbal and writing skills, ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with customers, boards, and the general public.
10. 9. Ability to develop and maintain professional and positive relationships with co-workers, other departments, and the public.
11. 10. Comprehensive Plan – implementation and updating experience a plus.
12. 11. GIS experience a plus.
13. 12. Ability to exercise initiative and good judgement, and to set priorities and complete assigned work in a timely manner and as a member of team.
14. 13. Grant writing experience.
15. 14. Ability to produce reports and documents that are accurate and complete.
16. 15. Ability to cope with situations that may be challenging in a firm, courteous and tactful way, while maintaining respect for others.
17. 16. Ability to analyze and assess situations in a quick, objective and thorough manner and to determine the proper course of action.
18. 17. AICP certification is a plus but not required.
19. 18. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to utilize one’s own vehicle for
20. limited work functions. Mileage reimbursement provided.

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by the Incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for prolonged periods of time, talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a standard computer keyboard and mouse. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. On-site field work and site visits are also required by the job. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Usual Office conditions: Noise level is usually quiet. Must be able to endure mental stress associated with workload, deadlines, and dealing with the public.

Site Visits and Fieldwork: Site visits and inspections of properties is required.

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $36.49 – 39.87 per hour – Salaried Position based on 40-hour work week.

BENEFITS : The Town of Camden offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan w/employer match, an employee assistance program, life insurance, short-term disability, paid bereavement leave, paid parental leave.

The Town of Camden is an equal opportunity employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,893.00 - $82,929.00 per year

Work Location: In person