Town Planner

TOWN OF LONGMEADOW; Longmeadow (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts is seeking a forward-thinking Town Planner to guide our long-range vision and oversee day-to-day land use initiatives. You will lead master planning efforts, support local economic development, modernize zoning bylaws, and serve as technical and administrative support to our Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning and 3–5 years of related experience; strong communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field.
• 3–5 years of related work experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws related to planning and land use.
• Strong communication, organizational, and public-relations skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive planning initiatives (Long Range Plan, Open Space Plan, Housing Production Plan) and redevelopment of municipal properties.
• Support economic development and align zoning to encourage sustainable investment.
• Research and craft zoning bylaws, subdivision regulations, and planning policies per MGL and local goals.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals; draft reports and manage meetings.
• Coordinate pre-application reviews, inter-departmental technical reviews, and monitor active projects through construction.
• Identify and administer grant funding opportunities and partner with GIS for mapping and analysis.

Skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Project management

Policy analysis

Staff supervision

Interdepartmental coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning

Job description

Town Planner

Town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Reports to: Assistant Town Manager | Full-time, exempt, non-union

The Town is seeking a forward-thinking Town Planner to guide our long-range vision and oversee day-to-day land use initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will lead master planning efforts, support local economic development, modernize zoning bylaws, and serve as technical and administrative support to our Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. You will act as the bridge between municipal leadership, developers, residents, and regional partners to ensure balanced, smart growth across the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Town's comprehensive planning initiatives, including the Long Range Plan, Open Space Plan, Housing Production Plan, and strategic redevelopment of underutilized municipal properties.
• Support economic development, identify proactive revitalization strategies, streamline permitting workflows, and align local zoning to encourage sustainable commercial and industrial investment.
• Research and craft zoning bylaws, subdivision regulations, design guidelines, and planning policies in alignment with Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) and local goals.
• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals—drafting staff reports, preparing legal notices and decisions, managing meeting agendas, and attending evening public hearings.
• Guide applicants through pre-application consultations, coordinate inter-departmental technical reviews, evaluate site plans and subdivision proposals, and monitor active projects through construction.
• Identify and administer state and federal grant funding opportunities, manage consultant contracts, and partner with GIS staff on municipal mapping and spatial analysis.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field; and a minimum of 3 to 5 years of closely related work experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of relevant Massachusetts General Laws related to essential functions. Thorough knowledge of community development, sustainability planning related activities, including resource planning and land acquisitions. Knowledge of MGL 40A, local zoning, and subdivision control laws.

Ability to multi-task and manage conflict. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain good public relations and to maintain effective collaborative working relationships with Town departments, department heads, fellow employees, officials and the general public and to respond in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to meet deadlines. Ability to work independently. Ability to effectively manage and supervise staff in multiple functional areas. Ability to manage multiple project assignments under occasional time constraint; ability to interact effectively with department managers, state officials and citizen boards and committees.

Strong communication skills, problem solving skills and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills. Strong managerial skills.

Full Job description available upon request.

Posting closes 11/30/2026 at noon and then open until filled.

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