Township Planner

Jersey Digs; New Jersey; On-site; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Jersey Digs is seeking a senior planning professional to support the Engineering Services department. The role involves reviewing land development applications, preparing reports, and serving as staff for Planning and Zoning Boards.

You will oversee planning staff and coordinate with consultants and boards to advance township ordinances and plans. The candidate should have 5–7 years of land use planning experience, a degree in a related field, and NJPP certification (AICP preferred).

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of GIS a plus.
• Requires minimum 5-7 years of experience in land use planning or related field, including supervisory experience.
• Certification as a licensed Professional Planner in New Jersey (NJPP) and, preferably, AICP.
• Possession of a valid NJ Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Review land development applications for Planning Board and Board of Adjustment; prepare written compliance reports and attend meetings.
• Present findings to Township Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board.
• Review approvals for compliance with conditions and assist with agendas/minutes of boards.
• Prepare digital exhibits/maps and coordinate applicant presentations at meetings.
• Coordinate outside consultants for special planning projects.
• Develop reports, plans, and grant applications related to land use and zoning.

Skills

Land use planning

Supervisory experience

GIS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in land use planning or urban planning

NJ Professional Planner (NJPP) certification

AICP certification

Job description

Position Details

• Department: Engineering Services
• Reports To: Township Engineer
• Position Type: Regular/Full-Time
• Overtime Status: Exempt
• Hour/Week: 40
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, plus approximately three evening Board meetings per month
• Date Position Will Become Available: 12/01/2026
• Salary: $125,000-$145,000 (DOQ)

Principal Duties

Under general supervision of the Township Engineer, reviews land development applications, prepares reports and serves as staff for the Planning and Zoning Boards. Prepares comprehensive plan updates and zoning ordinances. Supervises the functions of the Zoning Officer and Planning and Zoning Board Secretary.

Job Requirements

• Reviews land development applications for the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, including preparation of written compliance reports and attendance at all Board meetings. Researches proposed developments relative to compliance with Township ordinances, master plan objectives, applicable State or federal laws, environmental constraints, historic significance, prior or adjacent land development applications and other design considerations.
• Conducts presentations for Township Committee, Planning Board and Zoning Board.
• Reviews approved land development projects for compliance with conditions of Planning Board and Board of Adjustment approvals.
• Works with the Board Secretary in establishing agendas and reviewing minutes of Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings.
• Prepares digital exhibits/maps to assist the Boards and coordinates applicants’ digital presentations at Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings.
• Oversees the coordination of outside consultants for special planning projects.
• Gathers information, conducts technical studies and prepares reports and recommendations for the development and implementation of Township ordinances and plans relating to land use, growth management, housing, economic development, natural resources, transportation, etc.
• Reviews land use ordinances, plans and laws proposed by neighboring municipalities and County, State or federal agencies to assess impacts upon the Township and determine appropriate Township actions.
• Responds to inquiries and provides guidance to residents, developers and design professionals regarding Township planning and zoning regulations and land use procedures.
• Serves when assigned as a member of a planning task force composed of representatives from local, county and/or State groups. Monitors state and local initiatives relative to zoning and planning to determine impact on the Township.
• Assists in maintaining and monitoring the Township’s database of land use information.
• Prepares various reports, plans, and grant applications,
• Prepares and/or assists with grant applications and submittal.
• Assists with the development of Planning and Zoning Board budgets.
• Must possess thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of municipal planning, economic development and land use issues.
• Must possess thorough knowledge of local, state and federal laws and other regulations governing land use and zoning.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, or a closely related field. Knowledge of GIS a plus.

Experience: Requires a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in land use planning or related field, including supervisory experience.

Special Requirements: Certification as a licensed Professional Planner in the state of New Jersey (NJPP) and preferably, certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Possession of a valid NJ Driver’s License.