Zoning_Officer

Plainsboro; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid leave

Group life insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Township of Plainsboro is seeking an experienced Zoning Officer to administer and enforce the Township Code, the Municipal Land Use Law, and related regulations within Plainsboro Township. This full-time, in-person role reports to the Planning and Community Development Director and collaborates with the Board Planner and Board Engineer on development projects.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree (Urban & Regional Planning or related preferred), five years in municipal planning or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required; Urban & Regional Planning or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of municipal planning or zoning experience.
• New Jersey Zoning Official Certificate required; NJ residency per regulations.

Responsibilities

• Administers and enforces zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and Township codes; interprets regulations.
• Reviews zoning permit applications for fences, accessory structures, home occupations, signs, and tree removal.
• Ensures compliance with Planning Board and Zoning Board resolutions.
• Presents cases in Municipal Court for zoning violations and enforces code provisions.
• Meets with applicants and residents to explain permitting requirements and Township regulations.
• Assists with OPRA request responses.
• Collaborates with other staff on development matters.

Skills

NJ Municipal Land Use Law

Written & oral communication

Regulatory interpretation

Time management

Microsoft Office Suite

Public service integrity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Urban & Regional Planning or related field preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

TOWNSHIP OF PLAINSBORO NOTICE OF VACANCY

TITLE: Zoning OfficerDEPARTMENT: Planning and ZoningSALARY RANGE: $65,000 - $85,000 (commensurate with qualifications) UNION: CWA WORK HOURS: M-F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (may include additional hours as required) EFFECTIVE: ImmediatelyBENEFITS: The Township provides a comprehensive benefits package including

health insurance, dental, vision, paid leave, group life insurance, deferred compensation program, and retirement benefits through the State of NJ Division of Pension and Benefits.

Job Summary

The Township of Plainsboro is seeking an experienced, motivated, and reliable professional to join the Planning and Zoning Department. Under the direction of the Planning and Community Development Director, the Zoning Officer administers and enforces the Township Code, the Municipal Land Use Law, and related regulations governing land use within Plainsboro Township.This is a full-time, in-person position.Plainsboro Township, with a population of approximately 24,000 people, and approximately 12 sq. miles, will soon see a substantial increase with the development of several large projects that have been approved or are pending before the Planning Board. The Zoning Officer will be involved with these projects as well as all other aspects of development alongside the Director, Board Planner, and Board Engineer and other agency staff. The work involves providing information to the public regarding planning and zoning matters, processing of administrative approvals for proposed building or other improvements, and performing general administrative and enforcement of the Township's development regulations and Board Resolution conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Land Use Administration: Administers and enforces zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and Township codes; provides interpretations and recommends amendments as needed.
• Permit Review: Reviews and approves zoning permit applications for fences, accessory structures, home occupation permits, temporary signs, and tree removal; ensures timely processing of all administrative approvals.
• Resolution Compliance: Ensures compliance with Planning Board and Zoning Board resolutions prior to permit issuance; monitors ongoing project compliance with approved plans.
• Enforcement: Provides zoning enforcement on complaints and proactive inspection of existing development; appears in Municipal Court regarding zoning violations and issues municipal court summons.
• Public Interaction: Meets with applicants, residents, contractors, and professionals to explain permitting requirements, processes, and Township regulations.
• OPRA Requests: Assists with OPRA request responses.
• Other: Works closely with other departmental staff on an as needed basis. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required. A degree in Urban & Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of experience in municipal planning, zoning administration, or a related land use field.
• Zoning Certificate: New Jersey Zoning Official Certificate required. Township sponsorship available for qualifying candidates to complete Rutgers Center for Government Services courses.
• Background: Must successfully complete an employer-paid physical examination, drug screen, reference and criminal background check prior to appointment.
• Residency: New Jersey residency required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70). Employees have one year from date of hire to establish principal residence in New Jersey.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D) along with other State and Federal land use-related regulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to prepare clear and technically sound work products.
• Ability to interpret technical regulations, research property histories, and manage complex land use matters.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to public service.

THE TOWNSHIP OF PLAINSBORO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER