Zoning & Wetlands Enforcement Officer

Advanced Hospitality; Clinton (CT); On-site; USD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Clinton, Connecticut, seeks a knowledgeable Zoning & Wetlands Enforcement Officer to administer and enforce zoning, inland wetlands, historic districts, flood hazards, and blight regulations in accordance with state statutes and Town policies. This full-time role serves as both enforcement officer and reviewer for development projects.

You will work with residents, developers, contractors, and town staff to ensure compliant, environmentally responsible development and provide support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Geography, or related field.
• CAZEO Certification and 2–3 years of related experience, or equivalent; must obtain within 2 years of hire.
• Authorized Wetlands Agent training requirements per CT statutes.
• Valid CT driver's license; ability to travel for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Enforce zoning, inland wetlands, historic districts, flood hazards, and blight regulations in accordance with laws and policies.
• Conduct site inspections, investigate complaints, monitor compliance, and issue permits and notices as needed.
• Coordinate enforcement with legal counsel; appear in court when required.
• Review development proposals, site plans, subdivisions, wetlands applications for regulatory compliance.
• Issue zoning permits, wetlands permits, and certificates of zoning compliance; assist with minor activity permits.
• Collaborate with Town Planner, Building Official, consultants, developers, and property owners throughout the process.
• Attend and provide technical support to multiple land use boards; interpret regulations and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and assist with budgeting, GIS initiatives, and office functions.

Skills

Investigative skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Land Use Planning/Urban Studies/Environmental Science/Public Administration/Geography

CAZEO Certification with 2–3 years experience

Authorized Wetlands Agent training

Valid Connecticut driver's license

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

GIS applications

ESRI GIS

Job description

Zoning & Wetlands Enforcement Officer

Town of Clinton, Connecticut

Full-Time (40 Hours Per Week)

Department: Planning & Zoning / Inland Wetlands / Zoning Board of Appeals

Salary: Per Supervisor's Union Contract, the salary range for this position is $81,387.34 to

$97,664.80, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Position Summary

The Town of Clinton is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented professional to serve as its Zoning & Wetlands Enforcement Officer. This position is responsible for administering and enforcing zoning, inland wetlands, historic districts, flood hazards, and blight regulations in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes and Town policies. Serving as the Town's Zoning Enforcement Officer, Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Enforcement Officer, and Blight Ordinance Enforcement Officer, the successful candidate will work closely with residents, property owners, developers, contractors, municipal staff, and land use commissions to support responsible development, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance throughout the community.

Key Responsibilities

Enforcement & Compliance

• Enforce zoning, inland wetlands, historic districts, flood hazards, and blight regulations in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Town policies.
• Conduct site inspections, investigate complaints, monitor compliance, and issue permits, certificates, notices of violation, cease and desist orders, and other enforcement actions as necessary.
• Coordinate enforcement of matters with legal counsel and appear in court when required.
• Review demolition of applications for structures over 50 years old and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Development Review & Permitting

• Review development proposals, site plans, subdivision applications, wetlands applications, and related projects for regulatory compliance.
• Conduct inspections before, during, and after construction activities.
• Issue zoning permits, inland wetlands permit, certificates of zoning compliance, and authorized minor activity permits.
• Work collaboratively with the Town Planner, Building Official, consultants, developers, contractors, and property owners throughout the development review process.

Board, Commission & Public Support

• Attend and provide technical support to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands Commission, Historic District Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Design Review, and other boards as assigned.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to Town departments, boards, commissions, residents, property owners, developers, and contractors.
• Interpret land use regulations and respond to public inquiries regarding permitting and compliance matters.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain permit, enforcement, and land use records in accordance with Connecticut records of retention requirements.
• Prepare monthly enforcement reports, legal notices, annual reports, correspondence, public information materials, and required state reporting documentation.
• Assist with budgeting, GIS initiatives, planning projects, meeting preparation, and general

Land Use Office operations.

• Participate in staff meetings and provide support for Land Use Office functions as needed.
• Process correspondence, maintain office technology, assist with records requests and fee collection, and provide general customer service support.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Land Use Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Geography, or a closely related field. Significant directly related experience may be substituted where appropriate.
• Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials (CAZEO) Certification and two (2) to three (3) years of related experience, or equivalent. Candidates who are not currently certified must obtain and maintain certification within two (2) years of hire.

Licenses & Certifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain Authorized Wetlands Agent training requirements pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes.
• Valid Connecticut driver's license.

Technical Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and GIS applications.
• ESRI GIS Training Certificate preferred.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize municipal permitting, records management, and land use software systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Connecticut zoning, planning, inland wetlands, historic district, flood hazard, and related land use regulations.
• Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, surveys, technical reports, and legal documents.
• Strong investigative, analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain records, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, boards, commissions, contractors, developers, property owners, and the public.
• Ability to provide professional, responsive customer service and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive matters.

Working Conditions

This position involves both office and field work. Responsibilities include conducting site inspections, traveling throughout the Town, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, traversing uneven or undeveloped terrain, reviewing plans and technical documents, operating standard office equipment, and communicating with residents, contractors, developers, and Town officials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing operational needs of the Town.

The Town of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer