Assistant Planner

Job Overview

The Assistant Planner is a member of a team responsible for the development and growth of the City of New Haven. As an entry level position, they will be responsible for assisting the Director of Planning in administering, enforcing, and updating the City’s Unified Development Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. This position will also assist with the maintenance, expansion, and assessment of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS).

Primary Job Functions

·        Responsible for providing information on land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans and related planning programs, services or regulations to architects, engineers, developers, contractors, owners, community groups, and interested citizens.

·        Evaluates land use proposals for conformity and impacts to established plans and city ordinances.

·        Assists with the upkeep of the city database and GIS servers.

·        Responsible for updating a variety of maps; preparing graphics and visual aids for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications, and meetings.

·        Conducts field inspections of new construction, enforcement cases, and proposed developments.

·        Assists staff in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting City codes and the Comprehensive Plan.

·        Provides customer service in resolving citizen and customer concerns.

Secondary Job Functions

·        Provide staff support with the New Haven Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals as needed and assigned; prepare reports and supporting data, including recommendations or land use proposals.

·        Assists in the development of short and long range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed

·        Attend professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.

·        Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned.

·        Conducts research studies and prepares statistical reports and recommendations for drafting or revising local legislation and plans, projecting trends, monitoring socio-economic data, etc.

·        Responsible for any other duties as assigned by the Director of Planning.

·        Performs other related/non-related functions as required.

Critical Skills/Expertise

·        Working knowledge of the principles and practices of planning.

·        Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations.

·        Knowledgeable in effective writing techniques for memos, emails, and staff reports.

·        Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which include ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Laserfiche, Laredo, etc.

·        Must have discretionary skills at providing public information, while maintaining confidential information.

·        Must have the ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, with staff, elected officials, and the public.

Educational Requirements

·        Must have a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration or similar degree or work experience in a comparable field.

·        College level coursework in GIS utilizing ArcGIS software or be able to demonstrate proficiency in utilizing ArcGIS software preferred.

Reporting Responsibility

·        Incumbent reports directly to the Director of Planning

 Physical Requirements

·        Is expected to work in a position which has been identified as light, and is usually not required to perform duties which require heavy lifting or strenuous activity.

·        May be required to climb, crawl, and enter spaces in which physical exertion may be required.

Work Environment

·        Incumbent spends a majority of the day inside an office environment but must be able to conduct outdoor work as required.

·        Work schedule may include attending evening meetings.

·        Travelling may be required for continuing education in the field of Planning and Geographic Information Systems.

·        Must have the ability to legally operate a department vehicle.

·        May be required to lift up to 25 pounds, climb, balance, and stoop, crouch and kneel.

Safety Equipment

·        Will be required to wear all required safety equipment normally on a construction site.

·        Will be required to work in a safe manner in accordance with OSHA Standards.

Salary and Benefit Information for 2026

Hourly Wage Range- $24.10-$29.35

City Paid

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

$25k Life Insurance

$25k AD&D

Indiana Public Employee Retirement System participation

·        Civilian Perf Members: 14.2% salary contribution

457B with Lincoln Financial

·        3% salary contribution

·        Employee Assistance Program: Including 6 counseling visits, and free will preparation

·        City of New Haven Employee Wellness Initiative Events

·        Employees who elect HSA coverage will receive $3,000 annual contribution, paid quarterly

Optional Benefits:

·        PHP HSA – High Deductible Plan

·        PHP HMO

·        Principal Dental

·        Principal Vision

·        Additional Life Insurance up to 5 x annual salary

·        Dependent Life Insurance

·        Additional 457b Contributions

·        Additional HSA Contributions