CHIEF PLANNER

CHIEF PLANNER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for Chief Planner within the Division of Planning & Regulatory Services for the Executive Office of Economic Development. Under the supervision of the Assistant Chief Development Officer (ACDO), the position will assist the ACDO in the management and administration of the Division of Planning & Regulatory Services (DPRS) which supports and guides the future development of the City. The Chief Planner has specific responsibility for administration of DPRS’s boards and commissions and oversees customer service. The Chief Planner additionally assists in developing and implementing long range plans and policies related to planning, development, and zoning.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Review site plans, parking plans, plot plans and similar site surveys, engineering, and architectural plans and related technical reports such as storm water reports and traffic impact studies.
• Analyze land use characteristics, development impact and site capacity, including conducting site views to view field conditions.
• Coordinate project reviews for compliance with local, state and federal laws, standards and policies.
• Coordinate and manage the administration of boards and commissions, including processing of applications to boards and commissions and reviews for completeness and content, conducting reviews, preparation and presentation of recommendations through written communication, graphics, and oral presentations at public meetings.
• Confer and coordinate with other staff and government agencies to ensure compliance with applicable code and permitting requirements and solicit review comments, as applicable.
• Direct and coordinate with staff related to, and conduct enforcement of, certain state and local laws and regulations promulgated by the Boards & Commissions.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies, community groups, businesses, applicants and the general public with inquiries related to planning, zoning, wetlands protection, and development.
• Manage customer support activities.
• Participate in evening meetings with municipal officials, boards, and neighborhood organizations, and make presentations as needed.
• Conduct and coordinate planning studies, analysis and research, using computer and software applications including GIS, in the areas of land use, zoning, and community development.
• Train division staff, review staff work products, and provide constructive feedback on standard operating procedures, applicable laws and regulations, and the effective performance of their assigned duties.
• Assist with day-to-day supervision of 3 staff supporting board/commission work.
• Document processes and assist with identifying and implementing process improvements as needed.
• Track and ensure compliance with all relevant statutory deadlines.
• Review all funds processed for deposit for accuracy in accounting and conduct audits to ensure fees are accurately applied.

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Prepare and contribute to comprehensive plans, master plans, and planning studies.
• Assist with implementation of recommendations identified in planning documents and studies.
• Develop land use, zoning, and related policies or regulatory proposals. Prepare grant applications and conduct reporting and compliance monitoring for awarded funds.
• Verify contract compliance and payment to vendors in compliance with contract requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of, and experience applying, the principles and practices of natural resource conservation, land development, urban design, historic preservation, planning, community development, and zoning.
• Expertise in planning, zoning, subdivision control, and municipal permitting.
• Knowledge and experience provide excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to public meetings, zoning, subdivision control, wetlands protection, and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively assign, train, supervise, and review the performance of subordinate staff
• Knowledge of and the ability to use municipal permitting and file-sharing software.
• Ability to communicate with, develop and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests.
• Ability to work collaboratively across professional and departmental boundaries within and between organizations.
• Self-starter who can work well both independently and in team environments.
• Ability to quickly learn new software and data management tools.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to address questions and customer concerns via telephone, email, and in-person, in a consistently professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to take initiative to identify opportunities and implement strategies for process improvement or streamlining work.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to learn, work hard, think creatively and work collaboratively.
• Ability to use professional expertise, critical thinking and interpersonal skills to accomplish varied functions requiring considerable judgment and initiative in determining courses of action.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, enthusiastic, and flexible, independent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, critical thinking, problem solving, and oral and written communication skills.
• Strong proficiency with personal computers and experience using the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel).
• Proficiency with data analysis, records research methodology and searching records through use of online databases.
• Skilled at the review of development plans (site plans, parking plans, subdivision plans, etc.).
• Regular onsite attendance required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with GIS mapping, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Acrobat software.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in city or regional planning, public administration, geography, civil engineering, architecture, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in land use planning.
• Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in city or regional planning, public administration, geography, civil engineering, architecture, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience reviewing development plans (site plans, parking plans, etc.).
• Two (2) years of experience providing administrative and technical support to municipal boards or commissions.
• One (1) year of project or program management experience.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a municipal setting.
• One (1) year of experience with municipal permitting systems (e.g., Open Gov).
• Experience in Adobe Acrobat and GIS.
• AICP and/or other applicable certifications.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $103,480 - $112,371 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

FULL SALARY RANGE: $103,480 - $121,221 annually

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.