Town Planner

The Town Planner shall head the Planning Division and shall be appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Town Manager. The position shall be directly supervised by the Assistant Town Manager/Director of Economic Development.

The Town Planner performs professional, administrative, management, and technical work on land use issues for the Town, primarily through the Planning Board and Zoning Bylaw Review Committee (ZBRC). The Town Planner manages the Planning Division and provides technical assistance on all planning issues; reviews and coordinates all aspects of site plan review, subdivision review, special permits, and zoning bylaw changes as delineated by state statutes, local bylaws and regulations, and local subdivision rules and regulations. The Town Planner acts as the chief inter-board liaison on land issues to other Town Boards, including the Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Select Board, and other Boards and Committees as required.

The Town Planner shall also perform the following tasks:

Makes recommendations regarding regulations, policies and procedures involving community planning and development and advises boards, commissions and committees as needed. The Planner will work on short and long-term plans as well as business and economic development projects and initiatives as assigned.

Has a working knowledge of the town master plan, open space plan, housing production plan, and individual department studies related to their needs and goals with an emphasis on implementation of plan action items and goals.

Advises town boards, committees, and commissions of grants that may assist the boards in achieving their missions.

Makes frequent contact with developers, contractors, engineers and the general public requiring the ability to explain technical and procedural requirements to a diverse audience; makes frequent contact with diverse local, regional and state governmental organizations including numerous planning organizations.

Has access to a limited amount of department-related confidential information including personnel files related to departmental operations, legal options and correspondence regarding various applications.

Negligible physical effort required in performing most duties under typical office conditions. Will require site visits and inspections during plan approval and construction phases to advise the Planning Board and other boards of any issues and ensure compliance with approved plans.

Provides professional advice and assistance to the Planning Board and ZBRC related to all areas of community planning and development; maintains communication with the Planning Board and ZBRC to ensure that the board is aware of all activities and issues; coordinates Planning Board and ZBRC activities with town boards, departments and officials.

Staffs Planning Board meetings and ZBRC meetings, and other community meetings as required; prepares agenda for meetings; drafts decisions and follows up on actions taken by the board. Assists in preparing town plans and programs for addressing population and economic growth, resource development, traffic improvements, commercial and industrial development, housing, land use, transportation, recreation etc. and zoning and subdivision regulations.

Oversees the daily activities of the Planning Division; assists the boards in the preparation and documentation of the division budget; recommends purchases. Keeps and maintains accurate records of financial transactions and charges.

Supervises the activities of division staff. Instructs and trains in job responsibilities and expectations. Issues and monitors work assignments. Assures completion of duties in an accurate and efficient manner. Makes personnel recommendations with the approval of the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager/Director of Economic Development

Prepares and submits various grant applications related to land use activities. Gathers and compiles information, data and supportive documentation; writes narratives and submits for approval of the Board of Selectmen or its designee.

Represents the town at various local and regional meetings.

Performs related duties as assigned by the Assistant Town Manager/Director of Economic Development.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban/municipal planning, public administration, engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Grant writing experience related to land use activities i.e. economic development, planning, parks and conservation; three to five (3-5) years of experience, preferably in planning or community development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential functions of the position.

Valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s License. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

Thorough knowledge of local zoning rules and regulations, subdivision rules and regulations, and applicable state statutes, rules and regulations. Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of local planning. Ability to read and understand drawings and maps. Ability to interpret regulations firmly, tactfully, consistently and impartially. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to implement programs in a professional manner. Ability to research, evaluate and prepare grant applications that meet the needs of the community related to land use activities. Ability to work in teams across multiple departments and divisions.

Ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite, planning software, and at a minimum working knowledge of GIS software.

Salary range $78,000-S90,000 based on experience

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Revised December 2025

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