Zoning Administrator

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR

Location: Woodstock, Vermont
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $30.40 to $36.30 per hour
Reports To: Chief of Staff

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Town and Village of Woodstock are seeking a knowledgeable, collaborative, and community-minded Zoning Administrator to join the Community Development & Planning Office.

This is an exciting time to work in Woodstock. The Town and Village are updating zoning bylaws and development regulations, drafting the Town Plan, preparing for new housing opportunities, and working to make the development review process more clear, predictable, and accessible.

The Zoning Administrator is responsible for administering and interpreting Town and Village zoning regulations, reviewing development applications, conducting code compliance inspections and investigations, and supporting the municipalities' development review process. The position also staffs the Development Review Boards and Advisory committees.

The Administrator works closely with the Community Development & Planning office, municipal staff, appointed boards and commissions, applicants, property owners, and the public to support thoughtful, consistent, and effective land use decisions.

BENEFITS

Woodstock, Vermont offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, vibrant community and relaxed lifestyle. The picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, skiing, and biking foster a balanced work-life environment. Woodstock’s strong sense of community encourages networking and collaboration. Its charming downtown features local shops, restaurants and cultural events. Additionally, the town’s commitment to sustainability and local business creates an inspiring atmosphere for innovation and growth.

Benefits of working for the Municipality of Woodstock include:

· Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.

· Flexible scheduling: We are open to nontraditional schedules that meet the needs of the position and the employee.

· Competitive wages.

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (FY27 the Municipality pays up to 93% of the cost of insurance premiums for employee and their family).

· Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System (VMERS) - includes employer and employee contributions.

· 10 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting).

· 15 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting).

· 12 paid holidays per year.

· Two paid personal days per year (16 hours).

· The Municipality provides short term disability, long term disability, life, and AD & D insurances to eligible employees.

· Bereavement leave.

· Wellness Benefit - The Municipality pays 75% of an employee’s membership to the Woodstock Recreation Center’s Fitness Center or Woodstock Athletic Club bought each quarter.

· Employee Development – The municipality encourages employees to continue their education and currently offers a reimbursement program for 100% of the direct costs of the course or program that an employee is enrolled in.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Land Use & Zoning Administration

· Administer and interpret Town and Village zoning bylaws and applicable Vermont land use regulations.

· Review zoning permits, site plans, conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, and other land use applications for completeness and compliance.

· Conduct site visits and inspections and issue permits and administrative approvals within applicable deadlines.

· Advise applicants, property owners, businesses, and contractors regarding zoning requirements, procedures, and appeal rights.

· Respond to zoning questions and complaints and provide clear, consistent, and professional information to the public.

· Maintain accurate permit, application, inspection, and land use records.

· Coordinate with other municipal staff on development applications and land use issues.

Code Compliance & Enforcement

· Conduct inspections of properties, buildings, and land uses to determine compliance with zoning permits, approved plans, conditions, and applicable regulations.

· Investigate potential zoning and land use violations and maintain appropriate records.

· Respond to complaints and work with property owners to identify and resolve compliance issues.

· Prepare notices of violation and coordinate enforcement actions with other municipal staff as appropriate.

· Work collaboratively and professionally with property owners, applicants, and members of the public while applying regulations fairly and consistently.

Board & Commission Support

· Staff the Town and Village Development Review Boards and advisory committees meetings, including the South Woodstock and Village Design Advisory Committee and the Conservation Commission. Meetings are often held in the evenings.

· Coordinate with applicants, municipal staff, consultants, and board and commission members to prepare materials.

Planning, Housing & Bylaw Updates

· Participate in ongoing updates to Town and Village zoning bylaws and development regulations.

· Help implement adopted regulatory changes and improve land use procedures.

· Support planning initiatives related to housing, smart growth, economic development, and community development.

· Work with the Planning Commission, and municipal leadership to prepare for future housing and development opportunities.

· Identify opportunities to make zoning procedures more efficient, understandable, and supportive of appropriate development.

· Monitor changes to Vermont land use law and assist with updating municipal practices as needed.

Community & Interdepartmental Coordination

· Serve as a primary point of contact for residents, property owners, businesses, developers, contractors, and applicants.

· Explain regulations and development processes in a clear and approachable manner.

· Work collaboratively with the Community Development & Planning Office and other municipal departments to coordinate development review and compliance.

· Maintain positive working relationships with elected and appointed officials, municipal staff, applicants, volunteers, and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor's degree in planning, community development, public administration, geography, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Two to three years of experience in zoning administration, code compliance, planning, land use, municipal government, or a related field preferred.

· Knowledge of Vermont zoning and land use regulations, including 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117.

· Ability to interpret zoning bylaws, site plans, development proposals, and related documents and apply regulations fairly and consistently.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to explain complex regulations and processes clearly to the public.

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with elected and appointed officials, staff, applicants, property owners, and the public.

· Ability to manage multiple applications, inspections, deadlines, meetings, and competing priorities.

· Proficiency with standard office software; GIS or permitting software experience is a plus.

· Familiarity with Vermont municipal government and development review processes is highly desirable.

· Must be comfortable attending evening meetings.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be approachable, fair, detail-oriented, collaborative, solutions-oriented, adaptable, and community-minded, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism when dealing with sensitive or controversial issues.

We understand the specialized nature of this role and are willing to train the right individual. Candidates with strong municipal, planning, code compliance, customer service, regulatory, or community development experience are encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Stephanie Appelfeller at sappelfeller@townofwoodstock.org Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2026, with interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.

The Municipality of Woodstock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the role. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support Woodstock’s financial efforts.

Pay: $30.40 - $36.30 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program
• Work from home

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $36