Land Use & Development Planner – Full Time, Non-Union

NOTICE OF VACANCY – December 18, 2024 

POSITION:          PLANNING DEPARTMENT

                                   LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT PLANNER – FULL TIME, NON-UNION 

SALARY: $35.58 – $47.09 ($74,009 – $97,953 (annual equiv.) with excellent benefits package including NHRS Retirement. 

SUMMARY:

The Land Use & Development Planner shall be knowledgeable in the theory and practice of land use planning, zoning, development, construction, and other matters pertinent to the local government environment. The Planner works closely with volunteer boards, provides customer service to the public, coordinates with developers, staff, and municipal officials. The position collaborates closely with the Planning Director, department heads, and other town employees. The Planner must be skilled in working with the public and their concerns and be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  

TYPICAL DUTIES -The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

ü  Answers planning and zoning questions from the public. Assists the public with planning related questions and concerns.

ü  Performs development review of subdivisions, site plans, conditional use permits and architectural review applications for the Planning Board.

ü  Oversees the application review process by the Town’s consulting engineer and works closely with the engineering consultant to coordinate application reviews, inspections, and field reports.

ü  Manages the Town’s Plan Review Committee, ensures application materials are distributed to all relevant Town personnel and that comments are documented and clearly communicated to applicants and their representatives.

ü  Serves as primary liaison to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and assists with the Planning Board, serving as the back-up liaison to the Planning Board in place of the Planning Director. Prepares agendas, staff reports and advises board members at meetings. Presents plans at public meetings and makes recommendations on applications under consideration. Assists with other boards and commissions as needed.

ü  Holds meetings with the public, engineers, and developers to advise and guide development proposals. Works collaboratively with applicants and others to problem solve and arrive at solutions to challenges.

ü  Assists with inquiries about demographics, economics, and a wide variety of planning, zoning, development, conservation, transportation, and other municipal matters.

ü  Manages consulting and design services contracts, special projects and/or serves as Planning Department liaison on special projects as requested by the Planning Director.

ü  Assists with long-range community land use planning, including transportation, corridor studies, housing and neighborhood plans.

ü  Assists with the preparation of Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Control Regulation amendments and prepares reports and maps for presentation to the Planning Board and other committees.

ü  Prepares grant applications and presents to awarding agencies.

ü  Inspects construction sites to verify compliance with approved plans and works closely with other departments to coordinate pre-construction meetings and final inspections prior issuance of CO at the end of the construction process.

ü  Assists the Planning Department with code enforcement and compliance actions as needed, with a focus on compliance of commercial sites and signs.  

(This job specification should not be construed to imply that these duties are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as needed.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

At least (3) years of experience in municipal planning or related field. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in planning or related field. Master’s degree and AICP is desirable. Applicants should be proficient with Microsoft Office products and able to learn additional software programs. Any combination of education, training, and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities comparable to the above qualifications will be considered.  Applicants should be comfortable working in a public and visible role and communicating information clearly and concisely. Must work closely with the Planning Director and all Planning Department staff and be comfortable working in a highly collaborative team-like atmosphere. This position is hands-on, and the Planner will often work with applicants during all phases of the local permitting process. 

The Town of Bedford values professional development and will support the Planner’s participation in career training and professional advancement opportunities. Applicants must be available to attend evening meetings. The Town of Bedford promotes a healthy work-life balance and may provide opportunities for remote or flexible work arrangements when possible. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The required application may be obtained online at www.bedfordnh.org/230/Employment_Opportunities or in person at the Town Office. Completed applications and cover letters may be submitted to jobs@bedfornh.org or:

Bedford Town Offices

Human Resources Department

24 North Amherst Road

Bedford, NH 03110

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

EEO