Regional Land Use Planner

This exciting Regional Land Use Planner position will play a crucial role in supporting the natural resource rich and historic communities of the Lakes Region. Ever wanted to help write a Masterplan in the oldest resort community in New Hampshire? How about completing Site Plan reviews on property with scenic vistas across Lake Winnipesaukee? Want to write grants for Historic Mill reuse or Loon Preservation? All of this is part of the scope of work for this Regional Land Use Planner position. You will work closely with stakeholders, municipal boards, community organizations, and private sector partners, to move your assigned community forward in the direction set by its valued residents. 

Job Title:  Regional Land Use Planner

General Scope of Work:    

The Regional Land Use Planner performs varied and complex planning and zoning duties to any number of Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) member municipalities across the Lakes Region, often serving in a circuit-rider roll. Natural Resource protection is often the highest priority in Lakes Region communities, therefore this position will focus on promoting sustainable development, and integrating water quality preservation into decision making, while balancing growth and economic development.   This position works in cooperation with other LRPC staff providing these services and demonstrates professionalism within the Commission. This position also performs long term planning activities such as master plan re-writes, specialized reports such as hazard mitigation plans or grant applications and may be assigned special projects by the Executive Director. 

The position will provide services directly to municipalities and land use boards and commissions including application and plan review, ordinance and regulation development, master plan preparation and work with other RPC staff on a variety of land use, transportation, historic preservation, economic development, and environmental projects. In addition, the position may include working directly with local land use boards to incorporate resilience and sustainability principles into community decision making and actions. This may include attendance at some evening meetings.

Writing, public speaking, plan review, and community engagement skills are highly valued, along with positive energy and motivation for public service. 

Typical Assignments:

Coordinates and/or assumes project and contract management responsibilities for master plans, land use regulations, hazard mitigation plans and other contracted tasks. Responsible for ensuring that all assigned projects are completed within approved budgets and schedules. 

Provides direct planning assistance to LRPC’s member communities on issues related to land use, zoning, subdivision, master plans, and related topics. Develops proposals and cost estimates for work requested by LRPC clients. Actively works to increase and enhance services to member communities.

Assists communities with land use based grant applications including but not limited to housing and environmental. Helps coordinate with LRPC Staff Environmental and Transportation planners to design and implement projects directly to meet specific municipal needs. Provides group or individual training to municipal staff on planning standards, practices, and techniques.  

Attends meetings with planning boards, selectmen, commissioners, state officials, and the public, as needed. Represents the Commission in policy discussions as assigned and as appropriate.

Demonstrates and promotes exemplary work ethic and professionalism within the agency and fosters a spirit of teamwork among staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

A working knowledge of the principles, practices, laws, and regulations related to planning, zoning, environmental and transportation planning. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, officials, and the public. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and be responsive to unique situations as they emerge.  Ability to speak, write effectively, self-starter, and motivated. Working knowledge of professional computer hardware and software.  Must be capable of collaborating with people representing a variety of disciplines and laypersons.  Must be willing and able to attend evening meetings at a variety of locations within the region. 

Minimum Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, environmental sciences, public administration, economics, or a related field.

• At least two years of professional experience in transportation planning, urban or regional planning, public policy, environmental sciences, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Class work, internships or other factors may be substituted for experience. 

• Excellent written skills; ability to both read and prepare clear and concise reports, maps, outreach material, spreadsheets, and databases.

• Dedication to public service work through class choices, internships, or work experience. 

• Strong organizational and program management skills. 

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently. 

• Ability to facilitate dialogue amongst people with differing opinions, including experience moderating meetings of varied subject matter and enthusiastic participants. 

• Experience working with office software, including MS Office, Adobe Pro, and Arc GIS. 

• Attention to detail and application of quality-assurance procedures to all products and activities.

Pay, Benefits, and How to Apply:

This is a full–time position and the starting salary range is $52,000–$60,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience. LRPC offers excellent New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) benefits; a flexible, supportive family-friendly work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Our office is in downtown Meredith Bay, in a pedestrian-friendly environment. A hybrid office schedule with work at home days on Monday and Friday is an option for this position. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in various parts of the region. LRPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and encourages all qualified people to apply.

To apply, please send your cover letter and résumé in confidence to Executive Administrative Assistant Linda Waldron at execadmin@lakesrpc.nh.gov. Position open until filled.