Assistant Director of Planning Full Time NEW

AMHERST Assistant Director of Planning and Economic Development Serves
under the Director of Planning and Economic Development in the
administration of the Planning Department and its activities, including
master planning, open space planning and preservation, short and long
range planning projects, town policy, permitting and land use issues,
zoning, design standards, housing (including affordable housing),
historical preservation community and economic development, and grant
writing and administration. MAJOR DUTIES: Assists the Director of
Planning and Economic Development in the general administration and
oversight of the Planning Department; Contributes to the organization
and overall function of the Conservation, Planning, Zoning and Community
Development Functional Area. Assists with formulation, coordination, and
implementation of general policy, the Master Plan, and special projects
and tasks. Assists in reviewing social service programs related to
community development, and coordinates related contracts. Conducts
research on land use, demographics, economic development, historical
resources, and other planning issues; Develops and maintains reports,
databases, and other informational sources about the Town; Assists with
development and maintenance of the GIS data base in collaboration with
the IT Department; Coordinates, developments and maintains the
electronic permitting system for all land use permits; Manages long term
document storage. Assists in reviewing development applications such as
special permits, site plan review approvals, subdivisions, cluster
developments PURDs, local historic district review, design review,
demolition delay, and social service programs; Assists in the
development of regulations to address land use, zoning and subdivision
issues. Assists in the oversight of permit fee collection and
expenditures; Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the
Department budget; Coordinates, oversees, and administers grants/grant
applications for the Department, working collaboratively with other Town
Departments as appropriate. Meets with residents, developers, attorneys,
engineers and other stakeholders to provide project review assistance
and information. Assists in the training, supervision, assignment,
scheduling, and evaluation of Planners and other Department staff;
Coordinates staff support to boards and committees (e.g., Planning
Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Board, Historical
Commission, CDBG Advisory Committee, Affordable Housing Trust). Serves
as primary support staff to the Planning Board; Responsible for the
oversight of, and support to, volunteer Citizen Board members. Performs
other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in
Regional, Urban and Rural planning, or Landscape Architecture, or other
closely related field PLUS four (4) years of experience in municipal
planning. Thorough knowledge of zoning laws and comprehensive plans,
including as to formation, process of adoption, and enforcement
Extensive knowledge of: planning programs and processes; Massachusetts
General Laws and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations;
housing development and affordable housing programs; and historic
preservation Skill in the area of drafting and designing Skill in the
operation of the listed tools and equipment, including working knowledge
of personal computers and GIS applications Demonstrated ability to
manage and oversee multiple projects with variable budgets, deadlines,
and stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and
in writing, with stakeholders, including architects, contractors,
developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public
Ability to establish effective working relationships Ability to attend
evening meetings