COMMUNITY PLANNER

Application Deadline: Rolling until position is filled
Start Date: May
Salary Range: $54,400 – $81,600 (Dependent on experience and qualifications)
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to Marian Alexandre at malexandre@smpdc.org.

Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) is seeking an organized, independent, and motivated Community Planner. This position will support municipal land use planning and assist with a variety of housing initiatives, both ongoing and new.

About SMPDC
SMPDC is a non-partisan nonprofit that cultivates thriving, sustainable communities and strengthens local governments by leading planning and economic development for 39 member towns in southern Maine. SMPDC is a leader in land use planning throughout Maine. SMPDC works closely with member municipalities by providing direct planning board support, development review, ordinance writing services, and long-range planning services. As housing has become a larger issue in the Southern Maine region, SMPDC continues to expand our services to include planning and technical assistance in this area, along with its planning mission.

Responsibilities
This position will support the Land Use department, and report to both the Planning Director and Executive Director. Primary duties include the following. Some responsibilities will require regular evening meetings, with options for compensatory time.

Long-Range Planning, such as comprehensive plans

• Data analysis and research
• Public engagement activities
• Clear communication of findings with planning boards and the community
• Develop plan deliverables reports, chapters, graphs or charts

Municipal planning support and development review

• Assess site plans and subdivisions according to local ordinances
• Write memos and clearly communicate review to municipal planning boards
• Guide municipal planning boards in their review of applications

Ordinance writing

• Work with municipal planning boards to update or write new land use ordinances

Other regional land use or housing projects/programs

• Assist with ongoing planning projects around land use and housing, may include project management, data collection & analysis, report drafting
• Help apply for new grants
• Collaborate with colleagues on creative approaches to long-range planning challenges and projects

Desired Skills
Candidates should have excellent organizational and time management skills; strong written and verbal communication; superb attention to detail; and be able to work effectively independently and as part of a team. Experience with Microsoft Office is necessary. Experience with GIS software is not required, but beneficial.

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in planning or a related field with two years of experience, or bachelor’s degree with three or more years of experience. Municipal planning experience preferred.

SMPDC offers a flexible work environment with opportunities for advancement and professional enrichment. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement matching, and salary range commensurate with experience. SMPDC’s office is located in a vibrant area, walking distance from both downtown Saco and Biddeford, which was just recognized as a ‘Top 10 Small City in America for Food’ by Food & Wine Magazine.

Please send resume and cover letter to Marian Alexandre at malexandre@smpdc.org.