The Principal Planner performs professional planning work in support of the Town’s land use, development review, long-range planning, and regulatory initiatives. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing land development and subdivision applications; assisting with the implementation of the Comprehensive Community Plan, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, Harbor Management Plan, and other planning programs; drafting zoning ordinance amendments; conducting site inspections and impact analyses; staffing and serving as liaison to boards and commissions; working on affordable housing initiatives, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies; supporting community sustainability efforts; managing special projects and consultants; preparing grant applications and completing required reporting; and performing other related duties consistent with the position.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Planning, this position is responsible for performing various planning related duties including, but not limited to, the processing and review of land development and subdivision applications; assisting with the development of planning polices and actions; staffing boards and commissions; maintaining the Town’s Geographic Information System (GIS); undertaking special projects; writing grants and completing grant related paperwork; and supporting the Planning Department on various matters. 

This present position requires an understanding of GIS systems and functions but will not be charged with the day-to-day operation of the GIS system/infrastructure. 

Schedule

This 35 hour a week SKMEA Union position works a regular schedule of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday with a one-hour unpaid lunch break. Due to the nature of this position, the role may require attendance at meetings or to perform work-related tasks that fall outside the work hours described above. 

Salary

$48.02 - $52.97 Hourly, $87,394 - $96,413 Annually

Examples of Duties

The Director of Planning may assign some or all duties and responsibilities outlined below to this position based on the needs of department.  In general this position:

• Assists with studies, research, and special projects as required to implement the Comprehensive Community Plan, Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, Harbor Management Plan, and other important long-range planning programs;
• Prepares draft Zoning Ordinance amendments and associated materials for review by the Planning Board and the Town Council; 
• Assists with the review of land development/ subdivision applications and associated plans and supporting documents and drafts recommendations to support the activities of the Administrative Officer and Planning Board;
• Conducts site investigations and maps features to help determine potential impacts of specific development projects;
• Assists with the supervision of consultants and management of special projects as directed;
• Serves as a staff liaison to essential boards and committees as assigned including, but not limited to, the Planning Board, Technical Review Committee (TRC), Historic District Commission (HDC), and other advisory boards and commissions established by the Town Council.  
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations;
• Coordinates the department’s plans and activities with relevant federal and state agencies, municipalities, community groups, and Town departments;
• Helps coordinate policies and programs concerning community sustainability;
• Prepares applications as required for various local, state and federal grant programs and completes relevant grant reporting and compliance paperwork;
• Performs other duties as assigned and which are consistent with this position.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience (Required)

• A bachelor’s degree in community planning, urban planning/city planning, regional planning, natural resources science, GIS, or other closely related field is required; 
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in land use planning, GIS operations, community planning, or closely related activities;

Education and Experience (Preferred/ Not Required)

• A master’s degree in community planning or closely related field;
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP);
• Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) certification;
• Direct experience in community planning working for a regional or local government entity.

Closing Date

4/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern