Position Summary

Are you interested in planning, community development, and helping shape the future of a small Maine community? The Town of Bridgton is seeking a motivated individual to join our Community Development Department as a Community Planner.

This position offers an opportunity to build your skills and experience while supporting a wide range of planning and community development activities. Under the general direction of the Community Development Director, the Community Planner will assist with land use and development review, support municipal boards and committees, assist with administration of the Town’s Land Use Code, and contribute to community development projects, grants, public engagement, and departmental operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Planner I will work closely with the Community Development Director and other Town staff to:

Planning and Development Review

1. Assist with reviewing land use and development applications and ensuring required information is provided.
2. Research and apply Town ordinances, regulations, and policies to routine planning matters.
3. Communicate with applicants, property owners, consultants, and residents regarding planning processes and requirements.
4. Conduct occasional site visits and review plans, maps, and other project materials.
5. Help prepare staff reports, correspondence, meeting materials, and recommendations for review by the Community Development Director.

Boards, Committees & Land Use Code

1. Support the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, and other municipal boards and committees.
2. Help prepare agendas, notices, meeting packets, maps, and other materials.
3. Attend occasional evening meetings and assist with meeting records and follow-up.
4. Assist with research and updates to the Town’s Land Use Code, forms, procedures, and related materials.
5. Stay informed about changes to Maine planning and land use requirements.

Community Development and Special Projects

1. Assist with projects involving housing, economic development, infrastructure, downtown development, parks, transportation, climate resilience, and other community priorities.
2. Assist with grant research, applications, administration, and reporting, including CDBG-funded projects.
3. Help collect and organize community data and information.
4. Support public outreach, community meetings, surveys, and educational materials.
5. Assist with implementation of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan and other planning initiatives.

Departmental Support

1. Maintain planning records, applications, databases, maps, and project files.
2. Assist with GIS, mapping, and other planning-related tools.
3. Respond to routine public inquiries and help connect residents with appropriate Town resources.
4. Assist with departmental administration, including correspondence, scheduling, purchasing, invoices, and budget tracking.
5. Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

These key responsibilities are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of responsibilities does not exclude them from the scope if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in planning, community development, public administration, geography, environmental planning, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
2. Municipal planning experience is not required. Relevant internships, coursework, volunteer experience, or professional experience in planning, community development, public administration, GIS, project coordination, or a related field will be considered.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• An interest in planning, community development, and public service.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to research information and learn new regulations, procedures, and systems.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• The ability to work collaboratively with Town staff, municipal boards, applicants, consultants, and members of the public.
• Good judgment, attention to detail, and a willingness to ask questions and learn.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office or similar software. Experience with GIS or municipal permitting systems is helpful but not required.

Level of Responsibility

The Planner I will work under the general direction of the Community Development Director. The position is designed to provide an opportunity to develop increasing knowledge, confidence, and independence in municipal planning and community development.

The Community Development Director will provide guidance and professional review on complex applications, significant ordinance interpretations, legal questions, policy matters, and other issues requiring a higher level of professional judgment.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with regular computer use and occasional evening meetings. The position includes occasional site visits and fieldwork, including walking properties and development or construction sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.