Job Information
Town of Amherst Planning Director in Amherst, Massachusetts
AMHERST Planning Director Are you a dynamic and creative leader looking to make a significant impact in a vibrant and growing community? We invite you to join us as our Planning Director, where you will have the exciting opportunity to engage in transformative community development projects. There is a lot going on in Amherst, including development of new commercial and residential projects, improvements to our parks and commons, preservation of our open spaces, construction of affordable housing, and much more. Our town is home to three distinguished colleges - Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts - creating a collaborative environment filled with fresh ideas and innovative solutions. If you\'re passionate about fostering inclusive, sustainable development and making a lasting impact, we invite you to help us shape the future of our community! Job Summary: Serves as the Town\'s principal professional planner, responsible for administering the land use planning program and for developing or directing the development of a variety of short and long range planning projects and analyses. Major Duties: Prepares annual budget, approves payrolls, authorizes purchases and payment of bills, supervises and trains personnel and carries out administrative policies of the Town. Supervises and participates in the preparation of and interpretation of comprehensive reports and plans for development of the land and related resources of the Town, including the physical redevelopment of specific areas, transportation, community development, conservation and open space preservation, and historical, architectural, and scenic areas Provides continuous technical assistance to the Planning staff and other staff within the functional area (Conservation, Inspections, Community Development), and to the Town boards that they support including with regard to zoning, subdivision regulation, and other local development regulations as well as population analysis, preparation, distribution and analyses of surveys, site assessment. Provides recommendations for Planning Board action and serving as the primary staff consultant in land use matters. Conducts research, develops recommendations and alternatives regarding a wide range of planning matters such as zoning by law revisions and subdivision regulation revisions, and helps to develop comprehensive and specialized land use maps and plans. Manages the development, submission and administration of all planning and community development related grants. Confers with and advises the public, town officials, and others in technical aspects of zoning and planning, including knowledge of state statute and regulations, municipal by law regulations, regional policies and relevant court decisions. may serve as a representative of the Town in Regional Planning groups and in discussions with UMass, Amherst College and Hampshire College. Minimum Qualifications: Master\'s Degree in urban, rural or regional planning or related field or 4 6 years\' experience in municipal planning, 2 years of which is in a supervisory capacity, or any equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating above knowledge and ability to perform above duties. Thorough knowledge of municipal planning principles and techniques including the fields of land use planning, economics, demographic sociological problems, transportation and zoning. Extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; working knowledge of personal computers and GIS applications. skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with architects, contractors, developers, owners, supervisors, employees, and the general public; and ability to establish effective working relationships.