The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) seeks candidates for the position of Community Planner to join the agency’s Community Planning Department. The ideal candidate has a passion for land use as a tool to implement regional and municipal goals and policies. This individual will collaborate with the Director of Community Planning and municipal staff to provide technical assistance and capacity build in the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Typical assignments will include:
• Assisting member municipalities by serving as their municipal land use staff,
• Serving as the Staff Liaison for municipal land use boards and commissions, including but not limited to, Planning and Zoning, Zoning Boards of Appeals, Historic District Commissions, and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agencies,
• Reviewing applications and providing recommendations to the municipality’s land use boards and commissions for consistency with the relevant regulations,
• Prepare notice requirements for the land use applications,
• Support the Zoning Enforcement Officer and the Wetlands Enforcement Agent with enforcement and application review,
• Respond to business owners and residents on relevant land use questions,
• Review applications for conformance with the relevant Plans of Conservation and Development, and
• Collaborate with other departments and staff on various municipal initiatives at the request of the Chief Elected Official.

AN IDEAL COMMUNITY PLANNER HAS….
• Experience providing professional planning assistance to local governments;
• Knowledge of federal, state and local land use policy issues, laws, regulations, and programs, as well as best planning practices related to master planning and other local planning activities;
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills, including ability to analyze data and discern trends;
• Strong skills and flexibility in public process, facilitation, and collaboration; ability to work with the public and to articulate planning and policy issues to a wide variety of audiences; ability to build coalitions, achieve consensus, and resolve disputes in complex public policy situations;
• Ability to write coherent documents ranging from technical reports to public flyers;
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate; as well as the ability to time manage multiple and varied assignments; and/or
• Ability to establish, maintain, and expand productive working relationships with the public, community groups, and government officials, especially local elected and appointed officials.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field of study (Planning, Political Science, Urban Studies, Sociology, Public Administration, or related) or have equivalent relevant experience. A master’s degree in any of these fields is a positive factor but is not required. The Community Planner will be required to attend evening and night meetings.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full time, 35-hour per week position. The NVCOG has an authorized yearly rate of $55,000 - $65,000 for this position, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include a comprehensive health insurance plan, including vision and dental, and a retirement plan with no employee contribution.

TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Savannah-Nicole Villalba, AICP, Director of Community Planning at jobs@nvcogct.gov. NVCOG is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will be kept in confidence until interviews are completed. Reference and additional supporting documents may be requested from the applicant if NVCOG decides to advance the applicant.