Summary of Position: To manage the Planning Department, including one full-time Planning Assistant.  The primary Planning Department roles are as follows: serve as staff to the Charlestown Planning Commission in their statutory review and approval authority over land development and subdivision projects and comprehensive planning documents; to undertake that review and approval authority where state law requires administrative approval; to provide information to the general public on local regulations and policies and the status of on-going applications and developments; and to work in conjunction with other departments on professional planning and land use and development issues in the Town of Charlestown.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Administrative Officer for the Town of Charlestown.
• Review all land development and subdivision applications for completeness, consistency with local and state regulations, and potential developmental impacts with recommendations for approval.
• Work with applicants and developers and their professional staff to meet town requirements and fulfill town procedures.
• Provide professional support to the Charlestown Planning Commission in the areas of land development, state land use and environmental law, and comprehensive planning including topics such as, but not limited to: housing, energy, natural resources, transportation and recreation.
• Prepare documents for and attend all meetings and workshops of the Planning Commission.
• Serve as chair of the Charlestown Technical Review Committee.
• Provide technical and planning support to other boards and commissions, including the Town Council, as needed.
• Maintain all files associated with the Charlestown Comprehensive Plan including updates, amendments, implementation efforts and communications with state agencies and adjoining communities.
• Work in conjunction with the Charlestown Building/Zoning, Geographic Information Systems, Wastewater/Stormwater, Public Works, Recreation and other town departments as needed on municipal issues of related interest.
• Respond to local citizens inquiring about local planning and zoning issues and projects.
• Keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning, including changes in state enabling laws.
• Prepare, review and/or comment on proposed amendments to Charlestown planning and zoning regulations.
• Research and report on issues as specified in response to requests from appropriate authorities and decision-makers.
• Prepare grant applications as required and oversee the work of professional consultants as needed.
• Oversee the functioning of the Charlestown Planning Department.
• Prepare and present the Planning Department annual budget, authorize expenditures and approve invoices.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Town Planner supervises the duties of one full-time Planning Assistant, and, from time to time, the work of professional planning consultants under contract to the town for specific purposes or projects.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in land use planning, urban planning, public administration, or a related field, master’s degree preferred

and

Experience: Minimum of four years’ experience in municipal planning.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.  Certification (membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners) a plus, but not necessary.

Necessary knowledge: Thorough knowledge of subdivision and zoning laws, and comprehensive planning, including formation, process of adoption and enforcement; extensive knowledge of planning programs and processes; proficiency in computer programs (Microsoft Office); knowledge of GIS applications.  Ability to perform some outdoor work as required for the inspection of land development and construction sites.

Pay and Benefits

Starting Salary: $96,470.50

Benefits:  Blue Cross Health Mate Coast to Coast (20% co-pay), Delta Dental, life insurance and enrollment in the State of RI Municipal Employees Retirement System, 15 days of vacation initially, 14 paid holidays, accrued sick time of 1 ½ days per month, and personal and compensation time.

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Job Opening: Effective March 1, 2025.

Send resume and cover letter to the Town of Charlestown, 4540 South County Trail, Charlestown, RI, 028130, Attn: Jeffrey Allen, Town Administrator (or email to: Susan Shea, sshea@charlestownri.gov ).  Applications will be reviewed as received.  This position will remain open until it is filled.