PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Performs complex professional and administrative work directing the activities of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Building Department.  Plans and coordinates the activities of Town agencies and departments in the areas of planning and development, including comprehensive planning, zoning, economic development, municipal improvements, and housing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to the First Selectman and the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Maintains contact with the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and Economic Development Commission to insure that the Commission’s staffing needs are met.  Matters referred to the position are generally open ended.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises all Planning and Zoning Commission and Building Department employees.  Supervises consultants that may be contracted.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

1. Supervises and directs enforcement, permitting, inspection and planning responsibilities of the departments.
2. Advises the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the First Selectman on planning and development matters.  Responsible for administering Planning and Zoning Commission personnel and budgeting.
3. Recommends solutions to municipal problems, including changes to policies, regulations and ordinances.
4. Represents the Town in various capabilities on the state and local level as designated by the First Selectman.
5. Directs the preparation and maintenance of the Plan of Development and its various elements.
6. Determines priorities of work and makes work assignments necessary to carry out such priorities, as well as performs normal administrative/supervisory functions relative to operational activities and personnel.
7. Consults with officials of the town, state and federal government to coordinate phases of enforcement, permitting, and planning.
8. Responsible for advising, and participating at the request of, the Emergency Management Director, in response to a natural or manmade emergency and any associated planning, and mitigation associated therewith.
9. Advises public and private sectors in developing new concepts, plans, projects or programs.
10. Prepares speeches, articles, reports and other presentations dealing with the planned development of the Town.
11. Prepares grant applications and manages grant programs.
12. Performs related tasks as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Comprehensive knowledge of the advanced principles and practices of urban and regional planning; thorough knowledge of economics, municipal finance, and sociology as they apply to planning; thorough knowledge of the current literature and recent developments in the field of planning; general knowledge of the principals and practices of civil engineering as they relate to planning and subdivision design and control; ability to interpret and analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare and present technical oral and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Needs to be able to handle difficult interpersonal relationships in dealing with the public.  Work frequently involves attendance at public meetings and representing the First Selectman and Planning and Zoning Commission on various state and regional committees.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The dexterity necessary to utilize a computer keyboard on a regular basis is essential.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Masters Degree from a college or university with major work in planning, public administration, engineering, or political science and three years of practical experience; OR IN LIEU THEREOF, a bachelor degree in a planning or related curriculum and a minimum of ten (10) years experience in planning, including supervisory experience.  AICP certification as a professional planner must be obtained as a condition of employment.  Working knowledge of permitting software and Geographic Information Systems software from ESRI; working knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program; and working knowledge of Chapter 124 and 126 of the State General Statutes and the Connecticut Coastal Management Act.