The Town of South Kingstown, a diverse coastal community of 30,000 citizens, has an exciting opportunity in the Planning Department. The Town is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Principal Planner. This position is responsible for performing various planning related duties, including but not limited to, the processing and review of land development and subdivision applications as well as maintaining the Town’s Geographic Information System (GIS). Duties include assisting with studies, research, and special projects as required to implement the Comprehensive Community Plan, Multi-Hazard Plan, Harbor Management Plan as well as other important long-range programs; managing and maintain all aspects of the GIS systems, integrating data across platforms, supporting GPS usage, training staff, and coordinating web-based mapping services; helping to plan, direct, and administer a comprehensive geographic information system and manage vendors related to GIS activities; assisting department heads in developing GIS analyses, purchasing of GIS hardware and software, and implementing GIS applications within Town departments; preparing draft Zoning Ordinance amendments and associated materials for review by the Planning Board and the Town Council; conducting site investigations and maps features to help determine potential impacts of specific development projects; assisting with the supervision of consultants and management of special projects as directed; serving as a staff liaison to essential boards and committees as assigned; gathering, interpreting, and preparing data for studies, reports and recommendations. This position will also help prepare applications as required for various local, state and federal grant programs and will complete relevant grant reporting as well as compliance paperwork.

Several different software programs are used in the department and this role must have experience working with ESRI ArcGIS Products, preferrable in a local government environment, and be skilled in the data manipulation and application programming in ESRI Products. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in community planning, urban planning/city planning, regional planning, natural resources science, GIS or another closely related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in land use planning, GIS operations, community planning, or closely related activities. A master’s degree in community planning or a closely related field is preferred as well as certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners, Geographic Information Systems Professional certification and direct experience in community planning working for a regional or local government entity.

The starting rate of pay for this 35 hour per week, NEA local SKMEA position is $48.02 per hour, and upon successful completion of the six-month probationary period, increases to $49.93 per hour, and includes a full benefit package. To apply, please fill out an online application found by going to the Job Opportunities site on the Town website: https://www.southkingstownri.gov/Jobs.aspx Within each job posting there is a link to the online application. Application materials will be accepted through Monday, July 7, 2025.