Nature of Work: 
The Assistant Planner/ Grants Administrator (AP/GA) provides entry-level paraprofessional work in the Department of Planning, Building & Resiliency. The AP/GA will divide their time between routine administrative tasks and technical research and analysis generally at an entry level of complexity.
The AP/GA will be in direct contact with the public on a regular basis to provide “front counter” administrative services for planning, building, and zoning processes. The AP/GA will carry out administrative and technical duties related to planning and zoning applications (e.g., log in, review for completeness, help with review of development applications, and otherwise conduct responsibilities to ensure the planning and regulatory responsibilities of the department are accurately and efficiently carried out.
In addition, the AP/GA will carry out tasks including but not necessarily limited to preparing/posting meeting agendas, minutes, board packets, attending meetings/hearings, and other duties necessary for the Planning Board and the Zoning Board to carry out their statutory and municipal responsibilities.  Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Director.
 
Essential Functions Under the Guidance of the Director:
1.    Review development applications to assure application completeness, regulatory compliance with Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, the Town Code, etc. (e.g., meets requirements for land use, dimensional requirements, site standards, and other typical land use-related provisions in the Town’s regulations). 
2.    Prepare narrative staff reports and recommendations on projects of limited complexity, such as special use permits and variances. 
3.    Provide technical assistance and information to staff and the public in the administration of specific planning programs areas or ordinances.
4.    Prepare public notices or property owner verifications.
5.    Develop and maintain automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and records.
6.    Research and compile information on a variety of planning/zoning issues from multiple sources.
7.    Prepare maps, charts, tables of limited complexity.
8.    Conduct field surveys of proposed construction/improvements to existing properties in preparation for zoning and planning hearings. 
9.    Attend public meetings and assist other department staff, as necessary. 
10.    Perform routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, drafting agendas and meeting minutes, and copying.
11.    Perform other duties as may be assigned and as are consistent with this position.

Critical Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
1.    Knowledge of planning principles and practices, including pertinent specialties.
2.    Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection.
3.    Knowledge of effective writing techniques.
4.    Statistical, algebraic or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.
5.    Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office suite (especially Word, PowerPoint and Excel), Internet applications, and GIS.
6.    Ability to review plans and apply provisions of regulatory documents to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply the regulations to field conditions.
7.    Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public and applicants.
8.    Problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems.
9.    Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
10.    Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
11.    Ability to exhibit quality customer service acumen, even in moments where “customers” may be frustrated, confused, and even angry.

Minimum Required Qualifications:
1.    Two years of post-secondary education or an associate's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, engineering, surveying, or related field. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
2.    One or two years of administrative/clerical experience in a planning, zoning, or building code issuance environment.
3.    Valid Rhode Island Driver’s License, with no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability.

Physical Environment/Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
1.    The work environment primarily is within an office setting but infrequent field settings, including construction sites and high traffic zones, are not uncommon.
2.    Working conditions may vary from moderate temperatures and light (office environment) to inclement weather and night (field environment). 
3.    The employee may routinely lift and/or move objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to fifty (50) pounds.

Job Type:    Full-time (Regular business hours: Monday-8:30 am until 7:00 pm; Tuesday to Thursday-8:30 am until 4:30 pm; and Friday-8:30 am until Noon, not including scheduled night meetings.)

Pay Range:    $50,000 to $55,000 annually, subject to qualifications & experience balanced with the Town-approved budget.
Benefits: 
•    Health, dental, vision, life insurance 
•    Vacation, comprehensive time, Town holidays
•    Pension and 457 retirement plans.

Work Location: In person

Position is OPEN until it is filled.

EOE/ADA/AA