Position Title: Senior Regional Planner
Organization: Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (NECCOG)
Location: Dayville, Connecticut
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: 80,000 – 110,000- Consideration will be given to the equivalent of experience, education, and training.
 

About NECCOG
The Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments (NECCOG) is one of nine statutorily authorized regional councils of governments in Connecticut, representing 16 member towns. Established in 1987, NECCOG provides planning, technical, and administrative services including transportation, land use, economic development, and emergency preparedness—helping towns achieve efficiencies and effective regional solutions.
 

Position Overview
NECCOG is seeking a Senior Regional Planner to lead and support complex regional planning projects in areas such as land use, transportation, environmental resource protection, hazard mitigation, economic development, stormwater, housing, and other specialized region wide planning work.

Under the direction of the Director of Regional Planning, is responsible (individually or as part of a team) for the development of regional plans/studies and related programs. The Senior Regional Planner will serve as a key member of NECCOG’s professional team, working collaboratively with municipal officials, state agencies, and community partners to advance regional goals and initiatives.

Essential Duties and Functions

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel assigned to this position.

• Assist in preparation and review of regional plans/ studies
• Assist member towns with planning needs
• Collects, organizes and analyzes data required in the development of plans or programs
• Communicates, through direct presentations, social media, and other means with stakeholder groups
• Assist with grant applications
• Identifies, defines, and researches issues of strategic importance to the region
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience managing complex planning projects
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of planning
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to conduct research
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Ability to work independently and perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Knowledge of and experience with GIS and its planning applications

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in community, environmental or regional planning or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience.
• Working knowledge of Connecticut General Statutes, land use regulations, and regional planning frameworks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for regional travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

Desired Qualifications

• AICP certification
• Connecticut Inland Wetlands Agency certification and/or Connecticut Zoning Enforcement Officer certification.

Working Conditions

Job Environment

• Work is performed primarily in a professional office setting, with periods of fieldwork at project sites, public facilities, and municipal offices.
• Regular travel within the region is required to attend meetings, site visits, and public hearings; occasional statewide travel may be necessary.
• The role involves frequent interaction with municipal officials, state agencies, consultants, and the public—both in person and through phone, email, and virtual meetings.
• Work may involve attendance at evening or occasional weekend meetings.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and operate standard office equipment (computer, copier, printer, etc.).
• Occasional physical activity such as site visits requiring walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, or carrying field materials and equipment.
• Must be able to read and interpret maps, plans, and data, and view computer screens for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity are required for preparing reports, graphics, and presentations.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary range: $80,000 – $110,000 Consideration will be given to the equivalent of experience, education, and training.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Employer-sponsored plans with coverage options for employees and eligible dependents.
• Retirement Plan – Participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Pre-tax options for health care and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance – Income protection in the event of an extended illness or injury.
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, personal, and sick leave allowances, plus 13 paid holidays annually.
• Professional Development – Training, certification support, and continuing education opportunities.

Additional Information
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties. Duties may be adjusted as organizational needs evolve.

NECCOG will make reasonable accommodations, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

NECCOG is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.