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Job Description
PLANNING ANALYST
JOB DETAILS The City of Worcester is an EEO/AA Employer. Preference is given to Worcester residents. If you wish to apply for this position, the deadline is Open Until Filled. Please note the following application options for this position: Applicants are Encouraged to Apply Online
By Mailing to the
Department of Human Resources, ATTN:
PLANNING ANALYST , 455
Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608
(If applying via US Mail, please include a completed Application Questionnaire & VSID)
The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planning Analyst for the Planning & Regulatory Services Division in the Economic Development Department. The Planning Analyst is responsible for supporting a variety of planning activities involving subjects such as land use, zoning, development review, urban design, environmental and comprehensive planning. This position provides professional and technical assistance as well as administrative and customer service support to Boards and Commissions, including the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Responsibilities include managing project applications, coordinating board meetings, conducting development reviews, preparing legal notices, agendas, and meeting minutes, and issuing decisions. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, professional setting where they will meaningfully contribute to the development of the City of Worcester. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
Process applications, both digitally and physically, for boards and commissions
Organize, track, and manage active cases (project management) and archival documents for land-use filings with the Planning & Regulatory Services (filing & scanning)
Conduct review of applications submitted to the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals for completeness and with respect to applicable provisions of the Worcester Zoning or General Revised Ordinances, other city and state regulations, policies, guidelines, and plans
Confer and coordinate with other staff to ensure compliance with applicable code and permitting requirements and solicit review comments, as applicable
Communicate information and technical concepts with applicants, attorneys, engineers, architects, contractors, residents
Assist applicants and the public, via phone, walk-in, and in writing, with inquiries related to planning, zoning, and development
Analyze land use characteristics, development impacts, and site capacity
Use computer and software applications, including GIS, to conduct or coordinate research and studies, analyze data, and prepare maps
Coordinate meeting scheduling, setup, and preparation
Prepare legal notices and conduct mailings
Prepare meeting agendas and presentations
Prepare technical memoranda for cases
Participate in evening meetings with municipal officials, boards/commissions, and neighborhood organizations, and make presentations as needed
Prepare and review meeting minutes and decisions
Attend evening meetings (typically 2-3 meetings per month)
Assist with processing monetary transactions, developing invoices, fee refunds, etc.
SECONDARY ELEMENTS
Contribute to comprehensive plans, master plans, and planning studies
Assist with the development of land use, zoning, and related policy or regulatory proposals
Assist with implementation of recommendations identified in planning documents and studies
Other duties as required
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of city/urban planning
Knowledge of zoning, subdivision control, wetlands protection, and/or other laws and ordinances relevant to community development and planning
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Self-starter who can work well both independently and in team environments
Computer proficiency and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Adobe Acrobat
Proficiency with records research methodology and searching records through use of online databases
Strong data management skills
Proficiency with GIS mapping and analysis
Detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and flexible
Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests
Ability to quickly learn new software and data management tools
Regular onsite attendance is required
Ability to take initiative to identify opportunities for process improvement or streamlining work
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in city or regional planning, civil engineering, sustainable development, geography, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, or other related discipline
Any equivalent combination of education & six (6) years of experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required duties of the position will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.
Proficient with computers, including proficiency in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite
Proficient with use of GIS mapping and conducting data analysis
Excellent communication skills
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in city or regional planning, civil engineering, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, or other related discipline.
Two (2) years of customer service experience in an office setting
Two (2) years of experience performing administrative work in an office setting
One (1) year of experience conducting research, querying records, managing data, and/or process management
Demonstrated experience applying planning principles and techniques in an academic and/or work setting
Demonstrated experience applying ArcGIS in a nonacademic setting
