Description
Under the supervision of Director of Planning and Land Use and the Conservation Administrator, contributes to a wide variety of land use permitting. Assists with other land initiatives and provides technical assistance to the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and other committees.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical and administrative support to the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission, including review of applications and the coordination of appropriate reviews of all submissions, including site plans, subdivision plans, etc.
- Independently conduct assigned project site inspections and plan reviews with a principal focus on residential properties and municipal projects. Present recommendations to the Conversation Commission.
- Coordinate environmental plan approvals and reviews with the Board of Health for septic system and sewer construction and participate in the Interdepartmental Review Process on proposed development projects.
- Enforce the Wetlands Protection Act and Andover’s Wetland By-Law. Conduct field review of wetland resource boundary delineations and related technical support data. Issue permits. Investigate complaints, violations and non-compliance issues. Issue legal notices such as Notices of Non-Compliance, Enforcement Orders and Emergency Certification (e.g., hazardous waste) relative to violations of a criminal statute in coordination with the Conservation Administrator. Initiate legal penalties and provide written explanations to the Conservation Commission.
- For public bodies, as assigned, prepare meeting agendas. Review new applications, checking for completed information before hearing is advertised. Present projects and recommendations at public hearings. Prepare related legal documentation and decisions such as conditions of approval and specifications.
- Participate in the interdepartmental review group within the Community Development and Planning Department.
- Conduct site inspections as needed.
- Provide technical assistance to the public relative to various regulations and resource maps; prepare inspection reports and other written material.
- Assist staff with the creation, revision or reformatting of Town regulations, zoning bylaws, general bylaws, and policies.
- Participate and assist in the research and development, presentation, and implementation of planning initiatives such as Andover’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, the Open Space Plan, the Housing Production Plan, and the Town of Andover Comprehensive Plan.
- Provide support to the Community Development and Planning Department, and other Town Departments using visual forms of data and graphics platforms.
- Provide support to others within the Planning and Conservation Divisions.
- Attend departmental, committee and board meetings (day/evening meetings) as directed.
- Update Community Development and Planning website regularly.
- Perform various communications of planning initiatives, events and projects via multiple social media platforms.
- Support studies and special projects related to a wide variety of Town land use topics, zoning by-laws, general bylaws, emerging technologies, and sustainability needs as assigned.
- Assist in maintenance of accurate and complete files and records.
- Prepare written reports, recommendations and apply for grants as directed to help with the implementation of goals and objectives as outlined in various planning studies and reports.
- Complete special projects as assigned.
- Perform related duties as required.
Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Ability to analyze complex issues and develop relevant and realistic plans, programs and recommendations.
- Ability to learn and implement Massachusetts land use laws such as the subdivision control law; the state zoning act; The Town of Andover subdivision rules and regulations; the Andover zoning by-laws; Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. Ch. 131, s.40; Andover’s Wetland Regulations, stormwater management techniques; topographic and plan interpretation.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people with varying levels of expertise.
- Ability to develop sound professional recommendations based on knowledge of land use practices.
- Knowledge of applicable software as it pertains to the operations of the department, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, GIS for geographic analysis, data editing, graphics display, video conferencing, social media platforms, website editing, etc. Will train if necessary.
Education and Experience
Duties require a Bachelor’s degree in municipal or regional planning, environmental science, botany, geology or related science, or related field; one or more years’ experience in a municipal planning or conservation department; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supplemental Information
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
PHYSICAL ELEMENTS
- Duties involve a combination of activities in normal office setting as well as outdoor field and site work.
- Outdoor field and site work is performed under a variety of weather conditions, including inclement weather.
- Duties may require moderate physical exercise such as walking through wooded areas, hilly terrain, wetlands and construction sites.
- Regular use of standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
- Frequent attendance at evening meetings and occasional travel to meetings and other communities.
