Position Title:
Town Planner
Grade Level:
Non-Union
Department:
Planning
Date:
10/23/2026
Reports To:
Town Administrator
Salary:
$72,500-$82,500 / year
This position will be equally split between the Towns of Acushnet and Mattapoisett providing administrative and professional support to both Planning Boards.
The Town Planner provides support to both Planning Boards in governing the land use practices of the Towns. This position also serves as a point of contact with residents, builders, developers, and outside agencies in need of customer service assistance regarding planning, land use and economic development issues. The employee is expected to abide by all municipal, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, and quality standards.
Summary of Position Responsibilities:
This position performs administrative, professional, and technical work in providing information, organizing, and coordinating the applications, programs and decisions that shape both the short-range and long-range plans of the community in coordination with the Towns’ goals; provides support to the town boards, committees, and residents with respect to all aspects of planning, zoning and subdivisions, special permits, grants, land use and real estate issues, including environmental and other related aspects of regulations. This position serves as the primary point of contact between the Planning Boards and Town staff as well as supporting the administrative needs of the Boards. Under the guidance of the Planning Boards, the Town Planner exercises independent judgment to ensure compliance with statutory requirements involving subdivisions, special permits, site plans and scenic road applications. Drafts and executes specific rules and regulations pertaining to the development of land. Responsible for developing, updating, and coordinating implementation of a master plan and open space plan.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work product is extremely important in this position. The candidate should also be well organized and able to work independently in an environment with frequent interruptions. This position is required to interact with residents, vendors and other Town Departments and must be able to do so tactfully and appropriately.
Description of Supervision:
Works under the direction of the Town Administrator and with the guidance of the Planning Boards. The employee should be able to work independently on projects and maintain office organization and files.
Work Environment:
Work is performed under typical office conditions; the work environment can be hectic with frequent work interruptions. Work may include site visits within the Towns to view properties related to work. Candidate must be able to operate general office equipment such as a computer, calculator, fax, and copier as well as possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Nature and Purpose of Public Contact:
This is primarily a public facing position that will require the chosen candidate to work closely with members of the public. The selected candidate will work closely with residents, vendors, related organizations, as well as other departments in Town. The position requires frequent explanation or discussion of questions or concerns and problem resolution. Courtesy, tact, and diplomacy will be required to resolve complaints or work with members of the public.
Essential Functions of Job:
- Administers the Towns’ land use processes; coordinates all land use board actions, ensures compliance with all statutory requirements, drafts amendments to Town By-Laws as needed, prepares all required reports and maintains records.
- Provides administrative support to the Planning Boards; prepares for and attends meetings, research applications and petitions, administers policies and procedures, and provides other information or assistance as required in compliance with relevant statutes, rules and regulations.
- Develops, implements and administers various planning studies relating to land use, development, and infrastructure, provides recommendations regarding town land.
- Provides leadership and technical assistance to the business community to develop and implement business retention programs.
- Serves as a liaison to State and Federal officials regarding planning issues affecting the communities.
- Works with developers, engineers, attorneys, and others involved with the development process; helps to negotiate impact fees and public infrastructure improvements from developers.
- Provides information and assistance to various boards, committees and commissions on planning-related issues.
- Provides information and assistance to other town departments and the public regarding zoning, site plans, subdivisions, and other topics; responds to inquiries or complaints and explains policies and procedures.
- Promotes the interdepartmental review of plans and develops procedures to streamline information.
- Ensures compliance with decisions of the Planning Boards.
- Works closely with reginal planning agencies, including Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), and other organizations, on various planning and development programs and grant opportunities.
- Writes grant applications and oversees the management and implementation of such grants once awarded and works cooperatively on grant related projects.
- Prepares and submits annual budget and annual report for the Planning Boards; administers the Planning Department approved budget and monitors expenditures.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the department.
- Ensure coverage of daily business hours and answer questions of property owners, developers, residents, and builders regarding current and future plans for land use.
- Process various types of forms, applications, reports, and other types of information.
- Maintain all department files and records.
- Attend required meetings, training sessions and appointments.
- Complete special projects or other duties as needed.
Minimum Competencies:
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products is required.
- Knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws related to land use and planning and related policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of best practices for municipalities preferred.
- Knowledge of municipal planning, zoning and conservation procedures preferred.
- Ability to communicate clearly in written and oral form.
- Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to read plans.
- Ability to work collaboratively with the Planning Board, Town employees, outside agencies, residents, and vendors.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and resolve problems.
- General understanding of local government operations is preferred.
- Honesty, reliability, discretion, and good judgment are essential.
Education and Other Requirements:
The successful candidate shall have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field and at least two - five years’ experience in land use or municipal planning, or a combination of training and experience. Candidates with comparable experience are encouraged to apply.
Work Location:
This is an office-based job in a municipal building and work is generally performed under typical office conditions with an occasional need for site visits in the field.
Benefits:
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package as a town employee. This includes competitive vacation, sick, personal, and other leave benefits, as well as participation in the Plymouth County Retirement Association pension system. You can also choose to enroll in optional benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 457(b) retirement plans, and life insurance.
FLSA Status:
This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and/or requirements of the job change.