Land Use and Comprehensive Planning Principal Planner Worcester, MA

Overview

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) seeks candidates for a full-time (37.5 hours/week) Principal Planner, Land Use and Comprehensive Planning position within the agency's Regional Collaboration and Community Planning (RCCP) Department.

The ideal candidate will serve as a key member of the agency’s community planning program, which includes land use, comprehensive and master planning, and housing vertically. The planner will split their time between land use and comprehensive planning initiatives and may work on other projects based on interest and need. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, innovative, team-based environment with growth opportunities.

CMRPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in southern Central Massachusetts. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the region. Join our team with supportive colleagues making real impacts in the communities of Central Massachusetts. CMRPC supports the complete team member as we work on meaningful, innovative, and exciting projects while respecting and supporting the individual’s wellness and a balanced and fulfilling work life.

CMRPC offers a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. We take pride in the diversity of our workforce and encourage all qualified people to apply. CMRPC is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran's status and/or ancestry.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided where needed.

CMRPC’s office includes almost 60 full-time employees located in the Worcester Central Business District in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly LEED-certified building. Free parking is provided in the attached garage. For further detail on CMRPC, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Lead complex planning processes for land use/zoning and comprehensive planning projects. Conduct zoning diagnostics and updates. Coordinate master planning updates. Author master plan elements.
• Assist team members with land use projects, master plans, and other initiatives. Provide gap assistance and support to managers, other project leads, and master plan chapter authors.
• Participate in and coordinate public meetings (e.g., visioning sessions, workshops, committee meetings, and CMRPC presentations). Identify issues and opportunities. Review local regulations for compliance, best practices, and alignment with community priorities; develop language that aligns regulations with community needs.
• Develop surveys and benchmark reviews. Prepare and disseminate questionnaires. Conduct stakeholder interviews, desk research, and fieldwork. Collect, analyze, and synthesize data to identify issues, trends, challenges, and needs. Create maps, charts, and other visualizations.
• Resource development (i.e., grant writing, proposals).
• Other duties as assigned.

Master’s degree in community, regional, or urban planning, public policy, public administration, environmental science, natural resource management, English, or similar with five years of relevant professional (non-internship, non-graduate school) work experience is preferred. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree may be considered with at least seven years of sufficient relevant work experience who demonstrate progressively increasing responsibilities.

The successful applicant will demonstrate all or most of the following skills:

• A familiarity with land use and zoning principles, or a background in planning with a desire to develop proficiency in land use and zoning, including Massachusetts zoning law.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis. Experience applying these methods in a planning context.
• Strong writing, communication, data, analytical, and time management skills.
• A professional demeanor and a positive “can do” attitude.
• A strong attention to detail and…