Job Information
Boston Planning and Development Agency Planner I in Boston, Massachusetts
boston planning & development agency
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*
TITLE: Planner I
GRADE: 5 STATUS: EXEMPT
SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director for Zoning and in collaboration with planning team members, the Planner I will participate in and assist multiple regulatory planning initiatives to create, modify, and utilize zoning to achieve the City’s and communities’ goals. As part of a team, the Planner I will prepare and draft zoning article text and map amendments with supporting documents.
As is essential to any planning or zoning effort, the Planner will engage the community, other constituencies, and public agency departments to solicit input and feedback for recommendations on the above referenced tasks. This includes maintaining community relationships and advising City staff and the public regarding zoning and related land use issues.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below
Convey and interpret information about current zoning regulations to community members and help advance planning goals, achieve community consensus, and resolve issues.
Participate in zoning and land use related planning and community engagement processes, including daytime, evening, and weekend public meetings. Create supporting materials for specific initiatives.
Conduct comprehensive and strategic zoning, land use and regulatory reform analyses for citywide and community-specific planning projects and special planning districts.
Conduct planning and urban design technical analyses, including analysis of case data, mapping, and zoning test fits.
Draft new zoning, vet proposed text and map amendments with internal and external stakeholders, and prepare rezoning documents to be submitted to the BPDA Board and Zoning Commission for approval. Coordinate and create presentation material to explain zoning recommendations and evaluate the impacts of proposed changes.
Research, formulate, and draft staff recommendations for the Zoning Board of Appeal regarding zoning appeal cases and zoning variances based on pertinent planning issues.
Provide regular updates on workflow and progress on assigned projects to the Deputy Director for Zoning.
Advise City staff and the public regarding zoning and related land use issues.
Prepare briefings for senior Agency staff or City officials.
QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires completion of a Masters’ degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field; Juris Doctor or paralegal certification. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or closely related field with a minimum of 2 years of work experience in zoning and/or land use may also apply. Prior experience participating in a land use planning or zoning process is desired. Work requires the ability to solve land use and zoning problems and to analyze and interpret planning issues. Strong written and verbal communication and project management skills are an essential requirement; strong computer graphic skills are desired. Full command of Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs is required. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Geographic Informational Systems (GIS) to design and assemble graphically compelling (clear) presentations and/or experience drafting zoning text amendments is highly desirable.
Please submit cover letter and work sample displaying experience with land use planning, zoning, and/or legal research as well as written and graphic communication. Work samples should be combined as a single PDF with the applicant’s cover letter.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Normal office environment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Little or no exertion
SCOPE:
Not applicable
*BOSTON RESIDENCY IS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT*