Associate Zoning Planner

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department (CDD) is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. CDD has three programmatic divisions - Economic Opportunity & Development, Community Planning & Design, and Zoning & Development – and also encompasses the Housing Department and the Arts Council. Together, we engage and collaborate with community partners, other government agencies, businesses, and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate.

The Zoning and Development Division is a team of urban planners performing work in the areas of land use planning and urban development. The division has a Director, a Senior Manager, two Project Planners, two Associate Planners, an Administrative Coordinator, and interns. Specific work areas include:

• Staffing and administering the Cambridge Planning Board
• Coordinating review of major urban development projects
• Providing professional support and advice to the Cambridge City Council and Planning Board in reviewing proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
• Advancing planning initiatives that result in recommended changes to the Zoning Ordinance
• Providing general information about zoning to residents, property owners, businesses, developers, design professionals, other City officials and departments, and others as needed

More information at http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Senior Manager for Zoning and Development, the Associate Zoning Planner will support the work of Z&D in the following ways:

• Studying zoning changes that will advance Cambridge’s planning and policy goals.
• Reviewing proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and advising the City Council and Planning Board.
• Coordinating the review of major urban development projects, working with staff in other program areas like urban design and transportation.
• Staffing the Planning Board and other committees.
• Supporting Cambridge’s long-range planning initiatives.
• Collaborating on zoning initiatives with City staff and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Advising other City departments on matters related to zoning and development.
• Educating and informing the public, including residents, property owners, businesses, developers and design professionals, about zoning.
• Additional responsibilities based on the needs of the division, department, or City.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

This Associate Zoning Planner should be a self-motivated professional with a strong interest in zoning and land use regulation who wants to develop their knowledge and skills in a busy planning office that works on a wide range of urban development issues. We seek candidates with a strong commitment to equity and respect, both in the provision of services and in the workplace. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, real estate, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, public administration, or related field AND four (4) years of relevant work experience. A Master’s degree in one of the above fields may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience.
• Experience in collaborative, team-based project work, both in leading and supporting roles.
• Computer Proficiency:  General office applications (Microsoft Office suite) and ability to learn more advanced applications.
• The candidate’s written submissions and interview (if conducted) must show:
• Detailed understanding of zoning codes or similar land use regulations, based on professional and/or volunteer experience or advanced