Under the direction of a Planning & Zoning Division Deputy Director and in collaboration with team members, the Planning Assistant will support the Planning & Zoning Division and may be assigned to support the Planning Review, Comprehensive Planning, and/or Zoning Reform Teams. The Planning Assistant will contribute to the department’s goal to provide a high level of customer service for the community, other constituencies, and public agency departments by coordinating timely responses to requests for information and resources.

As is essential to any planning review, comprehensive planning, or zoning effort, the Planning Assistant 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 regulatory processes and procedures.

*The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below*

• Assist in the development, coordination, and execution of planning and zoning projects and studies to guide city growth and development.
• Under the direction of more senior team members, conduct research and technical analyses on land use, transportation, and other comprehensive planning focus areas as part of planning, zoning, and review processes.
• Organize and coordinate public meetings, workshops, and other community engagement activities to ensure inclusive participation from diverse stakeholders.
• Coordinate the preparation and distribution of materials for internal and external meetings, ensuring proper documentation and follow-up.
• Manage logistics for in-person and virtual meetings, including site setup, meeting links, advertising, and notifications.
• Collect, input, and analyze data related to land use, zoning, housing, transportation, and community needs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Planning Department and related City departments.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors on project workflow, timelines, and progress.
• Assist in managing the meeting calendar and scheduling for the Planning and Zoning Division, including staff meetings, public events, and special presentations.
• Take notes and prepare summaries for meetings as assigned, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Participate in planning and community engagement processes, including daytime, evening, and weekend public meetings. Create supporting materials for specific initiatives.
• Coordinate public meeting logistics, including but not limited to organizing public meeting locations and virtual meeting links, posting updates to the Planning Department website and public calendar, and sending newspaper ads.

• Work requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, public policy, or a related field. Candidates without a Bachelor’s degree but with a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in comprehensive planning, land use planning, zoning, transportation, community development, or other closely related fields may also apply.
• Prior experience participating in long-range, neighborhood planning, land use planning, zoning, and transportation planning processes is highly desired.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, and proficiency in graphic communication is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs is required.
• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is desirable.

Please submit a cover letter and work sample demonstrating written and graphic communication skills. Work sample needs to be combined as a single PDF with the applicant’s cover letter.  

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/($58,000-$81,000)

Hours per week: 35