COLCHESTER, CONNECTICUT Invites your interest in the position of PLANNING DIRECTOR.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

The Town of Colchester, CT was founded in 1698, at a point just north of the present Town Green, at Jeremiah’s Farm on land purchased by Nathaniel Foote from the Sachem of the Mohegan Indians.

Colchester, a rural southeastern Connecticut community of more than 15,000 residents, is valued for its strong sense of community and support for public education. Colchester is one of only a small number of communities in which the finance and facility departments serve both the school system and town government; an indicator of the commitment to sharing and maximizing the community's resources.

In 2010 Colchester became the first town in Connecticut, and the 36th in the country, to be certified with the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat. The town center village, which was previously incorporated as a borough, is a census-designated place. There are many parks, trails, and recreation facilities available within the Town.

GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION

The Town of Colchester operates under a Selectman form of government. Elected officials of the Town include the First Selectman, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Town Treasurer, and Registrars of Voters, each serving a two-year term. The Board of Selectmen oversees all Town Departments, Boards and Commissions, and any office the Board fills by appointment.

The First Selectman serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Andreas Bisbikos was sworn in as the First Selectman in November of 2021.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Planning Director receives general supervision from the First Selectman and works coordinately with the chairman of land use boards and commissions.

This position is responsible for coordinating and managing all facets of the Planning & Zoning Department in the functional areas of municipal planning, zoning and conservation including site plan and subdivision review, public improvements, economic development and the updating and/or implementation of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development.

Other duties include:

• Work closely with other departments in developing near-term and long range development plans.
• Coordinate program assignments with regional, state and deferral planning agencies.
• Compile and analyze data on economic, social and physical factors affecting development.
• Coordinate the review and commentary on preliminary and final subdivision and site plans, special permit applications and zone change applications for commercial, recreational, office, industrial and residential development proposals.
• Review economic base and employment data, demographic, housing and income data for economic development.
• Prepare initiatives in seeking out intergovernmental assistance in addressing economic needs of the Town.
• Provide assistance to Zoning and Planning Commission, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission and other boards and commissions.
• Plan agenda items and coordinate meeting records and material as needed.
• Analyze and make recommendations concerning land use regulations.

• Confer with attorneys, developers and general public on planning and development matters.
• Prepare and make budget recommendations for department.
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports of some complexity for First Selectman, Board of Selectman and other boards and commissions as requested.
• Report work accomplished to the First Selectman and to the various land use boards and commissions.
• Prepare environmental impact statements and descriptive reports.
• Maintains inventories, maps and related information on wetlands, open space and areas of ecological, biological, geological and hydrological significance.
• Make site inspections for proposed subdivisions and other developments.
• Participate in professional planning organizations to remain current on technological and legal change.
• Conducts special projects such as rewriting Town zoning regulations.
• Responsible for compilation of long range Capital Improvement Plan.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Attributes of the ideal candidate include:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and procedures of municipal planning including its physical, social and economic aspects.
• Knowledge of research techniques involved in community planning, including problem definition, data collection and analysis.
• Ability to analyze complex data and develop alternative solutions to planning problems.
• Ability to manage a team of interdisciplinary professionals.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with other staff, government officials and the general public.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Possesses strong inter-personal, organization, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

· The position of Planning Director requires a bachelor's degree in city, urban or regional planning. Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in city, urban or regional planning would be considered with additional years of experience. Five years' experience in land use planning, including administrative and supervisory expertise is preferred. Certification as a Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners is preferred.

· The position requires considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of

· municipal land use regulations and skills in reading development plans, interpreting and applying zoning and subdivision regulations, preparing written reports, and utilizing GIS. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with public officials, other agencies, and the public is essential.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Town of Colchester offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, as well as an attractive benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY

The position will be open until filled; however, resumes will be reviewed as received. Please send your resume and salary requirements. EOE/AA

The Town of Colchester is an equal opportunity employer.

Municipal Consulting Service Executive Search is a service program of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. For more information, please visit our website at www.ccm-ct.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $77,161.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Planning & Zoning: 5 years (Required)
• municipal land use: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• AICP Certification (Required)

Work Location: One location

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