JOB SUMMARY The planner\'s duties include providing technical assistance to the Board of Appeals; preparing grant applications and managing projects; undertaking neighborhood and strategic planning initiatives; working with residents and neighborhood groups; and responsibility for other community development projects as assigned. The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills; written and verbal communication skills; project management skills; analytical and interpersonal skills; experience with land use and zoning; and an ability to interpret development plans. GIS skills are a plus. MAJOR DUTIES Provides technical assistance to the Board of Appeals. Reviews applications, drafts decisions, and ensures compliance with State statutory requirements and rules and regulations of the board. Attends all Board of Appeals meetings. Provides assistance to the public relative to the Board of Appeals\' rules and regulations. Conducts field investigations as required. Responsible for research and analysis; studies, reports, and presentations. Prepares grant applications, manages grants, and manages projects. Undertakes neighborhood and strategic planning initiatives and works with residents and neighborhood groups. Supports senior staff members with complex planning initiatives and projects as needed. Represents the City at public, agency, and neighborhood meetings, as required. Performs duties independently under policies established by the Director, and performs other duties as assigned by the Director. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Understanding of planning principles and practice. Project management experience and ability. Working knowledge of land use and zoning. Ability to read and interpret development plans and specifications. Research and analytical skills. Excellent organizational skills. Attention to detail. Ability to assess applications for compliance with City regulations. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to establish positive public relations for the City; and to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups, including but not limited to: the public, business and non-profit community, boards and committees, consultants, and co-workers. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a team, to assume responsibility, to prioritize and resolve problems, to work under pressure in a fast-paced work atmosphere and to coordinate and manage complex projects. Computer skills pertaining to the operations of the department. GIS skills a plus. Valid Massachusetts driver\'s license in order to use City vehicle (or personal vehicle) to get to and from project sites within the city and the Commonwealth at various times during the workday. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor\'s degree in planning or related field and a minimum of two years of related professional work experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Master\'s degree and AICP preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate with others, and use computer and office equipment. Employee is required to be mobile and perform site visits in wooded areas, hilly terrain, wetlands and construction sites. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.