Planner
Organization: Town of Danby, New York
Website: https://towndanby.digitaltowpath.org
Posted: August 1, 2019 | Closing: August 16, 2019
Job Description
The Town of Danby, New York is currently accepting applications for a full-time Planner to manage all aspects of its planning office in this small but rapidly growing town in the Finger Lakes Region in central New York State. The town’s Planner is relied upon to:
- Assist the Town Board, Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Conservation Advisory Council
- Prepare and coordinate the preparation of plans to guide and manage the Town’s growth, community development and environmental protection.
- Receive and review various development review applications and coordinate needed board reviews (site plan, subdivision, special permit), including review of environmental assessment forms.
- Interpret the Zoning Ordinance and make related determinations, in close coordination with the Code and Zoning Enforcement Officer
- Review (and sometimes prepare) environmental assessment forms
- Assist the town with planning-related grant applications and managing grant-funded projects.
Danby is a small, still mostly rural town of 3500 residents, but it is faced with growth pressures due to its location just south of Ithaca, home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College. The educational institutions, the Ithaca urban area and the beautiful natural setting make this area a cultural and environmental magnet. Danby is mostly formerly agricultural, and much in need of planning for its future. Its residents value the town’s rural character and wish to avoid a future in which it is lost. At the same time, it is recognized that much that draws people together in community is missing. The town seeks to undertake an open and participatory process to explore its options for shaping a future that builds on and protects its assets while changing into a new and even better place. The town’s Planner will play a key role in helping the town reposition itself. This will be challenging work, making good use of planning skills and the ability to work collaboratively, while enjoying the excellent quality of life this area offers.
The successful applicant must meet the minimum requirements of this civil service position, but Danby hopes to attract a planner with more than the minimum municipal level planning experience, especially with managing a small office; coordination with multiple boards; thoughtful approaches to problems and planning; and the administration of development review and zoning administration processes. Danby’s small community and strong desire to improve its planning and zoning provide a great opportunity for the right Planner to thrive. Knowledge of New York State planning-related laws, environmental review regulations, local government and related processes are preferred. Must possess a bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field plus one year’s experience, or a master’s degree in planning.
This is a full-time, salaried professional position. Salary range $63,000 to $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits (health, dental, and participation in the NY State & Local Retirement System). This will be a provisional appointment subject to a civil service exam administered through the Tompkins County Department of Human Resources.
To apply, visit the Tompkins County Human Resources website (www.tompkinscivilservice.org/civilservice/vacancies) to complete the online application and to upload a resume and cover letter regarding your interest in working for the Town of Danby. Please feel free to also upload writing samples or other professional works through the county website. Online applications must be fully completed by Friday, August 16, 2019. Questions about this posting may be emailed to the Town Supervisor at supervisor@townofdanbyny.org.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the Tompkins County Human Resources website (www.tompkinscivilservice.org/civilservice/vacancies) to complete the online application and to upload a resume and cover letter regarding your interest in working for the Town of Danby.