Assistant Planning Director

Job Title: Assistant Planning Director
Location: Peters Township, Washington PA
Department: Planning
Salary: $59,300 - $72,500 DOQ
Application Deadline: Open until position is filled

Position Overview:
Peters Township is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Planning Director, a key leadership role within the Planning Department. Under the direction of the Planning Director, this position supports the department’s daily operations and long-term planning efforts. Responsibilities include reviewing land use, zoning, and development proposals; advising Township staff, boards, and commissions; and assisting with code enforcement, budgeting, ordinance updates, and departmental management.

The Assistant Planning Director plays an active role in implementing the Township’s Comprehensive Plan and provides guidance on planning issues to the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and other municipal bodies. The position also evaluates subdivision and land development plans, prepares environmental reviews, manages departmental reports and records, and represents the Township at public meetings.

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred), with at least three years of progressive experience in municipal planning or zoning. Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code, excellent communication skills, and leadership experience are essential.

Why Peters Township?
Join a forward-thinking community committed to high-quality development, responsible planning, and public service. Peters Township offers a collaborative work environment and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a thriving suburban community.

How to Apply:
Submit a resume, cover letter, and completed employment application online at www.peterstownship.com.

Peters Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB Description Below:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Planning Director under the administrative direction of the Planning Director performs highly responsible work in the administration and operation of the Planning Department. The Assistant Planning Director provides assistance to the Planning Director and advises the staff, Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. This individual makes recommendations to the Planning Director on current and long range planning issues, code enforcement, subdivision/land development and zoning for Peters Township, and will also assume responsibility for varied assignments in support of the Planning 

This individual will provide oversight and assist in the adoption, revision and implementation of the comprehensive plan and ordinances designed to implement the provisions of the plan. The individual will provide staff assistance, support and advice to the Planning Director, Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Construction Appeals Board, Planning Staff and Township Manager in carrying out their responsibilities. The Assistant Planning Director ensures that the highest standards of professional conduct and safety are followed and that the administrative and operational policies of the Planning Department support and conform to the direction of the Planning Director and Township Manager.

This position supports the Planning Director in developing the annual operating budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program. The Assistant Planning Director also assists the Planning Director in decisions related to hiring, performance evaluation, and discipline of employees in the Planning Department.

SKILLS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Computer and Technology Skills:
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as, Geographic Information Systems.

Language Skills:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals in a coherent and logical manner.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the Planning Director, Township advisory boards, managers, employees, volunteers, the general public, business representatives and contractors.
Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to examine and evaluate permit and building applications, interpret maps, site plans and plats.

Mathematical Skills:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of geometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Abilities:
Ability to define problems, collect data, verify and establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form and explain them to others in a clear understandable manner.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to determine manpower requirements and to prioritize projects.

Physical Abilities:
Constantly Incurred (More than 75% of time on job)
Ability to sit for extended periods, Ability to communicate orally, Ability to hear conversation.
Frequently Incurred (Between 25% - 75% of time on job)
Ability to stand, Ability to walk.
Occasionally Incurred (Less than 25% of time on job)
Ability to lift and or carry loads estimated up to 25 lbs. Able to reach at high or low levels, bend and stoop.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practices in the field of planning and development, planning research and design.

Considerable knowledge of the physical, social and economic structure of the Township, and of the legal concepts basic to planning and related ordinances.

Thorough knowledge of planning law, the technique of enforcing and administering zoning and subdivision and land development.

Thorough knowledge of zoning and subdivision and land development regulations.

Ability to plan, organize and direct the programs and activities of the Planning Department and to supervise a staff of professional and non-professional personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Recommends and enforces governmental measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities and housing, transportation and such studies authorized by the Pennsylvania Municipality Planning Code to control and guide community development and renewal.

Reviews and evaluates environmental impact reports applying to specified private and public planning projects and programs and makes recommendations as required.

Assists in the preparation and updating of the Township's Comprehensive Master Plan and all ordinances enforced by the Planning Department, as well as the other functions of a Planning Department outlined in the Municipalities Planning Code of Pennsylvania that may be assigned by the Manager.

Discusses and makes recommendations on design problems and reviews proposed development plans; performs research, compiles studies and prepares presentations to the Planning commission and the Council.

Assists in the preparation of the monthly and annual reports to the Township Manager in a timely fashion.

Assists in preparation of the departmental operating budget requests and capital improvement.

Assists the Planning Director in managing employees, including hiring, performance evaluation, and discipline.

Assists the Planning Director with managing the expenditures of departmental appropriations in accordance with the approved budget through monthly review and reconciliation of departmental financial statements.

Attends Planning Commission meetings and Council meetings when required.

Examines all applications for subdivision and site plan review for the compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.

Coordinates code activities and takes action as necessary to address issues. Assists the Zoning Officer in researching and implementing effective Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Regulations.

Represents the Township in a professional, progressive, and positive manner on matter relating to planning and code enforcement.

Provides information to the general public and developers on planning, zoning and subdivision matters.

Maintains the integrity of all correspondence, reports, plans and documents concerning each application to the Township for plan review and causes these to be filed according to municipal standards.

Performs other essential duties as assigned or required

NON- ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Periodically reviews and compares the Township fee schedule with costs incurred by the Township and makes  recommendations for adjustments and receives all required zoning and subdivision fees.

Supervise the updating of all Township maps on an ongoing basis.

Reviews and approves Planning Modules for submission to the Department of Environmental
Resources.

Prepares monthly and annual reports.

Other essential duties as assigned or required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Bachelor degree in Planning and/or related field; Master's degree preferred.

Experience and Training:

Three years progressive experience in planning and/or zoning and subdivision review and enforcement.

Licenses/Certification:
Possesses and maintains a valid Pennsylvania driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days.

SUPERVISION FROM THE FOLLOWING:
This position typically receives supervision from the Planning Director

SUPERVISION TO THE FOLLOWING:
This position typically assists the Planning Director with supervision of employees in the Planning Department and may be responsible for supervising contractors.

Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the Assistant Planning Director works in a routine office setting and may be seated for extended periods of time. The employee is frequently required to visit job sites, attend seminars and other meetings, thus being exposed to outside weather conditions and often navigating rough terrain. When visiting job sites, the employee may work near moving mechanical and construction equipment operating at high noise levels. The employee may occasionally visit and inspect sites and facilities that are accessible only via ladders and/or stairway.