Deadline: September 1, 2025
Department: Planning and Zoning
Job Type: Full-time, At-will/Non-union
FLSA Status: Salaried/Exempt
Pay Grade: 25
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reports To: Director of Planning and Zoning
Remote Work: None.
JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Planning and Zoning Director, the Community Planner is responsible for providing support to the Planning & Zoning Department. The Community Planner will assist with both current and long-term planning and is primarily responsible for coordinating the plan review process, including review, tracking, distribution, communication, and organization. This position ensures that the zoning and subdivision and land development processes are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and are compatible with corresponding sections of the Township code as well as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. The Community Planner will endeavor to anticipate future trends based upon current and future demographics of the municipality and region.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: The incumbent may be asked to perform any combination of duties described below, as is appropriate to Township and departmental needs, and the talents and specifics skills of the team.
1. Planning and Zoning:
- Review land development plans for compliance with Township ordinances, codes, and PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).
- Complete intake, plan tracking, and coordinate plan correspondence among staff, regional reviewers, and the applicant for subdivision and land development plans.
- Assist in the application of the Township Zoning Code.
- Coordinate and review subdivision and land development applications for compliance with the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), zoning and procedural requirements outlined in the MPC.
- Coordinate other related local code administration to include lighting, health and safety, housing, licenses and permits, mobile homes and parks, parks and recreation, signs and billboards, and stormwater management.
- Assist in the application of the Township Zoning Code.
- Prepare technical review materials and written recommendations for the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Board of Supervisors in alignment with MPC timelines.
- Serve as a point of contact for zoning and development-related inquiries from applicants, consultants, and residents, ensuring that accurate and timely information is provided.
- Conduct and document pre-application meetings with developers and property owners to clarify processes, policies, and application requirements.
- Track development inquiries and applications using standardized workflows and in compliance with statutory deadlines.
- Maintain accurate zoning and development records; ensure GIS data reflects current land use and regulatory conditions.
2. Comprehensive Planning and Policy Implementation
- Support the implementation and periodic updates of the Township’s Comprehensive Plan as outlined in MPC.
- Assist in creation, implementation, management, and maintenance of special area plans and related (advisory) committees; this may include neighborhood level and park planning.
- Conduct plan consistency reviews and technical analysis to support Township leadership and cross-departmental planning.
- Prepare materials and reports to assist in ordinance amendments, plan updates, or special studies following the policy direction established by the Board of Supervisors and with input provided by the Township Manager and/or Director of Planning & Zoning as appropriate.
- Coordinate interdepartmentally and with partner agencies to advance adopted long-range plans.
- Assist with regional or state level approvals, including as related to the Agricultural Security Area.
3. GIS Mapping and Spatial Analysis
- Produce and maintain GIS-based maps for zoning, land use, environmental constraints, and infrastructure planning. This includes the Official Zoning Map.
- Analyze spatial data in support of subdivision reviews, land use proposals, and environmental regulations in compliance with MPC planning standards.
- Collaborate with GIS staff or consultants to ensure accurate and updated geospatial data relevant to Township planning operations.
4. Environmental and Land Use Awareness
- Evaluate development proposals with respect to steep slopes, floodplains, soils, forests, and agricultural lands, consistent with the MPC.
- Apply Township environmental policies and zoning overlays to support responsible land use decisions.
- Assist in implementing land preservation tools such as Agricultural Security Areas, Transfers of Development Rights (TDRs), and environmental overlays as outlined in Township ordinances.
5. Community Engagement and Public Interface
- Respond promptly and professionally to public inquiries regarding zoning, planning applications, and Township development policies, ensuring a high standard of customer service.
- Act as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans
- Prepare presentations, visual materials, and reports for public meetings, Planning Commission sessions, and informational outreach.
- Provide consistent messaging on development processes and regulatory expectations during public interactions and in communication materials.
- Ensure public notices and hearing procedures follow local and MPC requirements for transparency and legal compliance.
6. Regional and Intergovernmental Coordination
- Participate in regional planning efforts including those of the Centre Region Council of Governments, in accordance with MPC Section 301.3 on intergovernmental cooperation.
- Provide technical support and data sharing to assist in multi-jurisdictional land use, environmental, and transportation planning.
- Attend regional working groups or committees as assigned by the Director of Planning and Zoning.
7. Departmental Efficiency and Process Improvement
- Recommend and implement improvements to planning workflows, permit tracking, and records management.
- Provide mentorship or onboarding support to junior staff members or interns.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional or Community Planning, Engineering, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or related degree. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in zoning administration, planning, plan review, mapping and analysis, code writing or equivalent.
- Detailed knowledge of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
- Computer literate in Office 365 suite and ability to learn enterprise management software programs, particularly for permitting and budgeting.
- Experience with reading detailed site plans and technical drawings.
- Experience with Esri ArcGIS.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
- Preferred: Certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), or AICP candidate, or AICP eligibility.
- Other planning-related certificates or demonstrated knowledge such as GIS certificate a plus.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for the continuation of employment.
- Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
- Skilled in receiving, interpreting, and conveying information accurately in both written and oral form.
- Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with elected officials, staff, and the public.
- Commitment to professional customer service and community responsiveness.
- Ability to participate effectively in meetings of all types.
- Ability to interpret and apply municipal policies, state planning regulations, and legal principles related to planning.
- Ability to think critically and laterally about the applicability of ordinances.
- Sound judgment and effective problem-solving skills.
- Proactive in anticipating challenges and taking appropriate preventive action.
- Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
- Computer literacy, including with Office 365 and proficiency with GIS software (Esri suite preferred).
- Ability to maintain and organize various records (application, land use, financial, and other Township data).
- Ability to comprehend and prepare reports and technical documentation.
- Competency in basic algebraic and geometric calculations.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret statistical information, including percentages and projections.
- Strong organizational skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Ability to plan work independently and establish priorities.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality during and after employment.
PHYSICAL STANDARDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical and work environment described is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Note: Work is performed in a standard office setting and occasionally (10-20%) in the field, including active construction sites, undeveloped properties, and public rights-of-way.
Physical Standards:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing administrative or office tasks.
- Sufficient mobility to conduct site visits and/or field inspections on various types of terrain, including undeveloped land, construction sites, and uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and walk short distances, including climbing stairs or small embankments, as needed during site visits.
- May occasionally lift and carry materials such as maps, files, or equipment (up to 25 lbs.) with or without accommodation.
- Visual acuity to read and interpret zoning maps, plans, site drawings, and printed/electronic materials.
- Hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and during public meetings or in the field.
- Must be able to operate a motor vehicle safely and maintain a valid driver’s license for travel to off-site locations.
Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a standard office setting and occasionally (10-20%) in the field, including active construction sites, undeveloped properties, and public rights-of-way.
- Office work involves frequent use of computers, phones, and other standard office equipment in a climate-controlled environment.
- Field inspections may expose the employee to variable weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, noise, and occasional contact with the public in potentially adversarial situations.
- The Community Planner may occasionally interact with individuals who are frustrated or upset and must be able to remain calm, professional, and courteous under pressure.
- Travel within the municipality is occasionally required; occasional regional travel may be necessary for training, conferences, or inspections.
- Must be able to perform effectively under pressure, including managing urgent deadlines and high-priority tasks with professionalism and composure.
- May be required to maintain focus and productivity in environments with frequent interruptions, such as phone calls, walk-ins, or other distractions.
- Involves a balance of independent work, collaborative team efforts, and participation in public meetings and community events.
- Attendance at evening meetings (e.g., Planning Commission) is required periodically.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass all tasks or responsibilities that may be required. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
If accommodations are needed to fulfill any of the responsibilities described above, the employee should contact Human Resources to begin an interactive process to explore reasonable accommodations.