Zoning Administrator – Ferguson Township

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: Reporting to the Planning and Zoning Director, the Zoning Administrator manages zoning administration and enforcement, development review, GIS mapping, and public coordination to implement Ferguson Township’s land use policies. This role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, issues sign permits, and supports planning processes. Regular public interaction and regional coordination are required.

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.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Zoning Administration and Development Review

• Assist in the literal application of the Township Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). This includes the Riparian Buffer Overlay and other special districts.
• Prepare and present technical review materials and written recommendations for the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and Board of Supervisors in alignment with MPC timelines.
• Coordinate and review subdivision and land development applications for compliance with the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and procedural requirements outlined in the MPC.
• Serve as the Township Signs Officer and issue sign permits, as well as review and enforce code standards.
• Other, related local code administration may include Lighting, Health and Safety, Housing, Licenses and Permits, Mobile Homes and Parks, Parks and Recreation, and Signs and Billboards, and Stormwater Management.
• Issue Zoning Permits as delegated from and approved by the Township Zoning Officer.
• Serve as a point of contact for zoning and development-related inquiries from applicants, consultants, and residents, ensuring accurate and timely information is provided.
• Manage multiple projects, or case files, simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines
• 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.

   Zoning Enforcement

• Enforce the Township code with respect to zoning, signs, land development, and other permits.
• Perform site visits and inspections.
• Maintain accurate inventory of non-conforming properties.
• Interface with the public regarding enforcement measures.
• Report to Zoning Officer with observations, recommendations, and other issues as they pertain to zoning violations.

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, special area plans and related (advisory) committees; this may include neighborhood level and also 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 funneled via the Township Manager and/or Planning & Zoning Director 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, Transferrable 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.
• 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 (COG), 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 Planning and Zoning Director.

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.
• Maintain all department records in accordance with Township policy and state law.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES:

• Assist the Director of Planning & Zoning with coordination of community outreach with interested groups such as homeowner associations, church, civic and social groups.
• May be asked to organize programs, service locations, invitations, and speakers for informational programs on planning and land development issues to a given audience.
• Make presentations to the public and private groups to educate, inform, and/or receive feedback, as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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.

EDUCATION AND/OR 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 experience, planning, zoning, 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 candidate should demonstrate the following competencies.

• Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and its application in municipal planning operations.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with GIS software (Esri suite preferred).
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply municipal policies and state planning regulations in technical and administrative contexts.
• Strong organizational skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to think laterally and critically about the applicability of ordinances.
• Commitment to professional customer service and community responsiveness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality during employment and continued confidentiality after termination of employment
• Ability to communicate with and work cooperatively with elected officials, staff, and the public.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply law/legal principles related to planning.
• Skilled in accurately receiving, interpreting, and conveying information accurately in written and oral form.
• Ability to maintain and organize different types of application, land use, financial and other Township records.
• Ability to comprehend and prepare reports and documentation.
• Ability to participate effectively in all types of meetings.
• Competency in performing basic algebraic and geometric calculations.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret statistical information, including percentages and projections.
• Proactive in anticipating challenges and taking appropriate preventive.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Sound judgment and effective problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan work independently and establish priorities.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical and work environment described is representative of those that may be required to be met by an employee to successfully perform the function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Standards – The duties of this job include physical activities such as the following:

• 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 – The physical demands of the position include:

• Work is performed in a standard office setting and 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 Zoning Administrator 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 frequently 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, Zoning Hearing Board) 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.

How to Apply