City of South Portland - Community Planner

Training for: Planning

The City of South Portland is excited to recruit a Community Planner to join our Planning Division. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic community on current planning and long range policy efforts, including helping to prepare the Comprehensive Plan update, implementing the One Climate Future plan, and updating/modernizing the City’s zoning and other ordinances. The Planning Division is within the Planning & Development Department, and works closely with the Code Enforcement Office, Economic Development Division, Sustainability Office, and other City departments.

South Portland is Maine’s fourth largest city with 25,000 residents and a large workday population. Sharing Casco Bay with the City of Portland, South Portland has a rich and dynamic employment base anchored by an industrial waterfront, major distribution and manufacturing operations, the State’s largest retail mall, globally competitive high-tech firms, and Southern Maine Community College.

Position Summary: This is professional work in the field of municipal planning which involves the application of knowledge and skills to various land development and municipal long range planning topics. The work requires extensive contact with other public agencies, private parties, developers, the City Council, City Boards, Committees, Commissions, neighborhood groups, and the public. The position involves considerable independent judgment in preparing assessments, reports, and making technical determinations. The Community Planner must perform planning-related research and analysis, develop draft policy for consideration, oversee project management, ensure a transparent and efficient public process for project review, and facilitate meetings. The position serves the Council, Planning Board and various standing and special committees, as needed, which involves report preparation and public presentation.

Supervision Received/Exercised: This position works in the Planning Division, in the Planning & Development Department, under the direction of the Planning Director and in accordance with the City’s established policies and procedures. This position does not supervise other staff; however, project-based staff supervision may be assigned, if this position is assigned as a project lead.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in land-use planning, urban planning, or a closely related field required. Master’s degree in urban planning or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Three (3) or more years of relevant professional municipal planning or related experience required.

Certifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Maine Class “C” driver’s license throughout employment and must have their own reliable transportation for possible workday transportation between city buildings.

Benefits: The City of South Portland offers competitive pay and a robust selection of employee benefits, including an excellent health plan with affordable family coverage, matched retirement options, dental, vision, life, income protection, long term disability, flexible spending accounts and more.  The City also offers health insurance “payment-in-lieu” and professional development opportunities.  We offer thirteen (13) paid holidays, fifteen (15) sick days annually, two (2) personal days, and vacation commensurate with relevant experience. The City of South Portland is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce and provides employees job stability; a positive, family friendly workplace where work/life needs are valued and supported; and the support, encouragement and tools for successful careers.  The City of South Portland values diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and embraces sustainable operations. Come join our team dedicated to service excellence!

Salary Range: $33.81 – $41.15/hour ($65,929  - $80,242 annually) depending on experience.  This position is eligible for annual step increases, and possible annual cost of living increases as approved by the City Council.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. First round interviews will be determined for all who apply on or before Friday, September 6, 2024.

Job description and fillable application are available on our website at www.southportland.gov.

To apply please send a cover letter, resume, application and three professional references to apply@southportland.org, or mail them to us at:

City of South Portland

Genny Dyer, Human Resources Generalist

25 Cottage Road

South Portland, Maine 04106

EOE