Zoning Officer in PLAINSBORO, New Jersey at TOWNSHIP OF PLAINSBORO
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Job Description
TITLE:
Zoning Officer
DEPARTMENT:
Planning and Zoning
SALARY RANGE:
$65,000 - $85,000 (commensurate with qualifications)
UNION:
CWA
WORK HOURS:
M-F 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (may include additional hours as required)
EFFECTIVE:
Immediately
BENEFITS:
The Township provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, paid leave, group life insurance, deferred compensation program, and retirement benefits through the State of NJ Division of Pension and Benefits.
Job Summary
The Township of Plainsboro is seeking anexperienced, motivated, and reliable professional to join the Planning andZoning Department. Under the direction of the Planning and CommunityDevelopment Director, the Zoning Officer administers and enforces the TownshipCode, the Municipal Land Use Law, and related regulations governing land usewithin Plainsboro Township. This is a full-time, in-person position.
Plainsboro Township, with a population ofapproximately 24,000 people, and approximately 12 sq. miles, will soon see asubstantial increase with the development of several large projects that havebeen approved or are pending before the Planning Board. The Zoning Officer willbe involved with these projects as well as all other aspects of developmentalongside the Director, Board Planner, and Board Engineer and other agencystaff. The work involves providing information to the public regarding planningand zoning matters, processing of administrative approvals for proposedbuilding or other improvements, and performing general administrative andenforcement of the Township's development regulations and Board Resolutionconditions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Land Use Administration: Administersand enforces zoning ordinances, land use regulations, and Township codes;provides interpretations and recommends amendments as needed.
• Permit Review: Reviews and approveszoning permit applications for fences, accessory structures, home occupationpermits, temporary signs, and tree removal; ensures timely processing of alladministrative approvals.
• Resolution Compliance: Ensurescompliance with Planning Board and Zoning Board resolutions prior to permitissuance; monitors ongoing project compliance with approved plans.
• Enforcement: Provides zoningenforcement on complaints and proactive inspection of existing development;appears in Municipal Court regarding zoning violations and issues municipalcourt summons.
• Public Interaction: Meets withapplicants, residents, contractors, and professionals to explain permittingrequirements, processes, and Township regulations.
• OPRA Requests: Assists with OPRArequest responses.
• Other: Works closely with otherdepartmental staff on an as needed basis. Performs other related duties asassigned.
Required Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor's Degree from anaccredited college or university required. A degree in Urban & RegionalPlanning, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years ofexperience in municipal planning, zoning administration, or a related land usefield.
• Zoning Certificate: New Jersey ZoningOfficial Certificate required. Township sponsorship available for qualifyingcandidates to complete Rutgers Center for Government Services courses.
• Driver's License: Valid New Jerseydriver's license in good standing required.
• Background: Must successfully completean employer-paid physical examination, drug screen, reference and criminalbackground check prior to appointment.
• Residency: New Jersey residencyrequired pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70). Employees have oneyear from date of hire to establish principal residence in New Jersey.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledgeof New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D) along with other Stateand Federal land use-related regulations.
• Strongwritten and oral communication skills; ability to prepare clear and technicallysound work products.
• Abilityto interpret technical regulations, research property histories, and managecomplex land use matters.
• Strongorganizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiplepriorities simultaneously.
• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Demonstratedintegrity, sound judgment, and commitment to public service.