This position is responsible for assisting in the administration of the City’s land use and development regulations. Responsibilities include processing zoning and subdivision applications, providing information and assistance to the public and permit applicants, and providing staff and technical support for the Development Review Board and its advisory boards.

• Provide information and assistance to the public and applicants on subjects such as:
  • zoning and subdivision permit applications, and submission requirements;
  • zoning and subdivision permit application review process and applicable regulations;
  • board meetings, decisions, and procedures;
  • zoning complaints, permit compliance, violations and enforcement; and,
  • City zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and municipal plans and policies.
• Provide direction and assistance to applicants in meeting applicable regulatory requirements for proposed development, and in preparing the necessary submission materials required for a zoning or subdivision permit application.
• Examine received permit application submission materials for completeness in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and department procedures.
• Conduct site visits as necessary.
• Review and take the appropriate action, in consultation with other department staff as appropriate, on assigned permit applications in conformance with applicable regulatory requirements (including zoning, subdivision and impact fee regulations) and department procedures.
• Enter and maintain permit application data in the permit system and/or other record keeping systems in accordance with department procedures.
• Provide assistance as needed to the Housing Compliance and Inspection Services divisions of Permitting & Inspections in oversight of compliance with zoning regulations and permit conditions.
• Provide assistance with preparation of agendas and notices in collaboration with the other department staff.
• Provide assistance as needed at counter for customer service, application intake and permit issuance in accordance with department procedures (to include routing to or engaging building and trade specialists as needed).
• Provide assistance as needed with maintaining departmental records and filing systems, including maintenance of applicable resolutions, ordinances, meeting minutes and other related material, in accordance with City retention requirements and storage schedule.
• Provide assistance as needed in ensuring proper public notification of all public meetings of department-supported boards and commissions in accordance with department procedures.
• Attend board meetings, hearings, and deliberative sessions as necessary.
• Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with other City and non-city departments and agencies involved in the development review and permitting process.
• Maintain positive public relations in providing information, soliciting community input, and handling public concerns.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as required.

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, Natural Resources, Historic Preservation or closely related field, and a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in municipal planning including zoning administration is required.
• Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement on a two-for-one year basis.
• Ability to read and understand plats, plans, blueprints, elevations, photometric studies, landscaping plans, construction detail submissions, specification sheets, traffic studies, lighting plans, shading analyses, consultant reports, or other related documents.
• Ability to obtain working knowledge of city development regulations (zoning and subdivision), and pertinent state and local regulations and statutes, and to read development plans and other technical planning documents is required.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, and other computer applications applied to planning practice, analysis, and research is required.
• Ability to operate traditional office equipment including desktop and laptop computers and associated software, copiers, scanners, projectors, etc. and troubleshoot common problems as necessary.
• Professionalism, tact, and discretion in addressing controversial and emotionally charged issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective employee and public relations, and in diffusing conflicts with and between applicants and affected residents.
• Ability to work effectively with project applicants, city boards and commissions, and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally, and graphically and excellent interpersonal skills are required.
• Ability to work as part of the customer service team in a fast-paced, complex, detail-oriented office environment that features many repetitive tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, manage, and prioritize multiple initiatives, and to engage in collaborative decision-making.
• Interest in contributing to the City of Burlington, and improving the quality and effectiveness of governmental services.
• Commitment to on-going professional education and training to enhance job-based knowledge and expertise.
• Regular attendance at evening meetings is required.
• Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies.

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-3057 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.