Principal Planner

Job Description:

Principal Planner

Description

Description

Vacancy is in the Planning Division of the Development Services Department. Under direction from the Director of Planning, leads in a variety of high-level, long-range planning and capital projects related to the implementation of the City's Plan of Conservation and Development. Prepares studies and makes recommendations regarding planning and development projects. Supervises and participates in special research studies of urban geography, zoning, and master plan deficiencies and improvements. Participates in and attends public events relating to the work of the Planning Division, as may be required. May be required to attend and represent the City at commission, staff and other meetings as directed. Prepare reports, studies, presentations, and analytical data as needed to support the planning efforts within the City. Assists with updating the City's zoning regulations; Participates in regional planning/development efforts; supervision of external consultants; preparation of grant applications; and management of grant-funded projects.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.


This is a union HMEA position. The hours of work for this position are 40 per week and the above salary includes 5% in lieu of overtime.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure:

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices, technical legal issues and research methods of city planning.
• Federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures, and regulations governing planning and zoning.
• Complex development, land use and site plan reviews, including historic and wetlands review practices.
• Zoning, wetlands and historic preservation.
• Recent development, current literature and sources of information relating to municipal planning and administration.
• Research methods and procedures involved in assembling, analyzing and interpreting complex statistical data.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance management and evaluation.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentations, mapping and database management.

Ability to:

• Plan, assign, and supervise the work of professional, technical and administrative personnel.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively administer a variety of land use, zoning and development programs and activities.
• Research, interpret and apply federal, state and local law, policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Recommend modifications or changes to local codes, ordinances and procedures to reflect best practices.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, government officials, outside agencies, contractors and the general public.
• Interact with a diverse population.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment with travel to different sites. Incumbent may be required to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Open to all applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited college with major work in planning, public or business administration, architecture, political science, law or a closely related field AND three (3) years of responsible professional experience in urban development or planning.

A Master’s Degree in City Planning from an accredited college recognized by the American Institute of Planners may be substituted for part of the experience requirements.

Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

A COPY OF YOUR DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening examination, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 3-12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

Other Information

• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
  
• Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form , along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
• American With Disabilities Act:The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

Closing Date/Time: 10/16/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

Salary:

$73,213.66 - $94,131.96 Annually