South Orange Village, a leading smart growth community with a population of 18,500 residents and home to Seton Hall University, seeks an experienced and energetic individual to serve in the newly created position of Director of Planning/Zoning Officer.
This hands-on management position is responsible for current and long-range planning functions, including but not limited to land development, mobility, open space, and historic preservation, and will work directly with the administration, consultants, and advisory groups on numerous redevelopment projects. As the Zoning Officer, the individual is responsible for the issuance of zoning permits and performs the technical work in the interpretation, drafting, and enforcement of Village zoning laws, ordinances, rules, Master Plan elements, and regulations.
The ideal candidate must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, work independently and engage/communicate effectively with the public.
Detailed Job Description
Planning Functions
- Review land redevelopment proposals and determine compliance with state, county, and/or municipal regulations.
- Prepare application review reports to the Planning and Zoning Board.
- Attend Planning and Zoning Board meetings regularly as the board planner and provide guidance on land development regulations to members.
- Prepare various reports, including graphic, statistical, and written representations.
- Conduct meetings to discuss new and existing development applications with developers and applicants.
- Provide information and explanation to residents regarding land use regulations and development applications.
- Coordinate and review redevelopment activities with other Village departments, outside agencies, developers, advisory groups, and the public.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Zoning Functions
- Interpret and enforce the provisions of the Villages’ zoning ordinance.
- Enforce decisions made by the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and relevant advisory committees.
- Conduct field investigations and report on alleged Zoning violations.
- Attend court hearings if needed.
- Issue violation notices and summons to property owners not in compliance with the zoning ordinance, as necessary.
- Examine all applications to the Code Enforcement Division for construction permits, zoning permits, Certificate of Occupancy, and change of use permits to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance or Board of Adjustment requirements.
- Process and record all zoning permits.
- Assist the general public and other departments on zoning related matters.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Candidate should have 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Knowledge of Municipal Land Use Laws and Local Housing and Redevelopment Laws.
- Master’s degree in planning or comparable degree.
- AICP Certification and New Jersey Professional Planner License required.
- Zoning Official Certification preferred (or required to obtain in 6-8 months).
View and download the South Orange Master Plan (adopted in 2021) here: https://www.southorange.org/DocumentCenter/View/6498/Master-Plan-with-appendix-
Please send resume, cover letter and writing sample(s) to so@southorange.org before September 30, 2023.
The salary range assigned for this position is $90,000-$120,000. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, education, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations.
South Orange Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer