Job Description

TOWN PLANNER

The Town of Westwood is seeking an accomplished and collaborative Town Planner to lead professional, technical, and administrative work in planning, land use regulation, and community development. This position plays a key role in shaping the Town’s physical, environmental, and economic future through both long-range planning and project review.

Regular evening meetings are required to successfully perform the duties of this position. The ideal candidate is highly organized, diplomatic, and able to manage multiple priorities while working effectively with boards, committees, staff, and the public. Candidates with a strong vision for community development, including environmental sustainability, public safety, and design excellence, are encouraged to apply.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Identify community planning and development issues; analyze problems and recommend practical, forward-thinking solutions.
• Develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives to support community and economic development.
• Prepare and analyze socioeconomic data, research studies, and statistical reports to inform policy decisions and long-range planning efforts.
• Lead the development, implementation and updating of key planning documents, including the Comprehensive Master Plan, Open Space & Recreation Plan, and Climate Action Plan.
• Develop short- and long-term town-wide and site-specific plans and coordinate implementation across departments and stakeholders.
• Meet with applicants to review development proposals and recommend approaches that improve feasibility, regulatory compliance, accessibility, environmental protection, and design outcomes.
• Manage and coordinate the review of development applications, including Special Permits, Environmental Impact & Design Review (EIDR), Project Development Review (PDR), Scenic Road, Subdivision, and Approval Not Required (ANR) applications.
• Guide applicants through permitting processes, coordinate interdepartmental review, and track application status from submission through construction.
• Prepare Planning Board agendas, public hearing notices, and staff reports; maintain accurate records of applications and decisions.
• Attend and facilitate Planning Board meetings; present analyses and professional recommendations to support decision-making.
• Draft and process Planning Board decisions and ensure compliance with conditions, including tracking appeal periods and recording requirements.
• Draft proposed Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map amendments; present to Town boards, commissions, and Town Meeting.
• Prepare and submit approved bylaw amendments to the Attorney General’s Office and update official zoning documents accordingly.
• Update Planning Board rules and regulations and maintain planning-related webpages and public information materials.
• Collaborate with Town departments, regional partners, and neighboring communities on planning initiatives.

Qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in Planning or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning or a related field
• GIS experience preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Why Westwood:

• Competitive compensation: Salary range of $101,210 – $129,198, depending on qualifications.
• Flexibility and balance: Remote work opportunities, generous time off, and a strong organizational commitment to work-life integration.
• Investment in your growth: Staff are actively supported and encouraged to pursue professional development and take on leadership roles in professional associations.
• Whole-person focus: At all levels of the organization, we value and support the full well-being of our employees—not just the work they produce.
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside a supportive, team-oriented staff with opportunities to contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and tackle complex community challenges together.
• Meaningful, impactful work: Westwood is an engaged and active community with a strong commitment to thoughtful growth and planning—offering the opportunity to shape projects and policies that have a lasting impact.
• Comprehensive benefits: Robust benefits package including health, retirement, and other employee supports.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume by April 30, 2026. Applications reviewed as received.

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