LONG RANGE PLANNER
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER
The City of Worcester is seeking applicants for the position of Long Range Planner within its Division of Planning & Regulatory Services for the Executive Office of Economic Development. Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Development Officer, the Long Range Planner will support both current and long‑range planning initiatives related to land use, zoning, urban design, development, and comprehensive planning. The role focuses primarily on implementation of Worcester’s Citywide Long-Range Plan, Worcester Now Next, and the related multi-year zoning overhaul. The role coordinates zoning and regulatory reform initiatives and provides professional planning support to public officials and residents.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Support implementation of recommendations identified in Worcester Now | Next; monitor and track progress.
- Serve as the primary project manager for the City’s multi-year zoning overhaul by supporting consultant procurement, contract administration, and project coordination.
- Support the zoning overhaul and other near-term zoning reform efforts through coordination of robust community engagement, research and data analysis of planning issues, and development of ordinance amendments that are clear, enforceable, context-sensitive, and aligned with stated planning goals.
- Coordinate interdepartmental and interagency collaboration related to planning initiatives, development regulations, and process improvements.
- Provide information and technical assistance regarding zoning, permitting, and land use laws and regulations to diverse stakeholders.
- Utilize GIS and related software applications to conduct research, analyze data, evaluate sites, and prepare maps.
- Prepare planning studies, reports, presentations, graphics, and policy recommendations.
- Present planning proposals and recommendations and solicit feedback at public meetings and community events, including occasional evening and weekend meetings/events.
- Research grant opportunities, submit applications, and manage grant-funded projects and budgets in compliance with funding requirements to support planning initiatives.
SECONDARY ELEMENTS:
- Conduct reviews of development applications, site and subdivision plans, and related technical materials for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Assist with processing applications submitted to boards and commissions, monitor compliance with statutory deadlines, coordinate reviews with relevant departments and agencies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban planning, land use regulation, zoning, urban design, municipal permitting, and community development.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to planning, zoning, subdivision control, and public meetings.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply zoning, subdivision, and development related laws and regulations.
- Ability to develop and implement effective and enforceable land use and regulatory ordinances in alignment with city planning objectives.
- Ability to write clearly, prepare concise and accurate letters, reports, and presentations, conduct public outreach, facilitate meetings, and present technical information clearly to the intended audiences.
- Ability to maintain productive working relationships with diverse audiences.
- Ability to think creatively, learn, take initiative, identify and implement process improvements, and be flexible.
- Excellent customer service and professional public interaction skills.
- Ability to use ArcGIS Pro or similar GIS platforms to analyze and manage data and produce maps.
- Ability to develop RFPs, procure services, manage grants, and successfully oversee contracts on budget.
- Detail-oriented self-starter who works well, both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong project management, research, data collection and analysis, and organizational skills.
- Skilled at reviewing development plans, site plans, and related technical materials.
- Skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing tasks under pressure.
- Strong critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills with sound professional judgment.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with personal computers, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Zoom, GIS mapping, and other standard business applications.
- Regular onsite attendance required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in planning, public policy, geography, architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, or other related field PLUS three (3) years of professional experience in land use planning or a related field; OR,
- Master’s degree in planning, public policy, geography, architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, or other related field PLUS two (2) years of professional experience in land use planning, or a related field will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Valid driver’s license or access to reliable transportation
- Two (2) years of experience applying and interpreting zoning ordinances and land use regulations
- Experience assisting or leading in at least two (2) zoning amendments and/or regulatory modernization initiatives
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in planning, public policy, geography, architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, or other related field
- Four (4) years of professional experience in land use planning
- Three (3) years of experience applying and interpreting zoning ordinances and land use regulations
- Experience assisting or leading in at least three (3) zoning amendments and/or regulatory modernization initiatives at the local level
- Two (2) years of experience with community outreach and engagement
- Two (2) years of experience reviewing land use development plans and associated technical documents
- One (1) year experience with financial administration (procurement, grants, contracts, budgets, or like)
- One (1) year experience with consultant/client management
- Experience preparing and/or implementing at least two (2) planning studies
- Experience in ArcGIS, particularly in its desktop and online forms (ArcPro), or other similar GIS software
- AICP certification or other relevant professional certifications
SALARY RANGE: $75,199 - $98,283 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.
To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, [email protected].
