Assistant Zoning Officer

Overview

The Municipality of Princeton’s Planning Department is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated professional to join our non-union, full-service team. Under the direction of the Planning Director, and the Zoning Officer, the Assistant Zoning Officer administers and enforces Municipal Land Use Law and local zoning ordinances and approvals. This is a full-time, in-person position.

Princeton has a population of 30,681 (2020 Census) and is home to several world-renowned institutions of higher learning. Located in the heart of New Jersey, and directly between New York City and Philadelphia, Princeton balances commercial and residential development with open space preservation and historical preservation.

Employee benefits include medical and dental insurance, vision reimbursement, and prescription drug plan access; thirteen paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave; training and continuing education, including tuition reimbursement up to $2,750 annually; non-resident benefits of Princeton Public Library and recreation program use.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

Work tasks include but are not limited to:

•    Perform field investigations as necessary

•    Review construction and architectural plans for the approval of zoning permit applications

•    Review board applications and prepare reports and memos

•    Provide testimony at Board meetings and municipal court

•    Attend evening meetings, typically up to one Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting and two Planning Board meetings per month

•    Collaborate with various departments, internal staff, attorneys, applicants, Board members, members of the business community, and elected officials

•    Conduct meetings to discuss new and existing zoning and development applications with developers and applicants

•    Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

•    Balance soft and technical skills

•    Interpret zoning codes and local ordinances

•    Communicate effectively, both orally and in written form

•    Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experience

•    Proactive self-starter with integrity, a strong work ethic, and sound judgment

•    A positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in dynamic environments

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PDF software required

•    Experience with Geographical Information System preferred

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Two years comprehensive experience with or for a municipal or county planning or zoning office or agency and/or two years of code enforcement or building/construction experience required

•    New Jersey Zoning Official Certificate preferred, but applicant will be sent to complete the NJPZA Certification course

•    Experience working with public boards, committees, or commissions preferred

•    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred

•    Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License in good standing

•    New Jersey residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)

•    Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check

•    Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire