Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The city of Watertown is a thriving community of 36,000 residents in Greater Boston’s inner core with walkable neighborhoods, strong commercial corridors, and a team of professional planners. The city has a strong commitment to sustainability, with the passage of an ambitious climate plan, and three new net-zero schools. Watertown recently completed a comprehensive plan update and an ambitious plan to reimagine Watertown Square, the city’s traditional downtown district. The city will work in the coming years to implement the Watertown Square Area Plan that combines the goals of a more walkable public realm with new residential and commercial growth. The city seeks to develop additional housing opportunities and a sustainable multi-modal transportation network, prioritize walkable urban design solutions, expand and improve open space, support small businesses, update zoning regulations, and build upon Watertown’s commitment to thoughtful long-range planning and implementation.
The department consists of three divisions (Planning and Zoning, Community Design, and Inspectional Services) and three Teams (Code Enforcement, Sustainability, and Events). The department also supports the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Affordable Housing Trust, and many other boards and commissions. Total department staff includes 12 planners, seven building and code inspectors, four administrative staff and three event planning staff.
The city of Watertown seeks an individual who can lead the department through many exciting and challenging upcoming projects. This person will report to the City Manager and serve as a member of the Manager’s leadership team. This individual will serve as the direct manager for the division heads and team leaders. The ideal candidate has a combination of skills and background that includes: 1) a deep understanding of the tools and designs to create and sustain walkable neighborhoods and a thriving downtown; 2) excellent management skills; 3) exceptional skills working with the public, developing community processes, and presenting complex ideas to a public audience. Experience working with public/private partnerships for downtown redevelopment is a plus.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in urban planning or related field; a minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in planning and managing staff, finances, and consultants; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the ability to perform the job’s essential functions. American Institute of Certified Planners preferred.
SALARY: This is a non-union position with an annual 17 step salary range of $153,224 to $210,344. Hiring above Step 1 is dependent on qualifications and experience. Applicants are typically hired in the lower half of the range.