Operations Specialist – Department of Community Development and Planning

Job Description

The City of Watertown is seeking a highly organized, collaborative Operations Specialist to support the Community Development & Planning Department. Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, this role enhances departmental efficiency, strengthens constituent service, and drives process improvement initiatives. The Operations Specialist will evaluate workflows, support public‑facing operations, coordinate cross‑departmental projects, and provide administrative support that keeps the department running smoothly and responsively.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead process-improvement initiatives to strengthen service delivery and integrate community input.
• Interact directly with constituents to answer inquiries and support public engagement processes.
• Provide general administrative support to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Manage planning permit applications by preparing notices, agendas, and postings; corresponding with abutters; issuing decisions; tracking permits; attending meetings, taking minutes, and ensuring Open Meeting Law compliance. This position will initially support the Zoning Board of Appeals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors Degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration, or a related, minimum of four years of experience in an applicable role, ideally within municipal or public sector government. Demonstrated experience utilizing technology to improve processes, workflows or service delivery. Excellent customer service, communication, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are essential. Demonstrated understanding of community engagement and public planning processes, including public meeting facilitation. Advanced technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and substantial experience with database management systems are strongly preferred, along with demonstrated capability in learning, implementing, and optimizing new software tools to improve departmental workflows.

TERMS/HOURS:  This is a union position with a work week of 37.5 hours (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30-5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays: 8:30-7:00 p.m.; Fridays 8:30 to 12:30 p.m.). This position will require attendance at one to two evening meetings per month.

SALARY: The FY27 anticipated hiring range is $79,752 to $86,236. Per M.G.L. the full 15-step salary range is $79,752 to $105,231. Hiring above Step 1 is dependent on qualifications and experience.