Planning Agent

Job Description

Town of Boxford
Full-Time (34 hours/week) | Exempt | Grade N-3
Salary Range $33.58 – $47.01/hr

The town of Boxford is seeking a talented and motivated professional to serve as its Planning Agent, a newly structured full-time position created as part of a strategic land use succession plan.

Boxford is a Merrimack Valley community known for its rural character, natural beauty, and thoughtful approach to growth. The town prioritizes measured development in balance with environmental stewardship, open space preservation, and protection of critical wildlife corridors, while addressing infrastructure and long-term planning needs.

About the Role

The Planning Agent serves as the town’s professional planning staff member, supporting the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Community Preservation Committee. This full-time position consolidates land use board support while expanding the Town’s capacity for long-range planning, project coordination, and implementation of key initiatives.

This is a self-sufficient professional role with the opportunity to take a leadership role in advancing planning efforts.

Why This Position is Unique

• Work in a community that uses planning to preserve character, not just regulate growth
• Help balance development with open space and environmental protection
• Lead planning studies, zoning updates, and Town initiatives
• Improve permitting processes and enhance service delivery
• Collaborate with regional partners on broader planning efforts

 Key Responsibilities

• Support the Planning Board, ZBA, and CPC
• Review development applications and prepare recommendations and draft decisions
• Lead planning studies, zoning updates, and long-range initiatives
• Identify and manage grant opportunities
• Coordinate development review across departments and regional partners
• Evaluate and improve permitting processes

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or related field
• Two to five years of planning experience (municipal preferred)
• Knowledge of Massachusetts land use and permitting
• Strong communication and project management skills

Why Boxford?

• AAA bond rating and GFOA budget award
• Collaborative, high-performing organization
• Four-day workweek (34 hours)

 How to Apply

For the complete description of the position, please visit the Employment Opportunities page of the town’s website. An electronic version of the town of Boxford Application for Employment can also be found on the town’s website www.boxfordma.gov/humanresources