Zoning Specialist

The Town of Needham is seeking a skilled individual for the part-time, benefit eligible position of Zoning Specialist within the Planning & Community Development Department. Under the direction of the Director of Planning and Community Development, and in conjunction with the Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), this role performs professional, administrative, and technical assistance to the Board and department, assisting and advising others in interpretation of the Town's Zoning bylaws, responding to questions on zoning, planning, and affordable housing matters, and assisting applicants in working through the regulatory process of the ZBA.

The ideal candidate will have exemplary communication skills, an understanding of MA General laws, Chapter 40A and 40B, and a passion to support the Needham community.

Schedule:
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (30 hours / week)
This position requires attendance at all ZBA meetings; evening availability is required.

CON #26060

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Administers ZBA permitting activities including administration of all duties related to public hearings; assists petitioners and others on interpretation of MA law, zoning bylaws, and rules and regulations of the ZBA.
• Reviews applications, performs preliminary analysis; coordinates necessary meetings and plan reviews with all affected Town departments.
• Coordinates and consults as part of the ZBA technical administrative review; engages Town Counsel on behalf of the ZBA's requests; prepares maps and reports as needed; attends regular meetings to provide updates on ZBA projects.
• Prepares ZBA meeting agendas, supporting information, and presentations when needed; prepares legal ads; files, creates, and distributes notices and decisions; coordinates broadcast of monthly meetings, and takes minutes for all ZBA meetings.
• Works with permitting department staff to verify compliance and coordinate site visits, acting as a resource for questions and requests for information.
• Assists Director with the preparation of the ZBA budget; collects application fees and maintains accounting of funds; collects data and statistics on projects.
• Updates and maintains all ZBA official documents, files, and records; drafts proposed revisions and newly created bylaws based on policy direction from ZBA; develops, implements, and maintains ZBA databases, tracking systems, and website; prepares the ZBA Annual Report.
• May assist in site plan and development impact reviews of limited complexity; assists in studies and/or projects; may provide staff support to other Boards and Committees as needed.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• Completion of four-year college degree in planning or a related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in land use, planning, zoning, development, or a related field.
• Skill in technology, including the application of office software and web applications in support of departmental operations.
• Knowledge of MA General laws, Chapter 40A and 40B.
• Ability to provide information and assistance effectively to individuals while ensuring high customer service standards.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication with internal and external stakeholders including residents and elected officials, external professionals, departmental staff, and other Town employees.

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and application by clicking "Apply."
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on January 9, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.
The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us attswanson@needhamma.gov.