Land Development Coordinator – South Whitehall Township

Job Title: Land Development Coordinator
Department: Community Development
Position Reports To: Director of Community Development
FLSA Status: Exempt Annual Salary: $55K-$70K

Section I: Summary of the Position:
Reporting to the Director of Community Development, the Land Development Coordinator is primarily responsible to ensure that the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and land development process are followed correctly and efficiently in the Township.
The Land Development Coordinator will play a critical role in ensuring that the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance put the Comprehensive Plan and other long range planning documents into action, and are consistent with each other and other ordinances, and accomplish the goals of the Township. The Land Development Coordinator will coordinate, review, and process all Subdivision and Land Development applications, Conditional Use Applications, and Map and Text Amendments, including working with developers and other applicants to provide guidance throughout the process; respond to resident needs and resolve problems related to Township ordinances; meet with Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board, as necessary, to present plans and recommendations. This position is classified as an exempt/salaried position in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Section II: Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Land Development Coordinator duties:

  • Administer Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
    o Receive, review, and facilitate the review of all applications and submissions related to any proposed subdivision or land development and stormwater management plans for completeness.
    o monitor plans for provisions that conflict with community development goals established by the Township Comprehensive Plan and Official Map.
    o provide a written review and report of all applications received as to their compliance with the requirements of the related ordinances, and other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and standards.
    o provide the applicant and other parties, if requested, with copies of items sent to the Planning Commission.
  • Serve as the staff support to the Planning Commission
    o Prepare agendas, attend meetings, and write/review minutes.
    o Present applications, plans, and reports to the Planning Commission for review, comment, and recommendation.
    o Follow up with all parties on review of plans and ensure exchange of relevant information.
  • Administer the Land Development process
    o Coordinate among the various internal and external stakeholders participating in the process before plan submission, during the plan approval process, and after approval.
    o Track, report on, and maintain project time limits and extensions in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, coordinate and track reviews from the Township Engineer, Zoning Officer, Staff, and any third-party consultants.
    o Maintain relationships with State, County, and Local agencies.
    o Interpret and apply state, county, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
    o Conduct and manage the review of various development applications, including plants, permits, site plans, and rezoning proposals.
    o Write and present formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence; draft, or assist in the creation of drafts of a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to land development.
  • Additional duties
    o Implement the components of the Comprehensive Plan and Official Map through daily application of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, ensuring standards outlined in the codes meet or further the Township’s goals.
    o Assist in the update of long-range planning documents, including the Township’s Comprehensive Plan, and prepare ordinances and other regulations consistent with best planning practices and trends.
    o Provide input on and implement updates to municipal forms, educational materials, and other department documents and procedures to ensure clear and efficient delivery of department services to the public.
    o Identify community problems, issues, and opportunities that could be mitigated or implemented through community planning.
    o Schedule and attend meetings with developers as needed.
    o Stay informed of evolving standards and course requirements in the field of planning and zoning; attend workshops and necessary training to maintain certification; read professional literature and maintain professional affiliations.
    o Work collaboratively with other township departments and maintains a positive and respectful work environment.
    o Perform other related duties as assigned.

  • Section III: Knowledge/Qualifications: Qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required for the position.
  • Thorough knowledge of Township ordinances and State laws dealing with sewage facilities, building and development.
  • Thorough knowledge of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
  • Ability to read and interpret subdivision and land development plans, contracts, maps, manuals, codes, and policies, including the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and the First-Class Township Code.
  • Basic knowledge of planning principles and practices and land development and construction processes.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to understand, follow and convey complex oral and written information.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, multitasking skills and attention to details.
  • Strong time management skills and following deadlines.
    Section IV: Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in public administration, geography, urban/regional planning, GIS, engineering, paralegal studies, or a related field is required.
  • A minimum of one to two (1-2) years of experience in fields related to engineering, land development, paralegal or legal assistant position is required.
  • Some experience with municipal government is preferred.
  • Experience in Land Use Law or Real Estate Law may be substituted for minimum experience.

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