Land Use Coordinator

The Town of Sunapee is seeking an organized, knowledgeable, and service-oriented professional to serve as its full-time Land Use Coordinator.

This position plays a central role in keeping the Town’s land use processes accurate, timely, and accessible. Working under the Planning and Land Use Director/Town Planner, the Coordinator administers applications and case files, maintains statutory and procedural deadlines, supports the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, coordinates public notices and meeting materials, and tracks projects from initial submission through final decision and post-approval requirements.

The Land Use Coordinator serves as the primary administrative contact for active cases. The successful candidate will communicate regularly with applicants, residents, board members, consultants, attorneys, and Town departments while maintaining complete records and providing clear procedural guidance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Establishing and maintaining Application and permit case files;
• Applying adopted checklists to identify missing submission materials;
• Managing hearing schedules, notice requirements, decision dates, and other deadlines;
• Preparing and quality-checking agendas, public notices, abutter lists, board packets, and hearing records;
• Attending evening meetings and preparing minutes and notices of decision;
• Maintaining permit, escrow, security, condition-of-approval, and post-approval records;
• Administering the Town’s electronic permitting and case-tracking systems; and
• Coordinating assigned Land Use clerical work performed by shared administrative support.

This is a specialized administrative position. It does not independently make professional planning recommendations, interpret ambiguous ordinance provisions, approve development proposals, or make enforcement determinations. Those responsibilities remain with the Director/Town Planner, applicable land use board, Code Compliance Officer, or other authorized official.

The preferred candidate will have an associate degree in public administration, planning, business or office administration, paralegal studies, or a related field, together with at least three years of progressively responsible experience in land use, permitting, board administration, records, a legal office, planning, or comparable municipal work. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

The position requires exceptional organization, accuracy, written communication, customer service, and follow-through. Familiarity with municipal land use procedures, statutory deadlines, electronic permitting, document management, GIS viewers, and public-board processes is highly desirable. Regular attendance at evening meetings is required.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a competitive salary range of $55,800-$63,200, depending on qualifications and experience, and a comprehensive municipal benefits package.