Zoning and Planning - Office Assistant

Join the Town of Middlebury’s Planning & Development Office and play a meaningful role in supporting the community’s growth and day-to-day operations. This part-time Office Assistant position sits at the center of a busy, community-facing office—helping keep projects organized,
assisting residents, and supporting key planning and zoning functions.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a wide range of candidates. Those early in their careers can gain valuable, hands-on experience in planning, zoning, and municipal government, while seasoned or retiring professionals can stay engaged in meaningful work, contribute their expertise, and remain connected to the community in a flexible, part-time capacity.

Working closely with the Planning & Development Director and Zoning Administrator, you’ll be involved in a variety of tasks—from assisting the public and coordinating records to supporting projects and occasional site visits. It’s a dynamic, collaborative environment where your contributions have a visible impact on the Town.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the public (in person, by phone, and via email) with navigating planning, zoning, and development processes
• Assume the Town Health Officer role, which may require occasional evening or responses to weekend reported health matters
• Maintain and organize records related to zoning permits, water/wastewater systems, certificates of compliance, and development reviews
• Support Town E-911 coordination efforts
• Maintain and improve electronic and paper filing systems
• Update Planning & Development webpages as needed
• Provide administrative support to the Planning & Development Director, Zoning Administrator, Town Manager’s Office, and related boards/committees
• Attend meetings as needed to record minutes or take notes
• Assist with GIS data and file maintenance, as requested
• Perform occasional site visits or field support tasks
• Perform other related duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Customer service-oriented with the ability to work effectively with a diverse public
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard office technology
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions

Education & Experience

• Some college coursework preferred; Degree in Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or a related field strongly preferred
• At least one year of experience working with the public or in a related field (e.g., construction, municipal services)
• Interest in planning, zoning, municipal government, and land use regulations
• Familiarity with zoning regulations or the Vermont Zoning Administrator’s Handbook is a plus
• Experience with GIS, or GIS certification, is desirable

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
This position primarily involves office-based work, including extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer use. The work environment is generally indoors and low-risk. Occasional fieldwork may be required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Disclaimer
This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

Salary: $26 - $28 per hour depending on background and level of experience.

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