Assistant Sustainability Planner

The City of Keene is hiring an Assistant Sustainability Planner to support sustainability initiatives, energy programs, and community development. Responsibilities include implementing sustainability actions, reviewing development applications, conducting site visits, and engaging with the community. This role offers valuable experience in municipal planning and climate action while working closely with the Community Development team. The position is located at City Hall in Manchester, NH.
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Department
Community Development
Location
City Hall
Salary
$33.38 - $41.60 an hour
Open Date
06/23/2026
Description
Are you passionate about sustainability, community development, and creating resilient communities? The City of Keene is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Sustainability Planner to join our Community Development team.
This position offers a unique opportunity to help implement the City's sustainability, energy, and land-use goals while gaining valuable experience in municipal planning, climate action, development review, and community engagement. Working under the guidance of the Senior Planner and Community Development Director, you will play a key role in advancing initiatives that support a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient community.


What You'll Do
As the Assistant Sustainability Planner, you will help turn the City's plans and policies into action by:
Sustainability & Energy Initiatives



Implementing actions identified in the City's adopted Master Plan, Sustainable Energy Plan, and related policy documents.
Supporting municipal and community sustainability programs focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
Tracking, compiling, and analyzing data to measure progress toward sustainability and energy goals.
Assisting with the administration of the Keene Community Power program.
Supporting public education and outreach efforts related to sustainability initiatives.

Planning & Development Review

Reviewing development applications and supporting materials for compliance with subdivision, site plan, and related regulations.
Conducting site visits and inspections associated with planning and development applications.
Assisting applicants in understanding land-use regulations, ordinances, and development review procedures.
Preparing staff reports and recommendations for the Planning Board, Energy and Climate Committee, and other boards and committees.
Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to planning applications and board actions.

Project Coordination & Community Engagement

Assisting with grant research, application preparation, and grant administration for planning, sustainability, housing, and energy initiatives.
Coordinating projects with consultants, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Supporting collaboration across City departments on sustainability, infrastructure, and development projects.
Preparing reports, presentations, and project updates for staff, boards, committees, and the public.
Helping engage residents and stakeholders through outreach, education, and public participation activities.

Our Community
Keene is a progressive city with the heart of a town, the cultural and economic hub of the Monadnock region.
Keene is an energetic community that provides services, programs, and resources for a much greater population than the residents of the city alone. Although the conveniences and attractions of large metropolitan areas are close at hand, the community maintains a solidly residential working-class character, complemented by an idyllic, rural landscape. The heart of the community is its vibrant and historic, downtown core.


Keene has cultivated a lasting spirit of place, built on a foundation of the past and a clear vision of the future.


Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in planning, community development, environmental studies, or a related field plus 1 year of relevant municipal or planning experience. AICP Certification is preferred. Working knowledge of land-use planning principles, zoning regulations, and development review processes. Familiarity with sustainability, climate, or energy planning concepts.


Pay and Benefits
As of 7/1/2026, this full-time position offers a competitive pay range of $33.38- $41.60 per hour and will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, State of NH Group I retirement, and other benefits such as life insurance, disability, and paid time off. Municipal employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
How to Apply
Apply today! Please upload your resume and cover letter before submitting your completed application. Confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted and received will be sent via email.
This position will be open until it is filled, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.