Boards & Committees Vacancies

Board & Commission Application Process

The Town of Auburn encourages residents to become involved in town government through participation on various boards, commissions and committees. Serving in this capacity is an excellent way to contribute to the quality of life of the community and to play an active role in local government. Opportunities vary from advisory to regulatory to statutory, depending on the entity on which one serves.

The Town of Auburn has several boards and commissions that are appointed by either the Town Manager or the Select Board, per Section 4.01 of the Town Charter, as amended in May of 2009. In addition, the Town Manager may establish new committees or task forces at various times throughout the year to address a specific issue, need or goal. Depending upon the mission of the task force or committee, the Town Manager may seek to appoint a membership of diverse stakeholders, including residents, business owners, and/or community representatives.

Submit an Application

The Town is seeking dedicated volunteers who are willing to commit their time and effort to serve as appointed members of these important boards, commissions and committees. All applicants for a board, commission or committee must fill out an application (PDF). We have made this process easy to encourage participation. If you would like to be considered as an appointed volunteer, you may also fill out an application online.

Or, you can print the application (PDF), sign and return the completed form to the Town Manager’s Office. Please attach a resume or description of your background, experience, education, or other relevant information that may be helpful to us when considering your application for appointment. You may mail, email or fax the completed form to:
Town Manager’s Office
102 Central Street
Auburn, MA 01501
Fax: 508-832- 4270
Contact the Town Manager Office

Application Review

When vacancies occur on a particular board, commission, or committee, the appointing authority will typically review the applications on file and may interview the candidates. Applications will be kept on file for a period of one year. After one year, a new application must be submitted for consideration.

Citizen participation and volunteerism are critical to the community. Thank you for your interest in serving the Town and making Auburn a better place to live and work.

CURRENT VACANCIES

Board of Sewer Commissioners - 2 seats

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2025
  • 1 expiring 6/30/2026

The Board of Sewer Commissioners was established 1963 for the purpose of constructing a sewer system for the Town of Auburn, and the management of that sewer system thereafter. The Board was originally comprised of three elected officials serving alternating 3-year terms. During the Town re-organization of 2012, the Board positions changed from being elected to being appointed, and the oversight of the general daily operation of the Sewer Division was shifted to the Town Manager’s responsibility (through the Department of Public Works).Today, the Board of Sewer commissioners acts in an advisory capacity to the Sewer Division, as well as representing the interests of the community in general financial oversight of the Division, specifically the annual setting of sewer use rates and other fees, and the review and approval of sewer bill abatement applications.

The Board also acts in a technical advisory capacity to the Sewer Superintendent, offering counsel on the technical management of the system, direction of capital improvement projects undertaken by the Division, asset management planning, and other needs of the Division.

The Town is looking for candidates who have technical knowledge and/or experience working in the field of wastewater and sewer systems, who also have a desire to give back to their community to ensure good financial and environmental stewardship of the Division. The Board meets approximately once every other month, with scheduling of meetings being generally flexible to accommodate the Commissioners’ availability. Overall time commitments of the Board members are generally lower than that of other boards, offering the ability to give back to the community in a meaningful way without being overly cumbersome to the Commissioners.

Commission on Disability - 1 seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2025

The Commission on Disability promotes the inclusion and independence of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life by improving opportunities, supportive services, accommodations, and accessibility. 

OBJECTIVES

  • Researches local problems of people with disabilities.
  • Advises and assists municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities.
  • Coordinates or carries out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts office on disability.
  • Reviews and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the Town as they affect people with disabilities.
  • Provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability.
  • Coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes.

 A majority of Commission members shall consist of people with disabilities, one member shall be a member of the immediate family of a person with a disability and one member of shall be either an elected or appointed official of the Town of Auburn. The Commission is a five-member advisory commission appointed by the Town Manager, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen, for three-year terms, meeting at least one time per month.

Conservation Commission - 1 Seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2026

It is the role of the Conservation Commission to enforce the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, the Rivers Protection Act and the Auburn Wetlands By-Law. The Conservation Commission aspires to minimize the impact of activities on wetland values, including:

  • Aesthetics
  • Agriculture
  • Aquaculture Values
  • Erosion and Sedimentation Control
  • Fisheries
  • Flood Control
  • Freshwater Shellfish
  • Groundwater
  • Public or Private Water Supply
  • Recreation
  • Storm Damage Prevention
  • Water Pollution Prevention
  • Wildlife Habitat

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members, appointed by the Town Manager for three-year terms, and meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

Council on Aging - 2 seats

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2024
  • 1 expiring 6/30/2025

This 9-member Council is appointed by the Town Manager and meets once a month.  The mission of the Auburn Council on Aging is to link elder needs and resources by developing and/or coordinating services, community education and advocacy. The Auburn Council on Aging enhances the quality of life of Auburn’s senior population by assisting in identifying the needs of elders and making recommendations to the Town Manager on programs, services and policies that benefit and meet the needs of this demographic group. The Council recommends and assists in the coordination and implementation of a continuum of programs and services that are offered for elders, through the Lorraine Gleick Nordgren Senior Center.

Economic Development Committee - 1 seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2026

Energy Committee - 1 seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2025

Flag Design Committee - 1 seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2024

Historical Commission - 3 seats

  • 2 expiring 6/30/2025
  • 1 expiring 6/30/2026

The Historical Commission aims to strengthen the protection and preservation of historic buildings, structures, properties, and cemeteries in the Town, through heightened public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the Town's historic resources, while fostering the Town’s legacy.

 The Historical Commission is a 7-member advisory commission, appointed by the Town Manager, that meets once per month; day and time vary depending on member availability.

Library Board of Trustees Vacancy - 1 Seat

  • 1 expiring 5/20/2025

Please be advised that there is a vacancy in an existing term on the Auburn Library Board of Trustees that must be filled on a temporary basis by a joint vote of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Trustees in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 11. The person appointed to the seat shall be a registered voter of the town and shall perform the duties of the office until the next annual election, which is May 21, 2024. 

Thus, the Town is seeking applications from interested residents for consideration of this appointment. 

Interested residents can apply online using the Board and Commission application (fill in Library Board of Trustees under “Other”) or in person in the Town Manager’s Office. Applications are due by Monday, October 2, 2023.  Please send a resume as well if possible.

The Board of Selectmen and Board of Trustees will schedule a joint meeting to vote on the appointment. Interviews with candidates may be held prior to or during the joint meeting.

There are six Library Trustees in Auburn. The Trustees currently meet on the first Wednesday of each month.

The Town of Auburn Library Board of Trustees:

  1. Adopts general, non-operational Library policies regarding the use of the Library and providing services to the public;
  2. Adopts Library Board procedures;
  3. Promotes the interest of the Library with the Town and its residents;
  4. Analyzes and considers community Library needs;
  5. Adopts the strategic plan for Library services to the community;
  6. Supports and seeks adequate funding for the Library from the Town and the community;
  7. Makes recommendations on the Library budget to the Library Director and Town Manager.

 Library Trustees are elected for a term of three years. This vacancy is for a seat whose term expires on May 20, 2025. The appointment will run until the next Town election is held on May 21, 2024. At that election, the seat will be on the ballot and the winner will serve out the remainder of the term.

Local Channel Committee - 1 seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2025

Solid Waste Advisory Committee - 1 seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2026

The Solid Waste Advisory Committee typically meets quarterly, mostly in evening, and we are flexible on the schedule.  It is a three-member committee.  Anyone who has an interest in solid waste and recycling is welcome. The members share a passion for reuse, repurpose and recycle, and finding ways to reduce trash tonnage in order to save the Town money and ensure environmental sustainability.

Veteran's Advisory Board - 1 Seat

  • 1 expiring 6/30/2026