Associate Planner

City of Des Plaines•Des Plaines, IL

2d•$73,440 - $102,635

About The Position

Position performs a variety of complex tasks in coordinating and facilitating the progression of development projects through the Citys development review process, supports the administration and enforcement of the Citys Zoning Ordinance, and coordinates the Citys Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Requirements

Course work in progress toward a degree from a four-year college or university related to urban planning or a closely related field
Knowledge of urban and suburban development and planning principles, practices, and techniques
Knowledge of subdivision and professional planning and zoning procedures
Knowledge of landscape architecture or urban design principles and practices as they apply to properly assessing planning projects
Working knowledge of the methods and techniques of statistics and technical writing standards as applied to planning studies
Working knowledge of GIS applications
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials, and the general public
Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate, monitor, and implement multiple planning programs and projects simultaneously
Ability to represent the City in a professional manner at all times
Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment
A valid State of Illinois Class D Drivers License is required.
This exempt position must have the ability to work the hours City Hall is open and may be required to attend City Council and/or Board meetings in the evenings from time-to-time.
On occasion, this position may need to travel and attend evening meetings as required.

Nice To Haves

Degree from a four-year college or university related to urban planning or a closely related field preferred
Prior experience including internships or employment in municipal community development and/or urban planning preferred.
Certified Planner designation (AICP) through the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.

Responsibilities

Reviews development plans and proposals as assigned to ensure compliance with the various provisions of the City's regulations, consistency with existing zoning, and conditions of previous zoning approvals.
Reviews building permit applications to ensure zoning compliance.
Prepares staff reports and makes presentations for public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Board.
Conducts routine studies pertaining to the Comprehensive Plan, zoning changes, CDBG, and other current planning matters where the information to be gathered is factual and objective in character.
Conducts pre-application meetings with homeowners, architects, and commercial developers.
Explains zoning projects and answers questions to the general public.
Resolves and/or coordinates with other departments to resolve information/records requests, zoning verification letters, zoning violations, neighbor disputes, and service requests.
Assists with drafting text amendments to the City's Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Code that align with the development patterns and characteristics of specific areas of the City and reflect the conditions of approval for the zoning project.
Participates in the creation of plans for land use, including layout of streets, parks, location of businesses, industrial and residential areas, and transportation facilities.
Provides administration for the Citys CDBG from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) through program management, recipient monitoring, entry of documentation in HUD software application, maintenance of case records, annual grant reporting, payment authorization, and collaborative preparation of plans and reports required for the program.
Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the profession; represents the department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.
Performs other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare: Weve got you covered with medical, dental, and optical insurance options tailored to fit your needsoffering low deductibles, low premiums, and an overall low cost to you and your family.
Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave for a balanced work-life experience
Paid holidays to enjoy special moments throughout the year
Employer-paid Life Insurance for peace of mind
Participation in the prestigious Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement System (IMRF).
Retirement Health Savings Account
Transportation Spending Account
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Roth IRA
Optional additional Life Insurance