The Associate Planner has project management responsibilities in addition to performing the full range of professional planning duties. This role offers an unique opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while building professional skills and advancing within the organization. The Associate Planner position offers numerous professional development and career growth opportunities within the Economic Community & Development Department.

SUPERVISION

The Associate Planner reports to the Economic & Community Development Director who outlines work assignments, reviews work in progress and completed work. Works closely with other staff to assist and inform in the processing of planning related issues and policies; best practices as appropriate.

PUBLIC CONTACT

The position has daily contact with citizens, City employees, and elected officials. The employee will work with other departments/divisions coordinating grant applications and project monitoring including, but not limited to: property standards, planning, zoning, public infrastructure and public safety.

Essential Functions:

• Preparation of short and long term land use, transportation and capital improvements plans on both a neighborhood and citywide level.
• Staffing of Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings and public hearings on subdivisions, zoning amendments and zoning variations.
• Serving as Chairperson of the Site Plan Review Committee.
• Providing technical assistance to neighborhood and business groups within the City.
• Serving as the City's principal staff liaison to other Federal, State and Local Agencies.
• Assists in managing application projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review and making recommendations, as well as ensuring plans and applications generally receive appropriate oversight.
• Prepares routine written project analysis including researching, analyzing findings and making recommendations.
• Provides technical advice to other staff, the general public, contractors and other professionals including explaining City ordinances, regulations, resolutions and planning and zoning policies.
• Prepares staff reports for land use and development plan permits, including determining overall content and format of reports.
• Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances, makes recommendations on changes.
• Assists in preparing and reviewing maps, plans, business licenses and City ordinances.
• Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects and the public regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications and codes; explains codes, requirements and procedures.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
• May assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or similar discipline.
• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible land use planning and zoning experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
• Ability to administer the process of land use regulations as administered by local municipalities throughout the U.S., and articulate their theoretical basis.
• Functional knowledge of personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, web-based applications, databases and GIS.
• Ability to work with and relate to a diverse group of citizens from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Self-motivated, disciplined, organized, and reliable.
• Innovative, creative, resourceful and independent thinking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, employees will be required to work in outside conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and may range from moderate to extreme in the field. Employees may be exposed to various environments that require the use of safety equipment and knowledge to identify and properly handle safety hazards. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

BENEFITS:

• Vacation, Sick Leave, paid holidays, and personal days.
• Pension program funded by IMRF, voluntary 457 & Roth IRA options through Mission Square and Metlife.
• BCBSIL PPO, HMO, H.S.A. insurance options, Metlife Dental, Eyemed Vision and Dearborn life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programs, Legal Shield, Washington National, Aflac, NCPERS and Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• $50,000 Guaranteed Life Insurance for employee through Dearborn Life, Supplemental available for employee, spouse, and children.

DISCLAIMER:

The City of North Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, military or veteran status (except dishonorable discharge), disability, or any other status protected by law.

This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the City government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of any of those described and duties are subject to change as requirements of the job change. The omission of a duty does not exclude it from the position if the duty is similar, related, or a logical expectation for an individual to perform as part of the job responsibilities or if necessary to assist the City to provide services to the public under changed or unusual circumstances.