Position Summary:

The Planner I provides technical support, assistance, and project management in carrying out both current and long-range planning functions for the City. Provides project coordination for both current planning activities and long-range planning studies such as the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood-planning efforts, and special planning and zoning studies as needed.

Duties supporting current planning functions include review of site plans for zoning conformance, plan and map preparation, and data gathering on land use and planning issues. Coordinates review by multiple departments of applications and requests, including annexation agreements, rezonings, subdivision plats, and special use permits. Explains zoning and other regulations to applicants and the general public, including consequences and effects of zoning and variances. Reviews permit applications for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and develops amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Shares responsibility of enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance in consultation with Principal Planner and Zoning Administrator.

The Planner I serves as staff support to various boards and commissions including the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, Design Review Board, and other special steering committees and intergovernmental committees as assigned, often by providing expert recommendations to inform public decision making.

Ideal Candidate:

• Critical Thinking, driven by curiosity and problem solving.
• Proactive communication, the practice of anticipating potential issues and addressing them before they escalate.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking, and public engagement
• Organized and protocol oriented, respectful of structured processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists with the preparation, implementation, amendment and update of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
• Manages long range and area planning studies with various entities including other planning staff, multi-jurisdictions, and neighborhood organizations.
• Prepares and presents staff reports to the City Council, Plan Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and design and development review boards as required. Attends Commission and Council meetings as needed and/or as directed by the Planning Manager. Attends other meetings as requested.
• Prepares and manages Plan Cases in land use, subdivision, rezoning, Zoning Ordinance amendments, annexation agreements and petitions, and other issues through the approval process as assigned.
• Assists with the enforcement of the zoning ordinance and responds to complaints of zoning ordinance violations by investigation and by citing violations if necessary. Coordinates with other divisions and departments on zoning enforcement issues when applicable.
• Responsible for answering public's questions regarding the zoning ordinance, its application, and identifying the zoning of properties.
• Prepares and summarizes information using maps, graphs, reports, field studies, etc.; prepares statistical reports, tabulations, computations, graphs, charts, and computer illustrations to illustrate planning studies.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of the Geographic Information System (GIS) and produces maps, graphics, and statistical analysis utilizing GIS as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required / Minimum Qualifications:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Environmental Studies or Design, social sciences, or related, and one year of municipal planning experience or Master's degree in same. Other related public experience or other planning experience may substitute for municipal planning experience if the candidate demonstrates the skills, knowledge and abilities required.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning and land use.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and graphic presentation skills.
• Possesses strong technical skills including experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the ability to apply GIS technology to municipal mapping and planning needs.
• Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license within 15 working days of hire and have a safe and responsible driving history.

For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.