Asst/Assoc Planner, CMAP: Chicago

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Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Assistant Planner or Associate Planner
Up to 2 years for the Assistant Planner level; 2 to 5 years for the
Associate Planner level
Commensurate with experience and level hired

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire two full-time
employees to help implement the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program. These positions
will be filled at the Assistant or the Associate levels. Compensation will be commensurate with
qualifications and experience.

CMAP was created in 2005 to integrate planning for land use and transportation in the counties
of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. On October 13, 2010, CMAP
released GO TO 2040, the region’s long-range comprehensive plan. The agency is now focusing
on implementing the plan, which includes technical assistance to local governments as a major
activity. For more information on GO TO 2040, visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/2040.

Position Description
CMAP will recruit planners at the Assistant or Associate levels with the knowledge, experience,
and skills to assist in the implementation of local technical assistance projects, focusing on the
intersection between housing, land use, and transportation.

The LTA program was initiated in spring 2011 to create new resources for technical assistance
and coordinate with existing technical assistance activities. It is designed to result in a series of
innovative local projects in the Chicago region that support livability principles, implement GO
TO 2040, and build capacity in local communities. Approximately 40 projects are currently
underway, and nearly 20 have been completed, with more planned to begin in 2013. Projects
include comprehensive plans, corridor or subarea plans, zoning revisions, studies of special
topics such as housing or economic development, and similar planning activities. This program
requires travel throughout the region; candidates must have the ability and willingness to work
with communities across the region. To obtain more information on the LTA program, please
visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta.

Essential Functions
Qualifications and skills for the positions include:
• Knowledge of local planning practice in northeastern Illinois, including plan and ordinance
preparation, development review, and the role of appointed and elected officials.

Experience in comprehensive planning and understanding the links between transportation,
land use, housing, economic development, environment and natural resources, and
community development.
Ability to provide technical assistance, conduct training and workshops, and develop
innovative, collaborative solutions to build local capacity.
Experience working with elected officials and local government staff in designing and
implementing policies and strategies that support sustainability and address socioeconomic
inequities.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Interest and ability to interact with partner agencies, local governments, and the general
public.
Ability to work on complex projects, and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Beyond these general qualifications, one of the topic-specific specializations listed below is
desired. Candidates should demonstrate experience and interest in either or both of these areas.
It is understood that candidates for the Assistant position will have limited work experience, but
they should demonstrate strong interest and familiarity with one of these specializations.
• Market analysis and economic development. Candidates should have strong quantitative
skills, experience in commercial and residential market data and analysis, and knowledge of
economic development principles and practices. Strong GIS skills are desired, as well as the
ability to communicate the results of market or economic analysis to local stakeholders.
• Ordinances and codes. Experience in reviewing, assessing, revising, and writing zoning
ordinances and other local codes and development regulations. The candidate should be
experienced with regulatory mechanisms that support sustainable planning concepts like
mixed-use development, parking management strategies, conservation design, and similar
concepts. Familiarity with innovative zoning techniques such as hybrid or form-based codes,
as well as the LEED-ND system, is desired. The ability to use graphics programs to create
visuals for inclusion in development regulations is also desired.

Education and/or Experience
A Bachelors degree in Planning or a related discipline is required, and a Masters degree is
preferred. At least 2 to 5 years of work experience in planning is required for the Associate
level. Assistant level positions are typically filled by candidates with up to 2 years of
experience. Demonstrated ability to manage and contribute to complex projects is required.

Contact Information
Send your resume, cover letter with contact information and Job Code:
LTA044 – Associate Planner
LTA043 – Assistant Planner
Email:
hresources@cmap.illinois.gov
Mail:
Human Resources
CMAP: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606

Position open until filled. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.