Planning and Zoning Administrator, City of Evanston - Evanston IL (Chicago Near North Suburb)

Planning and Zoning Administrator
City of Evanston - Evanston, IL

Application deadline : January 31, 2014 *Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range. NATURE OF WORK :  This position performs professional and administrative work within the Planning and Zoning Division of the Department of Community Development. Responsibilities include formulating and administering some of the work program(s) of the division and managing four staff members, participating in the development of regulatory policies for the Department and managing the development of the City’s various planning initiatives and their implementation. Additional responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the Director of Community Development. Multiple boards and commissions may be staffed by this position. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following): Manages the work activities and priorities of the Senior Planner/Preservation Coordinator, Neighborhood and Land Use Planner, Zoning Planner and Zoning Officer  Serves as the City of Evanston Zoning Administrator  Reviews and recommends zoning ordinance amendments  Provides the staff with technical guidance, evaluates their performance and recommends corrective actions when needed  Manages work product quality standards and customer satisfaction outcomes  Manages and coordinates closely with other City of Evanston Departments and Divisions in the review and approval of planned developments, rezonings, special use permits, site plans, subdivision plans, variances, certificates of appropriateness and other similar zoning applications  Participates in multi-departmental teams  Provides ordinance interpretations and manages the development of staff recommendations to the Director of Community Development, City Manager, City Council, Plan Commission, Zoning Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)  Represents the Department and the City in an official capacity at City Council meetings, multiple board and commission meetings, regional meetings and citizen meetings with respect to planning and zoning matters  Confers with local authorities, neighborhood groups/organizations and civic leaders in the development and implementation of land use plans  Manages other complex projects and consultant work relative to assigned work area  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK :  Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or similar discipline; and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible planning and zoning experience, including two (2) years supervisory experience  Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and regulations pertaining to local government land use development, zoning and land use planning  Excellent management and leadership skills  Skilled in the use of personal computers and related software applications specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access  Considerable knowledge of and ability to use web-based applications, databases, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a permitting software system.  Skill in managing, coordinating and directing work of professionals engaged in technical work  Excellent organizational and project management skills  The ability to speak before audiences with poise, voice control and confidence while using proper grammar and vocabulary appropriate to the audience  Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups at various levels  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, officials, other departments, jurisdictions and the public  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK :  The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 10 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books materials etc. using up to 25 pounds of force frequently and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects Subject to inside and outside weather conditions NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :  Valid Illinois driver’s license and safe driving record  Use of own vehicle  AICP certification preferred  SUPERVISION :  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Community Development. Supervision is exercised over professional staff; may act in the absence of the director, as assigned. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to progress toward achieving goals, leadership, communication skills, customer service, ability to work productively and effectively with employees at all levels in the organization as well as the City Council, City Manager, Director of Community Development, community groups, businesses, development community and the general public. PUBLIC CONTACT :  The employee has regular and frequent contact with department and division employees and other City employees; regular contact with individual citizens and groups, including elected officials. Presentations during evening public meetings are part of the scope of this position. SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST  Structured Oral Interview To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.  Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.  The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).