Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP067)
Assistant / Associate Planner – Zoning Specialist
Company/Agency: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Job Category: Assistant Planner or Associate Planner
Experience Required: Up to 2 years for the Assistant Planner level;
2 to4 years for the Associate Planner level
Salary Range: Commensurate with level hired
General qualifications and skills for the position include:
Job Category: Assistant Planner or Associate Planner
Experience Required: Up to 2 years for the Assistant Planner level;
2 to4 years for the Associate Planner level
Salary Range: Commensurate with level hired
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time
employee to help implement the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program, with a
specialty in zoning. This position will be filled at the Assistant or the Associate level.
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 focused 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
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. Over 80 projects have been completed to date, with 50 underway and more under consideration. 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. For more information on the LTA program, please visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta
Qualifications and Skills
CMAP will recruit a planner at the Assistant or Associate level 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. This position is specifically expected to assist with several ongoing and upcoming projects that focus on zoning ordinances and other development regulations, though the responsibilities of the position will not be limited to zoning work.
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 focused 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
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. Over 80 projects have been completed to date, with 50 underway and more under consideration. 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. For more information on the LTA program, please visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/lta
Qualifications and Skills
CMAP will recruit a planner at the Assistant or Associate level 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. This position is specifically expected to assist with several ongoing and upcoming projects that focus on zoning ordinances and other development regulations, though the responsibilities of the position will not be limited to zoning work.
General qualifications and skills for the position include:
-
Knowledge of local planning practice in northeastern Illinois, including plan and
ordinance preparation, development review, and the role of appointed and elected officials.
-
Understanding of 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.
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Experience working with elected officials and local government staff in designing
and implementing policies, strategies, and regulatory approaches that support
sustainability and address socioeconomic inequities.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills.
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Interest and ability to interact with partner agencies, local governments, and the
general public.
-
Ability to manage and contribute to complex projects and to work as part of a multi-
disciplinary team.
Beyond these general qualifications, candidates should demonstrate experience and interest in zoning ordinances, codes, and other development regulations, including the qualifications described below:
-
Experience in reviewing, assessing, revising, and writing zoning ordinances and
other local codes and development regulations.
-
Experience with regulatory mechanisms that support sustainable planning concepts
like mixed-use development, parking management strategies, conservation design,
and similar concepts.
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Familiarity with innovative zoning techniques such as hybrid or form-based codes,
as well as the LEED-ND rating system.
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Ability to use graphics programs (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Trimble SketchUp,
and ArcGIS) to create visuals for inclusion in development regulations.
-
Experience in reviewing, assessing, revising, and writing zoning ordinances and
It is understood that candidates for the Assistant position may have limited work
experience, but they should demonstrate strong interest in and familiarity with zoning
and similar topics.
Education and/or Experience
A Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related discipline is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred. At least 2 to 4 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.
Contact Information
Send your resume with contact information and Job Code LTAP067 to: Email: hresources@cmap.illinois.gov
Mail: Human Resources
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606
Emailed resumes will receive an auto receipt. We do not send receipts for mailed resumes. Position open until filled. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Education and/or Experience
A Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related discipline is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred. At least 2 to 4 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.
Contact Information
Send your resume with contact information and Job Code LTAP067 to: Email: hresources@cmap.illinois.gov
Mail: Human Resources
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606
Emailed resumes will receive an auto receipt. We do not send receipts for mailed resumes. Position open until filled. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an Equal Opportunity Employer.