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Local Technical Assistance Program Assistant Planner, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning - Chicago, IL

Company/Agency: The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
Salary Range: $45, 000 – $55,150
Job Category: Assistant PlannerExperience Required:  Up to 2 years

Local Technical Assistance Program (LTA069) Assistant Planner
October 16, 2014


The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time Assistant Planner to help implement the Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program.
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 local planning in the Chicago region. It is designed to result in a series of innovative local projects that support livability principles, implement GO TO 2040, and build capacity in local communities. Approximately 50 projects are currently underway, and over 90 have been completed, with more planned to begin in 2015. Projects include comprehensive plans, corridor or subarea plans, zoning revisions, capital improvement plans, 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.

Essential Functions
CMAP will recruit a planner at the Assistant 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.
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Qualifications and Skills:
  • 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.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
  • Interest and ability to interact with partner agencies, local governments, and the
    general public.
  • Ability to work on complex projects, coordinate tasks for multiple projects
    concurrently, and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

    It is understood that candidates for the Assistant position will have limited work experience, but they should demonstrate strong interest and familiarity with the topics addressed by CMAP. Demonstrated ability to contribute to complex projects and work as part of a team is required.

    Education and/or Experience
    A Masters degree in Planning or a related discipline is required. Assistant level positions are typically filled by candidates with up to 2 years of experience.

    Contact Information
    Send your cover letter and resume with contact information and Job Code (LTA069) 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.