Planning & Zoning Administrator, Community Development Department - City of Evanston, IL

Planning & Zoning Administrator
Community Development Department
City of Evanston, IL

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.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or substantially similar area; possession of a master’s degree is preferred.
• Must possess six (6) or more years of progressively responsible planning and zoning experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record and be willing to use personal vehicle.
• Possession of AICP Certification is preferred.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
  • 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.
  • Skill 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.
  • 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
  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 April 17, 2015.
  
  Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
  The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).
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