Under general supervision of the Senior Planner (as well as Economic & Community Development Director) , this position performs a variety of professional planning activities including: review of development and land use applications; zoning, site plan and environmental review; completion of technical assessments; project management assistance for development applications; prepares written project analyses and makes written recommendations; prepares and reviews City ordinances; conducts site inspections; provides technical assistance to the general public; and performs related work as required. This class is the journey-level in the professional planning classification series and incumbents may be assigned the full range of planning functions encountered by a developing City. The position is distinguished from Senior Planner in that the latter handles complex project applications and has full supervisory authority over lower-level planners. It is distinguished from the lower level of Assistant Planner in that the Associate Planner has project management responsibilities in addition to performing the full range of professional planning duties.
Essential Functions:
- Assists in managing application projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review and making recommendations, as well as ensuring plans and applications generally receive appropriate oversight.
- Prepares routine written project analysis including researching, analyzing findings and making recommendations.
- Provides technical advice to other staff, the general public, contractors and other professionals including explaining City ordinances, regulations, resolutions and planning and zoning policies.
- Prepares staff reports for land use and development plan permits, including determining overall content and format of reports.
- Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances, makes recommendations on changes.
- Assists in preparing and reviewing maps, plans, business licenses and City ordinances.
- Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects and the public regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications and codes; explains codes, requirements and procedures.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
- May assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or similar discipline .
- A t least two (2) years of progressively responsible land use planning and zoning experience, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
- Ability to administer the process of land use regulations as administered by local municipalities throughout the U.S., and articulate their theoretical basis.
- Functional knowledge of personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, web-based applications, databases and GIS.
- Ability to work with and relate to a diverse group of citizens from varying socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills in dealing with individuals and groups at all levels.
- Self-motivated, disciplined, organized, and reliable.
- Innovative, creative, resourceful and independent thinking.
Special Licenses & Requirements:
Valid Illinois driver’s license and safe driving record. |
