Associate Planner - Winnetka, IL

Who: Village of Winnetka, Community Development Department

What: The Village of Winnetka seeks an Associate Planner to provide professional and technical support to all planning-related activities of the Community Development Department. The Associate Planner routinely conducts zoning analyses and inspections, reviews permit applications for compliance, and assists engineers, contractors, builders, architects, and members of the public in the Village's permitting and zoning processes. This position also supports the land use advisory boards (Design Review Board, Landmark Preservation Commission, Plan Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals) as directed by the Senior Planner. Essential Functions include:
• Assist in the Village's efforts to develop short- and long-range plans by preparing data, participating in planning studies, analyzing development trends, and interacting with outside and/or regional planning agencies.
• Act as staff liaison to land use advisory boards as directed by the Senior Planner. Support the activities of bodies such as the Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Landmark Preservation Commission, and Design Review Board by conducting plan review, drafting staff reports, preparing exhibits and maps, researching historical documents, and creating agenda packets.
• Attend meetings and hearings, draft minutes, and maintain complete and accurate records.
• Review, explain, and interpret Village codes and ordinances including zoning, design review, signage, demolition, variations, special use, historic preservation, as well as other planning matters with Department personnel, developers, realtors, property owners, architects, designers, engineers, attorneys, and building and signage contractors.
• Assist in the review of development proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with Village Code including zoning, subdivision, signage, and design review provisions as well as for conformity with the 2020 Comprehensive Plan.
• Perform zoning analyses for individual properties.
• Review permit applications, spot surveys, and floor elevation surveys for compliance. Meet with architects, contractors, homeowners, and others to discuss zoning compliance for permits.
• Assist with zoning or planning research projects including conducting area surveys; assembling and summarizing support data; and preparing reports, graphics, and maps.
• Provide general information and respond to inquiries from staff, members of the public, engineers, and contractors regarding planning and zoning issues, the sign code, design guidelines, and other related matters.
• Provide back-up assistance to the Department's front counter in the absence of the Permit Coordinator.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the field of urban or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, or a related field.
• Two (2) to three (3) years' experience in the field of urban planning or related field. Municipal work experience preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Read, clearly speak and legibly write the English language.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, practices, and techniques of urban planning.
• General knowledge of Village Code and various zoning, subdivision, and development regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of planning, zoning, and code enforcement principles and practices.
• Ability to perform intermediate-level mathematical calculations, including basic geometric equations.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and implement municipal regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, using complex sentences, and proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to communicate effectively in graphic form; read and interpret complex architectural drawings, site plans, and regulatory codes and ordinances.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat; building permit tracking software; and the ability to learn job-related software.
• Ability to develop expert knowledge of Village zoning, nuisance, and building code requirements, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Village and Department staff, members of the general public, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
• Ability to acquire and apply knowledge of Village and Department policies and procedures.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Find the full job posting and apply here.