For more information please visit: Village of Northfield
Overview:
The Village of Northfield is accepting applications for the position of Village Planning
Technician or Village Planner, depending on qualifications. We are seeking a collaborative,
creative problem solving, knowledgeable, service oriented individual to partner with our
organization to continuously improve our community. This full-time position reports to the
Community Development Director.
The person hired will support the Department’s staffing of the Architectural Commission and
Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan & Zoning Commission and Preliminary Plan Review
Committee. They will contribute to our administration of Village landscaping, tree preservation,
sign, fence, zoning, subdivision, and property maintenance ordinances and comprehensive plan.
They will be involved with all aspects of Community Development operations and services.
Planning Technician:
Typical Duties:
• Researches, analyzes and develops recommendations regarding a wide range of
community development issues including zoning, planning, economic development,
urban design, sustainability and downtown revitalization.
• Provides support as needed for the Architectural, Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan &
Zoning Commission, Preliminary Plan Review Committee and Ad-Hoc Committees.
• Performs zoning code reviews of building permit applications.
• Manages the Village’s tree preservation program and ordinance requirements.
• Reviews and approves sign and fence permits.
• Responds to basic questions from the public regarding various Village Code regulations
and refers more complicated questions to the Community Development Director.
• Performs Village Code enforcement activities.
• Provides special project support and research to the Community Development Director.
Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
• Understanding of community development best practices.
• Ability to understand site plans, civil engineering plans and architectural plans.
• Strong research and analysis skills.
• Ability to analyze data, formulate pragmatic solutions and articulate recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and co-
workers.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and to work independently and
efficiently.
• Ability to interpret, explain and implement Village regulations.
• Working knowledge of GIS software.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat and
PowerPoint
• Ability to perform intermediate-level mathematical calculations, including basic
geometry.
• Ability to perform various tasks in the field.
• Individuals must be physically capable of operating a motor vehicle safely and possess a
valid driver's license.
Education & Experience Required:
Requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Urban
Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, or related fields of study. A
minimum of one year of experience in the field of urban planning or related field. Municipal
work experience is preferred.
Salary: Salary range is $63,596- $91,817. The starting salary is dependent on successful
candidate’s qualifications.
Benefits: APA membership, attendance at in-state APA Chapter conference, professional
development training and full employment benefits including participation in pension plan.
Eligibility for performance based bonuses.
Village Planner:
Typical Duties:
• All the tasks noted for the Planning Technician plus the following:
• Staff liaison to the one or more Village Commissions. Attends periodic evening
meetings.
• Manages the preparation of reports for most Village Commissions.
• Responds to more complex questions from the public regarding various Village Code
regulations.
• Supervises and mentors the Community Development summer intern.
Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
• All the knowledge, skills & abilities required of the Planning Technician plus the
following:
• Advanced and comprehensive understanding of community development best practices.
• Ability to make effective presentations at public meetings and hearings.
• Advanced understanding of site plans, civil engineering plans and architectural plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Board/Commission
members.
• Advanced knowledge of GIS software.
• Ability to effectively supervise a fellow team member.
Education & Experience Required:
Requires a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning or
related field; a minimum of four years of experience in the field of urban planning or related
field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Municipal work experience
and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification are preferred.
Salary: Salary range is $73,619-$106,288. The starting salary is dependent on successful
candidate’s qualifications.
Benefits: The same as noted for Planning Technician.
To Apply: Submit an application along with a cover letter, resume, 1-2 page work related
writing sample and four (4) work related references to Steve Gutierrez, Community
Development Director, sgutierrez@northfieldil.org. Applications will be accepted until the
position is filled.