Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP067)
Assistant / Associate Planner – Zoning Specialist
Company/Agency: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Job Category: Assistant Planner or Associate Planner
Experience Required: Up to 2 years for
the Assistant Planner level; 2 to4 years for the Associate Planner level
Salary Range: Commensurate
with level hired
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
(CMAP) is seeking to hire a full-time employee to help implement the Local
Technical Assistance (LTA) program, with a specialty in zoning. This position will be filled at the Assistant
or the Associate level. Compensation
will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
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 technical assistance and coordinate
with existing technical assistance activities.
It is designed to result in a series of innovative local projects in the
Chicago region that support livability principles, implement GO TO 2040, and
build capacity in local communities.
Over 80 projects have been completed to date, with 50 underway and more
under consideration. Projects include
comprehensive plans, corridor or subarea plans, zoning revisions, 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.
Qualifications and Skills
CMAP will recruit a planner at the
Assistant or Associate 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. This position is specifically expected to
assist with several ongoing and upcoming projects that focus on zoning
ordinances and other development regulations, though the responsibilities of
the position will not be limited to zoning work.
General qualifications and skills for
the position include:
· Knowledge of local planning practice in northeastern Illinois,
including plan and ordinance preparation, development review, and the role of
appointed and elected officials.
· Understanding of 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, strategies, and regulatory
approaches that support sustainability and address socioeconomic inequities.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills.
· Interest and ability to interact with partner agencies, local
governments, and the general public.
· Ability to manage and contribute to complex projects and to work
as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Beyond
these general qualifications, candidates should demonstrate experience and
interest in zoning ordinances, codes, and other development regulations,
including the qualifications described below:
· Experience
in reviewing, assessing, revising, and writing zoning ordinances and other
local codes and development regulations.
· Experience
with regulatory mechanisms that support sustainable planning concepts like
mixed-use development, parking management strategies, conservation design, and
similar concepts.
· Familiarity
with innovative zoning techniques such as hybrid or form-based codes, as well
as the LEED-ND rating system.
· Ability
to use graphics programs (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Trimble SketchUp, and
ArcGIS) to create visuals for inclusion in development regulations.
It
is understood that candidates for the Assistant position may have limited work
experience, but they should demonstrate strong interest in and familiarity with
zoning and similar topics.
Education and/or
Experience
A
Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related discipline is required, and a
Master’s degree is preferred. At least 2
to 4 years of work experience in planning is required for the Associate
level. Assistant level positions are
typically filled by candidates with up to 2 years of experience.
Contact Information
Send your resume with contact information and
Job Code LTAP067 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.